(Updated 7 a.m.. MT, May 28) The Trek is committed to providing the latest news on trail-related closures, postponements, and cancellations due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you know of any closures or cancellations not on the list below, please let us know by emailing the name of the event, business or service; effective dates of closure; and a link to a source for the information to [email protected].

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Appalachian Trail

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on the AT, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy requests that you submit an incident report at appalachiantrail.org/incidents detailing when you got sick, when and where you got off the trail and any other helpful information. The ATC has also created a list of closings along the AT that can be found here.



What: Quarter Way Inn

When: Closed indefinitely

Source: Quarter Way Inn

As of: 3/31

Notes: Closed for the foreseeable future. Offering resupply items for sale online for shipping, pick up, or delivery to trailhead for those hikers who cannot get off trail due to travel restrictions or other difficult circumstances.

What: AT Triple Crown in Virginia closed

When: 27 miles of trail closed, covering all National Park Service land between VA Route 624 (Newport Road) and VA Route 652 (Mountain Pass Road). This includes McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Access to Dragon’s Tooth, which is on US Forest Service land, has already been closed.

Source: ATC

As of: 4/5

What: Chica and Sunsets Hostel, Franklin, North Carolina

When: Open

Source: Chica & Sunsets Hostel

As of: 5/15

What: Appalachian Trail Days canceled

When: As of March 20

Source: ATC

As of: 3/20

What: Amicalola Falls State Park

Notes: Lodge open to guests only; restaurant reopened May 21. The park, trails, picnic area, and bathrooms are open to the public.

Source: Amicalola Falls State Park

As of: 5/24

What: National Park Service closed overnight shelters and privies on land administered by the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Park Office. The closures are in Virginia (10 shelters, 12 privies), Maryland (one shelter, two privies), Pennsylvania (eight shelters, six privies), New Jersey (one shelter, one privy), New York (five shelters, five privies), Connecticut (seven shelters, 16 privies), Massachusetts (one shelter, four privies), and Maine (22 shelters, 29 privies). Read the order here.

When: Effective immediately

Source: National Park Service

As of: 3/28

What: Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee reopen trailhead facilities and other access points to the Appalachian Trail.

When: May 22

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/22

What: The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests reopen trailhead facilities and other access points to the Appalachian Trail. For a complete of list of access sites affected and status updates, visit www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/gwj/recreation.

When: May 22

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/22

What: Virginia Creeper Trail

When: 34-mile trail and all access points from Abingdon to Whitetop Station will be shut down until further notice. The trail intersect with the AT at several points.

Source: George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

As of: 4/21

What: Shelters and camping areas on AT in Maryland closed

When: Closed until May 11, might be extended

Source: ATC, Maryland Park Service

As of: 3/20

What: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests reopen Appalachian Trail trailhead facilities and other access points to the AT and nearby trails.

When: May 22

Source: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

As of: May 22

What: AT shelters and privies in New Jersey closed, overnight camping discouraged. The trail remains open. State parks reopen May 2 with social distancing, and parking capacity limited to half of what is typically allowed. Playgrounds, restrooms, and visitors centers will remain closed, and organized activities including team sports are prohibited. Wearing masks is strongly encouraged.

When: Effective May 2

Source: Gov. Phil Murphy

As of: 4/29

What: AT shelters on Pennsylvania DCNR lands closed until further notice, including Deer Lick Shelter, Tumbling Run Shelter, Rocky Mountain Shelter, Quarry Gap Shelter, Birch Run Shelter, Toms Run Shelter, James Fry at Tagg Run, Eagles Nest Shelter, Leroy Smith Shelter, and Kirkridge Shelter. Map here shows state parks that are open and closed.

When: Until further notice

Source: ATC

As of: 3/26

What: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area reopens. All backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail and on the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania and New Jersey remain closed.

When: Reopened May 22

Source: Delaware Water Gap Facebook page

As of: 5/24

What: AT shelters, campsites, and privies on Massachusetts Forest and Park lands temporarily closed. Camping is also prohibited outside of these areas along the AT in Massachusetts. Hikers should postpone or cancel any overnight hiking plans for all 90 miles of the AT in Massachusetts.

