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ATCamp Trail Alerts

October 2, 2026: ATCamp Alert: Shenandoah National Park Backcountry Camping Closure

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10/02/2026

Hikers are reminded that Shenandoah National Park has closed backcountry camping on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) from Lewis Mountain Campground (NOBO mile 918.7) to Big Meadows (NOBO mile 927.5) due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution. This includes Bearfence Mountain Hut (NOBO mile 919.6). The A.T. remains open for hiking. For more information, visit the parks website at nps.gov/shen.

You can protect yourself, other hikers, and wildlife on the A.T. by doing the following:

-Educate yourself on bear safety and proper food storage before leaving for the Trail. Visit appalachiantrail.org/bears for more info.
-Exercise caution in areas with frequent bear activity.
-Properly store all food, trash, and scented items at night. In the park, this means in the provided bear boxes/on the provided bear poles, in a hard-sided bear canister, or hung from a tree at least 12 feet above the ground and 6 feet away from the trunk and branches. ATC strongly recommends using a bear canister as the most reliable, efficient, and effective method of food storage on the A.T.
-Never sleep with your food or trash.
-Keep a clean camp by picking up crumbs and cleaning up spills.
-Pack out all trash and food waste.
-Never leave unsecured food unattended - even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Welcomes You to ATCamp!

ATCamp is the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's (ATC) voluntary hiker registration platform. We encourage all overnight hikers to register their itinerary, including thru-hikers, section hikers, and groups. Registering helps reduce overcrowding on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and at overnight sites, in turn reducing the subsequent impacts. Registering also gives ATC and Trail managers valuable insight into Trail use trends. 

Permits: Please note that ATCamp is not a reservation system.

  • All campsites and shelters on the A.T., except those in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are first come, first serve.
  • ATCamp does not reserve shelter space in the Smokies or hut space in the White Mountains of NH.
  • ATCamp does not replace permits that are required in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park, or Baxter State Park.
  • Visit our permits page for more information. 

Safety: Conditions change constantly on the A.T. due to planned work, weather, etc. Check our Trail Updates page before you head out for the latest conditions, alerts, and closures, and read through our Hiker Resource Library to help prepare for your trip. Safety is your responsibility on the A.T.

2026 Trip Planning info: Check out our 2026 Hiker Prep Series for the latest information about how to plan a safe, fun, low-impact visit to the Trail. The series includes important information about what to expect in sections damaged by Hurricane Helene, and is updated each year.

Thank you for helping us protect the A.T. by registering your hike! Contact us anytime with questions. 

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