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Severe Flooding in New England Closes Portions of the AT
Water levels remain high and water crossings dangerous on the AT across New England as the region reels in the wake of exceptional weekend rainfall. Although many of the flood warnings have ended, parts of the trail remain flooded while streams and rivers might remain impassible for days to come.
Hikers in the northern AT states have already had to contend with high water levels and closures for weeks, including the postponement of the Kennebec River ferry in Maine, due to unseasonably wet conditions. This latest round of soaking weather has piled on more moisture than the already-saturated ground could handle, causing “widespread road closures and washouts, (which) may make accessing the Trail impossible in some areas…” according to a statement by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Travel by any means near the AT will be severely impacted in New York, Connecticut, Massachusettes, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
No Plan Yet for Hikers in Vermont and New York
Recent storms brought severe flooding to New York, including this road near Bear Mountain Bridge. Photo courtesy of NY State Police.
Vermont and New York appear to be the worst affected by recent flood waters that brought “catastrophic destruction” to parts of both states, and the extent of the damage is still unclear. The ATC urges hikers on the trail to postpone their hikes until conditions improve.
On their Trail Updates page, Vermont’s Green Mountain Club advises that hikers utilizing a “sturdy shelter” remain in place for the time being, and that hikers needing to get off trail post on Facebook for rides even though road closures are heavily impacting vehicle traffic.
When exactly the AT will be in a suitable and safe condition for foot travel is still very much in question. Quantifying the effects of potential flash floods and mudslides has still to take place, a reality that is likely to persist for days until water levels recede and travel can safely resume. Until more is known and with potential detours possible, it will be difficult for hikers to plan ahead.
Bear Mountain State Park Closed
The view of the Hudson River from close to the summit of Bear Mountain in NY. Photo via
Due to suffering major storm damage, Bear Mountain State Park will remain closed until further notice. Reports indicate that there are multiple washouts across the AT on the north side of Bear Mountain, between Perkins Tower and the Bear Mountain Inn.
Those familiar with the area will remember the relentless climb and descent, as well as the spectacular views of both the Hudson River and New York City skyline. Now the ATC is recommending that hikers plan their itinerary to bypass the park completely, which will not disqualify them from 2,000-miler status.
Until more is known about the damage to the AT in New York and New England, hikers are encouraged to monitor the ATC’s websites for updates.
Featured image courtesy of the NY-NJ Trail Conference.
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Comments 10
Owen, would this have stopped you?
Inquiring minds want to know.
This situation is devastating, not just for those on the AT, but for many communities across the region. For my part, I’m a better hiker than a swimmer, and I’ll leave it at that.
Sometimes it’s best to just turn around or not go, and wait for a better day. Mother Nature really isn’t impressed by bravado.
www what Pin wheel is that you … last time i saw you were NOBO at Duncannon PA march 2022
Good to see your still out here .
Yep, that sounds like me. Still truckin’!