When: Until further notice

Source: ATC

As of: 3/26

What: Pochuck Boardwalk on the Appalachian Trail in Vernon, a 1-mile section off Route 517 in Glenwood, is closed. This trail’s boardwalk and bridge are too narrow for visitors to maintain the required six feet of social distancing. There is no parking allowed on Route 517 adjacent to the boardwalk. The Stairway to Heaven/Pinwheel Vista, a 2 mile section on the Appalachian Trail off Route 94 in Vernon Township is also closed. The remaining 15 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Wawayanda State Park remain open. The Appalachian Trail and other trails can still be accessed from other parking lots in Wawayanda State Park.

When: Closed until further notice

Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

As of: 3/30

What: Pine Grove Furnace General Store

When: Reopened May 22

Source: Pine Grove Facebook page

As of: 5/24

What: Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitters open

Source: Uncle Johnny’s Facebook page

As of: 5/15

What: Laughing Heart Hostel.

When: Now open for a maximum of ten people No tenting.

Source: Laughing Heart Hostel Facebook page

As of: 5/14

What: Mountain Trails Basecamp thru-hiker facility in Front Royal, Virginia.

Status: Open

Source: Mountain Trails Facebook page

As of: 5/24

What: Appalachian Trail Conservancy asks thru-hikers and section hikers to postpone their Appalachian Trail hikes, get off trail. All ATC visitors centers closed until further notice, and ridgerunners and caretakers have been recalled from the AT.

When: Starting March 17

Source: The Trek

As of: 3/17

What: Great Smoky Mountains National Park began phased reopening on May 9. Park rangers are answering questions during business hours by phone at 865-436-1291 (TN), 828-506-8620 (NC), and by email at [email protected] Backcountry permits issued beginning May 9; AT thru-hiking permits will not be issued.

When: May 9

Source: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As of: 5/8

What: Fontana Hilton Shelter closed

When: March 25

Source: ATC

As of: 3/25

What: Shenandoah National Park begins reopening for day use. All backcountry camping, including Appalachian Trail huts, cabins, and shelters were closed March 26.

When: May 23

Source: Shenandoah National Park

As of: 5/24

What: Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain huts

Notes: The AMC has closed its White Mountains huts for 2020. Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins in Maine will also closed.

When: Closed for all of 2020.

Source: Appalachian Mountain Club

As of: 4/30

What: Kennebec River Ferry

When: Schedule for 2020: May 22 to June 20, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; July 1 to Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Source: Maine Appalachian Trail Club

As of: 5/14

What: TrailFest, Hot Springs, North Carolina

Notes: Annual TrailFest canceled.

When: April 17-19

Source: Kate Hubbard, TrailFest Committee Chair 2020

As of: 3/17

What: Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs, North Carolina

Status: Closed until further notice

Source: Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn, (828) 622-7206

Notes: “If you have sent a resupply package to us it will still be available for pickup at the Hot Springs Post Office, which is located in the center of town. We hope to reopen as soon as possible and wish everyone the best in the meantime.”

As of: 3/15

What: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Status: Closed until further notice

Source: ATC announcement

As of: 3/14

What: 2020 Flip Flop Festival, Harpers Ferry

Status: Canceled

Source: ATC announcement

As of: 3/14

What: Nature’s Inn Hostel, Flag Pond, Tennessee

Status: Closed through 2020 hiking season

Source: Message at hostel, 828-216-1611

As of: 3/14

What: The Place Hostel, Damascus, Virginia

Status: Closed until further notice.

Source: The Place Facebook page

As of: 3/13

What: Sufi Lodge, Troutdale, Virginia

Status: Open

Source: Sufi Lodge

As of: 5/24

What: Nantahala Outdoor Center

Status: Nantahala General Store outfitter’s store open for limited capacity. Takeout only at Rivers End Restaurant. Nantahala Lodging opening May 22.

Source: Nantahala Outdoor Center

As of: 5/15

What: The Notch Hostel, North Woodstock, New Hampshire

Status: Opens May 31.

Source: The Notch

As of: 4/24

What: Grateful Hiker hostel, Blairsville, Georgia

Status: Opened May 4

Source: Grateful Hiker Facebook page

As of: 5/8

What: Baxter State Park closed above treeline, for camping, and to vehicles, with a target date of July 1 to open. All Katahdin trails closed at the trailheads. Ofices and headquarters also closed. Reservations can be made online or by calling (207) 723-5140

When: Target opening date of July 1

Source: https://baxterstatepark.org/news/

As of: 4/14

What: White Mountain National Forest trails fully reopen. At shelters, campsites closed.

