The Cleaner
04-24-2016, 22:17
I just got back from Hot Springs NC where I picked up a friend thru hiking this year.While eating supper there I did speak to a USFS offical.Currently there is still an active fire in the Silver Mine Hollow area but it is almost contained and a big "back burn" is scheduled for tomorrow.They are using the AT for access and do not want any hikers in the area until this operation is complete.Also the Roundtop Ridge trail is closed and the road up to Hurricane Gap is closed too.It may be 3-5 days till the AT is reopened.I'm going to call the local USFS office here tomorrow to see if Hurricane Gap can be accessed from the TN side where hikers can continue NOBO.There are many hikers there and it look's like more will be arriving daily and places to stay will be hard to come by.Many hikers are on a limited budget so it will be interesting to see how some hikers deal with the current situation.