The A.T. is managed as a national scenic trail. Overnight sites are designed for hikers, not the homeless. Homeless people who take up residence in shelters along the A.T. often have mental health issues.
Limits of stay for most overnight sites on the A.T. are two or three nights at most.
If you encounter a person who appears to a squatter at a shelter on the A.T., please fill out an A.T. incident report form, which is available at www.appalachiantrail.org/incidents. This will reach various ATC employees and the National Park Service A.T. Chief Ranger, who can then coordinate with local law enforcement or other agencies as appropriate. If you don't have access to a computer to which you can download the form and fill out, please send an email with a detailed description of the person, situation, and location to [email protected].
Laurie Potteiger
ATC