MARYLAND  BEAR-ACTIVITY FOOD-STORAGE HIKING-SAFETY

Alert


04/28/2023


The ATC received a report of a habituated bear at the Annapolis Rocks campsite (NOBO mile 1,050.9). The bear showed little fear of humans and clawed a hole in a tent.


The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their time on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Bear canisters are the surest and most flexible means of food storage for camping along the A.T. to ensure that bears do not access human food.


In addition to properly storing food and scented items overnight, hikers should keep a clean camp, pack out all trash and food waste, and never leave food unattended.


Learn more about bear canisters and bear safety on the A.T. here.

Pennsylvania – Bear Activity – George W. Outerbridge Shelter

PENNSYLVANIA  BEAR-ACTIVITY  HIKING-SAFETY

Alert


05/22/2023


The ATC has received reports of bear activity at the George W. Outerbridge Shelter (NOBO mile 1,260.0). Reports say that the bear(s) shows little fear of humans and is not scared by loud noises.  This is in the vicinity north of Allentown PA


The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their time on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Bear canisters are the surest and most flexible means of food storage for camping along the A.T. to ensure that bears do not access human food.


All area visitors should use caution. In addition to properly storing food and scented items overnight, hikers should keep a clean camp, pack out all trash and food waste, and never leave food unattended.

Learn more about bear canisters and bear safety on the A.T. here.


Report bear encounters on the A.T. here.

Updates: 


Updates to the Tuscarora Trail North and South Guidebooks


Pen Mar - Parking Pass Available

 An advance parking pass is available for overnight parking at PenMar. It is not required, but is strongly recommended for those leaving a vehicle for more than a couple of nights. Here's how to get the pass: 

Click here to email the Washington County Parks and Facilities Department. Be prepared to provide the following information:

(1) make and model of your vehicle.
(2) registered owner's name.
(3) tag information.
(4) dates the vehicle will parked.

You will receive a "Do Not Tow" pass as an attachment that must be printed and posted in your vehicle so local police will know that the vehicle has been registered. For more information, call (240) 313-2700 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (reduced hours during winter months).


Pine Grove Furnace State Park – Parking rules
Pine Grove Furnace State Park requires that hikers check in with the park office before leaving a vehicle in the park and that vehicles be left for no more than one week. 


Update - Caledonia State Park – Parking rules
Caledonia State Park requests that those parking overnight at the parking area on Rt. 30 register at the park office. For more information, contact the park at (717) 352-2161.  


Update - Pennsylvania Game Commission Lands Camping Regulations
Only thru-hikers (defined as those "walking the Appalachian Trail from point of beginning to an exit, which is not the place of beginning") may camp on Pennsylvania Game Commission lands, and these hikers must camp within 200 ft of A.T. and at least 500 ft from a spring, stream or public access area.

Update Pennsylvania Game Commission Fluorescent Orange Requirement Nov. 15 - Dec 15
On state game lands in Pennsylvania all hunters and non-hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, or a fluorescent orange hat, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 (except on Sundays). The orange material must be visible from all angles (360 degrees).