USFS naturalist has determined that a camping closure notice is appropriate due to the multiple recent bear encounters shared below.

The notice reads: CAMPING IS CLOSED On the Appalachian Trail From Above Double Springs Shelter to Backbone Rock side trail (mile marker 451 to appx. mile marker 464) until further notice DUE TO AGGRESSIVE BEAR ACTIVITY. Map

Double Springs Shelter is open for use. Abingdon Gap Shelter is closed.

5/28: NOBO ~455 South of Low Gap/US 421. Over 20 minutes before sunrise, a single bear tore holes in the side of a tent and its floor, bit a water bottle, and was unsuccessful at getting into a Ursack. The bear retreated after the pair of backpackers made noise and yelled.

5/25: NOBO Mile 458 About half mile south of McQueen Knob, where there is a spring at an old farm site. The report states that a momma bear and two cubs stole PCT-hung food bag that was on an arcing tree, which they figured out how to climb. The food bag was hauled away to later be rummaged. The bears did not get much food as the backpacker was nearing Damascus for resupply.

A second part of the incident was that a backpack, hanging from a hammock strap, was bitten leaving puncture holes thru all layers of a pair of folded pants. This encounter was not seen as the hiker was asleep in the hammock roughly three feet away!

5/18: NOBO Mile 457.7 About quarter mile from above incident, two different campsites. Bear with two Cubs attempted to steal an Ursack AllMitey food bag tied to a tree but was unsuccessful due to the properly secured sack. After being confronted, bear eventually retreated but returned to campsite two additional times that night.

Guthook logs are reporting even more bear activity by the momma and two cubs.

Please take necessary precautions to limit risk of encountering a bear, Hikers should camp 200 feet away from where their food and “smellables” are stored for their own safety. For most adults, 200 feet is about 80 steps. Bear canisters should be sealed correctly and not stored in shelters. (Certified list) Proper use for Ursacks are to tie securely to the trunk of a tree. (Link to their How to Use page) For more information about bear safety, see ATC’s safety page on bears where there is a video for PCT Method for hanging your food.

Sometimes things happen faster than expected. Reports are in that this road has been repaired and the gate is open. Please remember to bring your $3 day use fee to drop into metal tube at parking area entrance.

Rhododendron is shared to be in very early bloom.

Original post: US Forest Service announced that the paved road from Carvers Gap up to the Cloudland parking lot and Rhododendron Gardens and Roan High Knob overlook is temporarily closed to the public due to having a big hole. The access gate will be locked, although walking or cycling up the road is allowed. USFS does not expect the road will be repaired in time for the big Rhododendron Festival later in June so please adjust your plans.

Aligning with guidance from our partner organizations and employer regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the following is our evolving information. With increasing levels of vaccination (get yours!), the risk of contracting COVID-19 is diminishing in our region. Otherwise, please recognize the hazards of the outdoors which existing before the pandemic.

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Hike started just after 10am. Even in the first weekend in May, the parking lot at Carvers Gap is starting to fill up. It was an absolutely gorgeous morning/afternoon weather-wise. So perfect that I do not think a single hiker broke a sweat. The hike trekked through the fir forest along the AT for 2 miles, past the Roan High Knob AT shelter and the site/remains of the Cloudland hotel. About 1 mile in, there was a recently downed tree across the trail that involved some climbing over. We passed several section or thru hikers on the trail. After 2 miles on the AT, we continued on the Cloudland Trail for another mile to enjoy the Roan High Knob Bluff overlook all to ourselves for a great rest break and lunch. There was a neat splintered tree from a very recent lightening strike on the Cloudland Trail section. Then we hiked back the way we came, for a round-trip mileage of approx. 6.9 miles (~4.5 total miles on the AT). Gary Bond attended (a new member and previous thru hiker) and was a great companion for the trip with myself and my wife, Jackie.

We were able to log another 7.6 miles on the Appalachian trail last Saturday. Unfortunately we were caught in the rain just as we were crossing the dam on our return trip. Good times and lively conversation were had by all, and nobody died. Attendees, Jonathan Shumaker, Teni Butler, Alex Lyttle, Rachel Stammen.

Hike came in at 8.55 miles, 2442 ft of elevation. Trail condition was good, a few thorn bush stalks crossing the trail towards the top of the trail. No access issues.

Attendees:
Jacob Lustik

Hiking with Tools! It has been a long, cold winter. Recently there has been an increased interest to volunteer and give back to the trail. And there is no time like the present. The first adventure of the year will be on Saturday, March 13th. No experience necessary so come join us for a short hike and some light trail maintenance! For more info, including time and location, contact Tim Stewart at .

A hiker who stayed at the shelter on July 6th said a large black bear came
four times during the night. A temporary sign has been posted to say to not camp at Iron Mountain Shelter. This encounter has been reported to ATC.

Please take necessary precautions to limit risk of encountering a bear,  Hikers should camp 200 feet away from where their food and “smellables” are stored for their own safety. For most adults, 200 feet is about 80 steps.  Bear canisters should be sealed correctly and not stored in shelters. (Certified list)  Proper use for Ursacks are to tie securely to the trunk of a tree.  (Link to their How to Use page) For more information about bear safety, scroll down ATCs safety page. Video for PCT Method for hanging your food.

March 13 Update:  Lake and river levels have returned to normal thus reroutes no longer required.  Signs have been taken down.

Two sections of the Appalachian Trail have been temporarily rerouted due to the recent heavy rains.

First, Watauga Lake (TVA level info) is 1965 on 2/14 morning which is above 1961 trigger for rerouting. Trail bridges are flooded so the trail will temporarily follow the blue blaze path along US 321 and Oliver Hollow Road. If heading trail north on Shook Branch Road, cross US 321 and walk left or west along US 321 for about a quarter mile and then go right along Oliver Hollow Rd. Follow the road for a third of a mile and take the short woods path to the right back to the A.T. If lake level continues to rise, some sections of the trail north of Oliver Hollow Road will also be under water.

Second is for Laurel Fork Gorge as the ledge along the stream is fully under water, so the A.T. will follow the High Water Trail. Signs have been posted.