no longer allowed to camp along the local trails?

[lorenzop]

The northern most trails in PA have signs that are starting to concern me. I've seen signs at state parks that say no fires or camping, which is fine, but what about the rest of the AT in the area? in wind gap, there is a sign at the trail head that says camping or fires at undeveloped sites is strictly forbidden, but they are destroying the developed camp sites along the trail. I just found another sign at a trail head just south of wind gap, that says something along the lines of, the philadelphia volunteers are removing the fire rings from along the trail.

this, to me, is just absurd. I've just started hiking the local AT trails in the last few years, and now I feel it's being taken away from me. at first I thought it was just a town ordinance or something, but I'm seeing such signs and removals all around the area where I live. are my dreams to be crushed this coming hiking season?

[rocketsocks]

not if your steathy

[Cookerhiker]

If no one in the know replies to your post, I suggest contacting the local maintaining clubs. If you don't know them, visit the ATC website.

[Slo-go'en]

I think your mistaking "developed" for "designated". The removal of fire rings and obviously camped on spots directly along the trail (and often near a road) is (I would think) to discourage the local kids from going and having drunken camping parties. Also, you should not be camping directly off the trail (as in with-in obvious sight) but since much of the AT in PA crosses private land you need to stay with-in the 1000 foot coridor to be legal (and in most places, you'd fall off the ridge line at that point).