Appalachian Trail issues emergency closures

Nearly 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail are now closed from Dicks Creek Gap/U.S. 76 in Georgia (mile 69.9) to the Nantahala River/U.S. 19/U.S. 74 in North Carolina (mile 137.1), according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, due to the wildfires burning throughout these areas.

Thru-hikers are asked to respect the closures for ​your own safety as well as the safety of firefighters and rescue personnel. If you have started a thru-hike and have been detoured off the trail, you can still be considered thru-hikers and can apply for 2,000-miler status.

Smoke is severely affecting air quality in the Southern region of the trail, which stretches some 2,180 miles from Mountain Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia.

Smoke from numerous fires is affecting air quality in areas of Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Many areas may be unhealthy for those with heart and lung diseases, children, or the elderly.

Campfire bans are in effect along the entire AT in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and most of Virginia. Campfires should not be built at shelters, campsites, or any locations along the entire AT corridor. To reduce the risk of wildfires, hikers should also refrain from smoking or lighting fires of any kind while wildfire danger is high.

Due to extremely dry conditions, high fire danger, and little chance of rain in the immediate forecast, campfire ​bans are in place until further notice.

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