Trail Updates

04/27/2026

The ATC has received additional reports of a bear defeating several PCT-style hangs. The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for their trips as they are the most reliable method of food storage on the A.T.

04/13/2026

The ATC has received reports of bear activity at Muskrat Creek Shelter in the southern Nantahala Wilderness, just over the Georgia line (NOBO mile 81.2). The bear has defeated several PCT-style hangs and defeated an Ursack. This section of the A.T. has had long-standing issues with bears getting hiker food.

You can protect yourself, other hikers, and the bears by:

• Educate yourself on bear safety and proper food storage before leaving for the Trail.
• Exercise caution in areas with frequent bear activity.
• Properly store all food, trash, and scented items at night in a bear canister. Never sleep with your food or trash.
• Keep a clean camp by picking up crumbs and cleaning up spills.
• Pack out all trash and food waste.
• Never leave unsecured food unattended - even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.

The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for their trips as they are the most reliable method of food storage on the A.T.

Please report bear encounters on the A.T. using our Bear Encounter Report form. Early intervention when there's a bear becoming habituated to humans protects hikers and the bears.