Source: White Mountain National Forest

As of: 5/24

What: The Green Mountain Club, which maintains the AT in Vermont, asks hikers not to use overnight sites, shelters, or privies until further notice. Trails reopen May 22 after mud season ends.

Source: Green Mountain Club

As of: 5/24

Pacific Crest Trail

What: US Forest Service advises thru-hikers that their PCT long-distance permit is valid only on public lands that are open for travel.

Status: The Forest Service also says that hikers cannot change their start dates for trips starting after April 1.

Source: PCTA

As of: 5/25

What: Pacific Crest Trail Association recommends only day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail or self-supported hikes that do not require going to towns for resupply. The PCTA also advises against traveling to the PCT from far away.

Source: PCTA

As of: 5/25

What: Angeles National Forest

Status: Open.

Source: Angeles National Forest

As of: 5/25

What: Yosemite National Park

Status: Open for PCT thru-hikers with valid permit.

Source: Yosemite National Park

As of: 5/25

What: Inyo National Forest

Status: Recreation areas remain closed through June 30. These include Kennedy Meadows, Lone Pine, and Mount Whitney trailhead. Trails and trailheads remain open.

Source: Inyo National Forest

As of: 5/17

What: Cleveland National Forest

Status: The closure of some day-use areas, campgrounds, and trailheads will be extended through June 1.

Source: Cleveland National Forest

As of: 5/25

What: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Status: Closed until further notice.

Source: PCTA

As of: 5/25

What: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Status: Campgrounds, trailheads, and day use areas closed until Sept. 30.

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 3/28

What: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest National Forest

Status: Phased reopening began May 22.

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/25

What: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Status: Backcountry camping, other uses resume May 29 in phased reopening.

Source: Lassen Volcanic National Park

As of: 5/25

What: Crater Lake National Park

Status: Closed until further notice. No entry to the park allowed.

Source: Crater Lake National Park

As of: 3/25

What: Mount Hood National Forest

Status: Campgrounds, day use sites, trailheads, Sno-Parks, fire lookouts, OHV areas, and other developed recreation closed until further notice. Dispersed camping allowed.

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/25

What: Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Status: Most developed day-use sites and trailheads open.

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/25

What: Columbia River Gorge

Status: Pacific Crest Trail through the gorge reopened. Oregon and Washington begin reopening state parks.

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/28

What: Umpqua National Forest

Status: Developed recreation sites closed. Undeveloped forest lands and trails open.

Source: US Forest Service

As of: 5/25

What: Pacific Crest Trail Association Annual Membership Meeting

Status: Canceled

Source: PCTA

As of: 3/13

What: The Columbia-Cascades Trail Skills College

Status: Canceled

Source: PCTA

As of: 3/13

What: All PCTA volunteer trail work

Status: Postponed until further notice

Source: PCTA

As of: 5/25

What: All PCTA in-person meetings and training sessions

Status: Postponed until further notice.

Source: PCTA

As of: 5/25

What: Scout and Frodo Hosting

When: Canceled all hosting for 2020

Source: Scout and Frodo’s Website

Notes: “We have made the difficult (actually gut-wrenching) decision that we will not host PCT hikers in San Diego this year…If you have a package at our house, you should receive an email from us very soon…We hope that, wherever you are and whatever you choose to do over the next weeks and months, each of you will make wise decisions and stay safe. Warm virtual hugs to you all.”

As of: 3/16

What: The Washington Trails Association, Washington State’s largest volunteer trail maintenance organization, recommends that thru-hikers put their PCT plans on hold for 2020.

Source: Washington Trails Association

As of: 3/19

What: Washington state parks reopen May 5 for local day use only. Visitors centers, camping, and other overnight accommodations on state-managed lands will remain closed until further notice.

Source: Washington State Parks

As of: 4/29

What: Holden Village is closed to all guests and visitors.

When: Through Aug. 31

Source: Statement from the Holden Village Executive Directors

As of: 5/25

What: Big Bear Hostel, Big Bear Lake, California, closed.

