View Full Version : Closed trails due to bad weather?
EllandMe
03-08-2018, 23:12
Do the trails ever get closed due to bad weather? Does the McAfee Knob area ever get closed?
Thanks!
Slo-go'en
03-09-2018, 00:23
Hike at your own risk. Your suppose to have the proper equipment and experience to handle the weather and conditions you venture out in. In NH you can be charged the cost of a rescue if your not. If it's icy, I wouldn't get too close to the edge of McAfee Knob, it's a long way down if you slip!
The one exception are the trails on Katahdin. Since that is a state park with Rangers, if conditions are bad they can and will close the trails.
peakbagger
03-09-2018, 05:50
The ATC on occasion will put into place temporary relocations of the AT route off the white blazed route. An example is when a bridge washes out, there will be blue blaze route off the traditional white blazed route to avoid the missing bridge. The most extreme example may be the closure of the AT in the Green and White Mountain national forest a few years ago in the aftermath of the Hurricane Irene. There was no blue blaze route. Thru hikers had to skip this section and they could claim a successful thru hike substantially shorter than the traditional mileage. I expect many went back and filled in these sections but they didnt need to. There were also closures of the AT in the Smokies during a severe outbreak of fires. The Long Trail which includes the AT is officially closed during the spring mud season.
During deep snow events the trail closes itself.
Fire causes trail closures in National Forests and Parks. Disregarding these closures can result in fines.
Wayne
In 2011, trails in the White Mtn. National Forest were closed for three days or so because of Hurricane Irene.
rocketsocks
03-09-2018, 11:10
Tornados and downed trees
Tennessee Viking
03-09-2018, 12:08
Usually most of the trail is open but hike at your own risk.
Unless there is an extreme reason; ex. washout bridge/expansive area of trail, fire, or Federal closure, the trail stays open.
I have seen the hiker crowd stayed course on trail through a low risk prescribed burn. Then next day it surprisingly jumped the line and closed the trail; hikers re-routed down to a nearby forest road.