Warning: Impassible sections of AT in NY; closures and cautions from VA-NY

[Lauriep]

In the wake of recent storms and prolonged rains, sections of the A.T. are impassible due to blowdowns or high water levels.

We do know there are impassable sections in New York north of Hudson River:

We have reports from 3 different people (1 trail maintainer and 2 hikers) that 2 different areas between NY 52 and Graymoor Spiritual Life Center are essentially impassible. One area took hikers 6 hours to traverse 1 1/2 miles. In another area a trail maintainer turned back after 1/4 mile because it was so bad. See www.appalachiantrail.org/updates for details.

if you become injured, ill, or lost, rescue resources could be significantly delayed or impossible due to storm impacts to the trail and surrounding roadways and communities. Allow emergency crews and volunteers to do the work they already have in front of them.

There are many areas where we have no reports at all, from hikers or trail maintainers. Volunteer trail maintainers will conduct assessments and clear damage as conditions and resources allow.

The footbridge over the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, WV, is closed but the river is due to crest soon, below the level at which it floods the C&O Towpath at Harpers Ferry. It probably will re-open before too long, unless there is damage along the Towpath from other water forces. Keeptryst Road (the first road access north of Harpers Ferry) is closed due to significant water damage so the C&O. Sandy Hook Road, which provides access to the C&O upstream from Harpers Ferry, is also closed. In other words 3-4 miles of the A.T. north of Harpers Ferry are currently closed/inaccessible.

Report any notable trail problems to [email protected]. Photos are helpful.

Updates are being posted as they become available at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates as they are available.

Please stay safe!

[Back on the trail]

Well I just got back from this section - hiking from AT train spot to Bear Mountain. I heard many a story from thru hikers recounting there living thru the storm. The worst is about five miles on either side of RRPH shelter. It amazing how things works out. Your following the trail all is fine then a micro burst happens not in the woods off to the side but right up the trail, taking a 10 or 20 yard wide path maybe 50 yards long out of the trail. Crawling under, sitting on, hopping over, walking around going down the side and looping around searching for where you believe the trial would go added to the adventure. Nevermind the two days of rain, fog and mist. Trail was great until you hit those five bad spots. By now its all clear.