The A.T. is being relocated between the New River and Rice Field Shelter north of Pearisburg, to a corridor of public land that will be protected from development.
Construction on a natural gas pipeline that will cross the A.T.'s current location has already begun. Hikers should expect to see signs of construction, and should continue to follow white blazes–the new trail will not be be blazed until it is opened and the old trail is closed.
More info can be found at www.appalachiantrail.org/who-we-are/news/2014/04/09/major-section-of-the-appalachian-trail-in-southwest-virginia-permanently-protected.
Laurie Potteiger
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Laurie Potteiger