At closed for fires 67.5 miles from noc,nc south to dicks creek,ga

[Sir-Packs-Alot]

WILDFIRES ON THE TRAIL 11/12/16 - 10:30 am


THE AT IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED FOR WILDFIRE CONDITIONS 67.5 MILES FROM THE NOC TO DICKS CREEK GAP.


Wildfire conditions on the southern trail between the NOC and Springer Mountain are EVER changing ! 565 out of state firefighters from 40 states are batting 18 wildfires in southwestern North Carolina alone.


Be safe. Do not ignore closures and keep hiking as some have.
If the smoke is thick DO NOT expect to see small signage in smoky conditions or have some VERY busy folks come pull you off the trail. Please use your own best judgement.


ALSO: The US Forest Service is suspecting that this tragedy may involve an "agressive late night arsonist". HIKERS CAN HELP BY KEEPING THEIR EYES OPEN AND REPORTING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR.


To stay up to date on fire conditions please go to:
http://appalachiantrail.org/…/explor.../trail-updates

[Lauriep]

Thanks for posting this, Sir-Packs-Alot.

Thru-hikers, please respect the closure, not only for your own safety, but to avoid putting firefighters and rescuers at further risk. You are still considered a thru-hiker if you skip a section of the A.T. when its closed. In fact, to be recognized as a thru-hiker and 2,000-miler, ATC expect that you cooperate with agency partners. Here is the language from our 2,000-miler application:

We hold high expectations of 2,000-milers that include treating the natural environment, A.T. communities, other hikers, and our agency partners--whose land the A.T. passes through--with kindness, respect, and cooperation

There is no official shuttle at this time, but there are shuttle service providers listed on ATC shuttle list who can help you out at www.appalachiantrail.org/transportation.

[Praha4]

wow ....bummer

arsonist? hope very much they can catch the POS that does this

probably a lot of SoBo thrus coming into that section now

be safe out there