White Mountain National Forest Trails Fully Reopen, AT Shelters Still Closed

The White Mountain National Forest fully reopened trails on May 22, but most backcountry shelters and campsites on the Appalachian Trail remain closed.

The WMNF began reopening trailheads and backcountry sites on May 1, a week after closing most areas as part of what it called a “tactical pause to assess operations, including staffing, equipment availability, and to develop a phased approach to operate within CDC guidelines and prepare for the summer.”

The WMNF said most trailheads would be gradually reopened in alignment with Maine and New Hampshire state parks, and more trailheads were opened May 8. The remainder were opened May 22. The forest said it would monitor operations and the new guidelines, and make adjustments during the season.

New Hampshire is still asking people traveling from outside the state to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Read the WMNF’s statement here.

The WMNF said the closings in late April increased overflow and illegal parking along with increasing pressure on New Hampshire state parks.

Some sites will remain closed, including Tuckerman’s Ravine, as the WMNF continues to coordinate with local communities, the states of New Hampshire and Maine, and other partners to address concerns before safely reopening.