When: Until further notice.

Source: Big Bear Hostel

As of: 3/20

Continental Divide Trail

What: Rocky Mountain National Park will begin phased reopening May 27.

Source: Rocky Mountain National Park

As of: 5/15

What: Glacier National Park closed to all visitors until further notice

Source: Glacier National Park

As of: 3/29

What: Continental Divide Trail Coalition recommends postponing any plans to travel to the CDT.

Notes: “The CDC is currently recommending that all Americans avoid discretionary travel. If the CDT passes through or within a short distance of your community, and local trail conditions and your own skill set are such that you can safely access the trail, it continues to be a great place to practice social distancing, enjoy our public lands, and get some exercise and fresh air. Otherwise, we urge you to stay home and enjoy your local trails and outdoor spaces.”

Source: CDTC

As of: 3/17

What: CDTC Southern Terminus Shuttle canceled until further notice.

Source: CDTC

As of: 5/25 What: Yellowstone National Park phased reopening begins May 18.

Source: Yellowstone National Park

As of: 5/15

What: Summit County, Colorado

Status: Advisory update

Source: Summit County

As of: 5/15

What: Gunnison County, Colorado

Status: Advisory update

Source: Gunnison County

As of: 1/15

What: Trail Days, Silver City, New Mexico

Status: “Will not proceed as planned.”

Source: Continental Divide Trail Coalition website

As of: 3/14

Notes: “We are investigating options to host some of our planned speakers online, and if conditions have significantly improved, we may host a small celebration of some sort in Silver City during the originally scheduled dates for Trail Days (April 24-26). All updates will be posted to our social media channels and to the Trail Days webpage.”

What: Triple Crown Hostel, Silver City, NM

Status: Closed until further notice

Source: Triple Crown Hostel

As of: 3/17

Long Trail

What: Long Trail and Appalachian Trails reopen after mud season in Vermont. Shelters and privies on the LT and AT remain closed.

Source: Green Mountain Club

As of: 5/25

What: FAQs for thru-hiking the Long Trail in 2020 are here.

Source: Green Mountain Club

As of: 5/2

What: All Green Mountain Club organized in-person events have been canceled for the remainder of March and for the month of April. This includes all in-person presentations, workshops, and outings. Rental camps closed until May 1. GMC asks hikers not to use overnight sites, shelters, or privies until further notice.

Source: Green Mountain Club’s announcement

As of: 3/23

What: Green Mountain Club’s Visitor Center in Waterbury Center, Vermont, will be closed until further notice. Visitor Center staff will still be available by phone or email to answer hiking questions. Call (802) 244-7037 or email [email protected].

Source: Green Mountain Club’s Announcement

As of: 3/13

Arizona Trail

What: The Arizona Trail Association is encouraging at-risk individuals to postpone hiking the trail at this time and that those who are heading to trail must be prepared to self-quarantine in a private hotel room for at least two weeks if they begin to develop symptoms.

Source: Arizona Trail Association Announcement

As of: 3/16

What: US Forest Service bans fires in all six national forests in Arizona through June 30.

Source: KAFF KAFF News

As of: 4/22

NYNJ Trail Conference

What: All NYNJ Trail Conference gatherings and meetings have been canceled or postponed. This includes trail maintenance activities, details of which can be found on their events calendar The headquarters and store remain open.

Source: https://www.nynjtc.org/news/trail-conferences-response-covid19

As of: 3/15

Florida Trail

What: The Florida Trail Association asks thru-hikers, day hikers, and section hikers to stop using the trail.

Notes: All in-person events canceled or postponed, including but not limited to activity hikes, trail maintenance, chapter meetings, and other meetings, until May 1. The FTA’s offices in Gainesville are closed until further notice.

Source: Florida Trail Association

As of: 3/24

Pacific Northwest Trail

What: Pacific Northwest Trail Headquarters in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, is closed to the public until further notice. Updates about the 2020 season will be issued after May 1.

Notes: All in-person PNTA outreach and volunteer events have been canceled until May 1. Pre-orders for PNTA mapsets may be canceled and refunded until June 1.

Source: Pacific Northwest Trail Association

As of: 4/3

Feature image via Pilar Schmidt