Appalachian Trail Shelters and Campgrounds Closed As Maryland Park Service Assesses Tree Safety

The Maryland Park Service has temporarily closed all overnight shelters and campgrounds on the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail as a precaution as managers assess the condition and conduct maintenance on the trees near the sites. 

The work began today at the eight overnight areas along the trail that are on state land. The shelters and campsites will be reopened as tree work is completed. The lone exception to the closures is the Dahlgren Campground, located on the trail about a mile south of the Old South Mountain Inn in Boonsboro.

The action was taken after a hiker was struck and killed by a falling tree on March 15 near the Ed Garvey Shelter, which is owned by the National Park Service and located six miles north of Harpers Ferry along the trail.

“As park rangers, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss on Sunday,” said Nita Settina, MPS superintendent. “As the hiking season gets underway, we are taking immediate precautionary action to thoroughly assess and address any potential hazards at AT shelters and campsites.”

The assessment and maintenance program was initiated in consultation with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Maryland Park Service’s partners in overseeing the 40-mile segment of the trail that runs from the Potomac River to the Pennsylvania state line.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these temporary closures,” said Settina. “In the interim, hikers are permitted to camp along the trail on public lands. Campers are reminded to use proper Leave No Trace ethics.”

A current listing of closures and available sites is at: dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/at.aspx.

In addition, the Maryland Park Service is operating a trail update hotline: 301-791-4767.