We've recently received new post-hurricane updates from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, where a number of reroutes are required or advised due to bridges and stepping stones being taken out by flood waters.
(There are also reroutes in New Jersey, which were posted on our website earlier). The temporary reroutes may not yet be marked, so it’s best to have both an A.T. map and a road map and/or atlas, and a compass.
The entire A.T. in Vermont remains closed (except through the town of Norwich at the far trail-north end of the state.
These and other updates are posted at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates.
PENNSYLVANIA
The Trout Run area (near PA 443/GreenPoint, south of Swatara Gap) - decimated. The best alternative to is to walk SR 443. (Swatara Gap State Park 9/13/11)
CONNECTICUT
“River Walk” along the Housatonic River – impassable (north of Kent between “South Gate” and “Swift’s Bridge”/Dawn Hill Road). This entire section is to be avoided. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Macedonia Brook (just north of Conn. 341/Kent) - very high. Although the bridge is intact, the open fields are somewhat flooded, particularly on the north side. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Guinea Brook (just north of Conn. 4/Cornwall Bridge) – detour required. Stepping stones at Guinea Brook crossing (immediately north of Conn. 4) have washed away, creating hazardous conditions. Use the “high water bypass” or the Mohawk Trail, or continue S on RT 4 to the Breadloaf Mountain parking area, take blue trail to rejoin AT. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Significant erosion has been reported in Connecticut, most notably north of Hatch Brook. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Falls Village Trail N of the Falls Village ‘iron bridge” to the Great Falls parking area – flooded. Use Housatonic River Road. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Brassie Brook - usually three small stream crossings, reportedly now is one large one. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Sages Ravine Campsite – The bridge crossing to campsite is out. It is possible to ford the stream into the campsite. The crossing at the “State line” is possible, but requires fording. At both locations, the current has been reported as being very strong. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
Please send any additional updates you may have to trailconditions@appalachiantrail.org.
Laurie Potteiger
ATC
_Laurie Potteiger, ATC_