GILES COUNTY, Va. – Hurricane Helene left a lot of damage behind in areas like Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and into the two Virginias. Now we’re learning more about what areas of the Appalachian Trail were damaged.
The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,197 miles, beginning in Georgia and ending in Maine. In total, the trail crosses 14 states. Areas of the trail in Georgia and North Carolina remain closed but portions are open for hikers.
Open areas of the trail include sections that run through Bland and Giles counties. Leaders with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy say while some areas are open, hikers should use caution when traveling the trail.
Kathryn Herndon-Powell, the interim regional director for the Virginias Appalachian Trail Conservancy says although some areas are open that doesn’t mean they have been surveyed for damage.
She warns hikers travelling the trail should watch for downed trees and be weary of their surroundings. She adds that it’s also the responsibility of the hikers to know which areas are closed and which are open.
“Keep in mind that there’s going to be limited emergency services because some of those resources have been pulled to the south where they’re needed most,” said Herndon-Powell. “It’s just not a great time to try anything extra ambitious on the trail. Remember that the days are getting shorter and you may need extra time to navigate around downed trees.”
Herndon-Powell says there’s no timeline set in stone for storm damage surveying and it’s not clear when closed areas of the trail re-open.
For more information on which areas of the trail are open and closed you can visit the trail’s website here.
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