Long Trail Alerts (AT • CDT • PCT)
Updated April 2026
🥾 Appalachian Trail (AT)
⚠️ General Conditions (2026 Season)
The AT remains fully open overall, but conditions vary widely by region
Seasonal issues include:
Storm damage
Mud season (especially in the Northeast)
Localized trail reroutes and maintenance
👉 View Official AT Alerts & Updates
🧭 Key Notes
Many sections pass through National Parks and Forests, so closures are often local, not trail-wide
Shelters, privies, or short trail segments may be temporarily closed
🏔️ Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
🚧 Southern Terminus Restriction (Major Alert)
Access to the southernmost 1.1 miles is restricted
Area designated as a National Defense Area (NDA)
Permit required to reach the official monument
🪖 What this means
Free permit required (apply in advance)
Non-U.S. citizens require an escort
Heavy construction traffic and possible delays
Road closures may occur as border construction continues
🔥 Fire Restrictions (CDT Corridor)
Sections of the CDT (especially Colorado) may have active fire restrictions
Example: Pike-San Isabel NF restrictions affecting CDT miles ~1068–1201
🌄 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
⚠️ Multiple Active Closures & Alerts
🔥 Southern California
Trail damage from storms near Whitewater & Mission Creek
Fire-related alerts near Acton / Agua Dulce (Crown Fire)
Closure areas near Deep Creek (Aztec Falls area)
🏔️ Central California
Reds Meadow Road closure (affects access)
Bridge damage (West Walker River area)
🌲 Northern California
Fire-related restrictions (including legacy impacts from Dixie Fire)
Private land access restrictions due to fire risk
🌧️ Oregon
Eagle Creek Trail closure due to storm damage (Dec 2025 event)
🏔️ Washington
Alerts in Glacier Peak Wilderness (conditions variable)
🧭 Additional 2026 Notes
Southern California experienced recent flooding and trail damage
Expect rough tread, washouts, and changing conditions
🧭 Before You Go (Long Trail Edition)
Long trails are not single places—they are corridors of constantly changing conditions.
👉 Always check:
Trail association websites
Local land management alerts (USFS, NPS, BLM)
Weather and fire conditions