A 6.4-mile section of the A.T. in central Virginia near Buchanan (Bearwallow Gap to Jennings Creek) was closed Thursday evening due to a fire. After firefighters put out the blaze the trail re-opened Sunday, but signs posted now read “Trail Open, WARNING, Fire weakened timber, No camping in burned area, If conditions are windy plan alternate route.”
Laurie Potteiger
ATC
Laurie Potteiger
More details from our Trail Updates page at http://www.appalachiantrail.org/updates:
A wildfire over the July 4 weekend has now been contained, but numerous trees were damaged over a 1.5 mile section of the A.T. starting roughly 1.5 miles north of Bearwallow Gap/VA 43. This section is open for use; however, falling timber may present a safety hazard. During periods of high winds hikers are advised to use an alternate route to bypass the burned area Camping is prohibited in the burned area due to the danger of falling timber. Cove Mountain Shelter is slightly north of the burned area, and is not affected by the camping ban. Alternate route, Bearwallow Gap to Jennings Creek: Follow VA 43 0.5 mi. east to reach Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). Follow BRP north 2 mi. to reach VA 618 (aka McFalls Creek Rd.). Turn left and follow VA 618 for 4 mi. to reach VA 614 (aka Jennings Creek Rd.). Turn left and follow VA 614 for 1.5 mi. to reach A.T. crossing (just past Middle Creek Picnic area). Southbounders should follow the reverse of these directions. This alternate route will add 1.5 mi. to the normal Trail distance for this section.
(Posted 07/07/08)
Laurie Potteiger
ATC
Laurie Potteiger