Appalachian Trail

A trail winds through a summer forest

The Appalachian Trail, also known as the A.T., is America’s footpath and first National Scenic Trail. The trail traverses 14 states and is marked with two-inch by six-inch white vertical paint blazes. Virginia hosts more A.T. miles than any other state with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests home to 325 of the trail’s 2,190 total miles. The Virginia section of the A.T. passes through a variety of ecosystems, including the “high country” of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the ridge and valley area of the Eastern Divide Ranger District, and atop the Blue Ridge of the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District. Elevation ranges from 265’ at the James River Footbridge to 5500’ at Pine Mountain.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: On the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the Appalachian Trail is closed from the TN/VA line to Elk Garden/VA 600 (Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area). This is miles 467.3 to 495.2 on the A.T. The most up to date information for the A.T. can be found at https://appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/ga-va-tropical-storm-helene/. You can find additional Appalachian Trail status updates at https://appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/.   The Forest Service warns that conditions are dynamic and constantly evolving. Visitors may encounter damaged or closed roads. The A.T. in this section has not been fully assessed for damage. 
Open Season: All year
Best Season: Spring & September to Early November
Restrictions:
  • The Appalachian Trail is a foot trail. Travel by horse, bicycle, or motorized vehicle is prohibited per forest order.
  • Visitors are limited to 3 days within a 30 day period at a single shelter per the Southern Region Closure Order.
  • Alcohol is prohibited in the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter per forest order.
  • Hunting is permitted on sections of the A.T. that pass through National Forest System Lands.  Additional resources and safety information on hunting on or near the A.T. can be found at Appalachiantrail.org.   
Closest Towns: Damascus, VA
Roanoke, VA
Natural Bridge, VA
Water: No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
Restroom: Many trail shelters have privies. Where privies are not available, please follow Leave No Trace.
Information Center: For more information, contact one of the District Offices that manages the Forest Service sections of trail in Virginia: 
  • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Marion, VA. - (276) 783-5196
  • Eastern Divide Ranger Districts, Blacksburg, VA. – (540) 552-4641
  • Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District, Natural Bridge Station, VA. – (540) 291-2188
More information about the A.T. in Virginia can be found on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website.  

General Information

General Notes:

Check current weather conditions from the National Weather Service based on section of A.T.:

 

Trail Etiquette:

Millions of people hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail every year, for an hour, a day, a weekend, or more. Hikers should be considerate of others:

  • Respect nature’s quiet and others’ wilderness experience by keeping loud voices and noise to a minimum.
  • Refrain from using cell phones or audio equipment around others.
  • Share scenic vistas and shelters. Be welcoming and limit how long you stay.
  • Ask before bringing a dog into the shelter. Bury your dog’s waste as your own, or pack it out.
  • Step off on a durable surface when resting or allowing others to pass. 

Brochure - Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace on the Appalachian Trail website 

Hiking with Dogs on the A.T.

Trail Shelters on the AT 

 

Additional resources for information on the A.T.:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Website

NPS Interactive A.T. Map

NPS Appalachian National Scenic Trail Website

Nearby Sections of the Appalachian Trail:

Annually, more than 550 volunteers from eight local Appalachian Trail Clubs contribute more than 25,700 hours of effort to the maintenance and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. To get involved, see the ATC volunteer page. 


Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Trail Shelters on the AT 

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Elevation : 
700'- 4225'