Appalachian Trail Information and Hiking Articles

UPDATE: Update: The Kennebec River Ferry (NOBO Mile 2,044.8) is expected to resume operation tomorrow, 07/04/2023.

6/20/2023
The Kennebec River Ferry (NOBO Mile 2043.4) is not running temporarily due to extremely high-water levels on the Kennebec River. Hikers should not attempt to ford the Kennebec River at any time. Dam releases upstream may cause sudden and rapid changes in water depth and current. Hikers should take an alternate route by shuttling around the Kennebec River until the ferry resumes its normal service. Hikers detouring around the Kennebec River will still be eligible for a 2,000-miler certificate.

River and stream crossings elsewhere in the northeast may also be dangerous to ford or impassable. Hikers should exercise extreme caution and come prepared with extra supplies to either turn around, wait until waters recede, or find an alternative route.

We will update this notice when we have more information.

Click link below for updates.
Maine – Kennebec River Ferry Temporary Closure

I have been notified by Scotty from Scotty’s Budget Hostel at NOBO mile 407.4. He has closed the hostel.
He stated that unfortunately somebody broke into the donations box. Therefor causing him to close the hostel.

Update: Construction of the new Riga Shelter and Brassie Brook Shelter (NOBO miles 1,511.5 and 1,512.7) will resume this spring. The side trails, camping areas, and privies for both shelter areas will be closed for construction on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. until about 5:00 p.m. or when construction ends for the day. If the project is delayed due to weather, these sites will also be closed on May 17.

All visitors should avoid the shelter areas during this closure and should plan their itineraries accordingly to avoid camping at these sites during the closure. After the side trails, camping areas, and privies for both sites reopen on either May 17 or May 18, visitors should not disturb any construction materials and stay out of the construction zones. We will update this notice when we have more information.
www.appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/connecticut-shelter-closures-riga-and-brassie-brook-shelters

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests have closed the Craig Creek bridge on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for public safety (NOBO mile 689.4; just north of Craig Creek Valley Road/VA Route 621).
Read more at the following URL:
Central Virginia – Bridge Closure – Craig Creek Bridge | Appalachian Trail Conservancy
www.appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/central-virginia-bridge-closure-craig-creek-bridge/

The Round Hill/Hillsboro A.T. Festival in The Gap will be held June 10th in Hillsboro, VA.

They will provide thru-hikers with a shuttle from the Trail, plus lunch, music, "trail magic" and more.

A free, family-friendly celebration of all the Great Outdoors.

Following 2,190+ miles of mountain ridge lines, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) crosses 14 states, from Maine to Georgia. It's the longest and oldest marked footpath in the country—and in the towns of Round Hill and Hillsboro, VA.

Round Hill’s inaugural festival in 2019 celebrated the town's official designation as an A.T. Community, recognizing the Trail as a community asset and pledging to support ongoing Trail stewardship. This June 10th (11am-5pm), the neighboring town of Hillsboro joins in the celebration as it hosts the festival at the Old Stone School and The Gap Stage, here in Western Loudoun County.

Come to the Round Hill / Hillsboro A.T. Festival in The Gap to discover a new day hike, hear tales from the trail and enjoy live music—plus kids' activities, vendors, food trucks and beverages from local breweries and vineyards. The festival also goes "hands on," with activities like trail cooking, nature crafts, camping demos, pony rides...and more. www.roundhillat.org

I am doing a special limited edition print run of the 2023 WhiteBlaze Pages Guidebook. It should be ready to ship out on 10 March.
If you would like a copy of the printed version of the 2023 WhiteBlaze Pages Guidebook, please place your pre-order now. Price is $14.

Book size: 6" x 9" x 0.410" with 344 pages, weighing 15 oz. or 525 grams.

Click to order
www.whiteblazepages.com/store/whiteblaze-pages-books/whiteblaze-pages-appalachian-trail-guidebooks/whiteblaze-pages-2023-paperback/

It's ready for downloading. The 2023 interactive edition of WhiteBlaze Page PDF, A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook. On sale now for $5 until the first of 2023. This works in conjunction with Gaia GPS on smart phones and other devices. This will also work on desktops and laptops. Read more about it at the following link.(www.whiteblazepages.com/store/whiteblaze-pages-books/whiteblaze-pages-appalachian-trail-guidebooks/2023-whiteblaze-pages-interactive-pdf)