Appalachian Trail conditions following Storms Irene and Alfred

This page will no longer be updated (1/21/12). See below for a link to current trail conditions on the ATC website.

Following are trail condition reports gathered since Hurricane Irene. Some are unverified by the Trails Committee but are assumed to be accurate. Over time stream levels will subside to "normal" levels which will make crossings easier. As of October 1, 2011 (about five weeks after the storm) many streams (including some not on the maps) still require a "feet in the water" fording. Bridge washouts are noted where they have been reported. There are likely to be others.

The heavy snow from the October snow storm broke many trees and those knocked down more that were ready to fall. There are many downed trees from both storms blocking the trail at points too numerous to mention. These will be cleared as time and resouces permit. Your reporrts of downed trees are always welcome and should include the size (diameter) of the tree and your estimate of how badly the trail is blocked. If you carry a GPS, please give the mileage from a trailhead.

Current trail condition updates for the CT section of the AT are posted on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website here. That site covers the entire AT.

• The bridge crossing to Sages Ravine campsite (near CT-MA border) remains out. (10/1/11 and 11/21/11 and 1/21/12)  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. (9/24/11)
• Reported that Brassie Brook, usually three small stream crossings, is now one large one. (9/24/11)
• The trail north of the Falls Village ‘iron bridge” to the Great Falls parking area is flooded. Use Housatonic River Road. (11/21/11)
• The "river walk" section is now passable. (10/1/11) Numerous and extensive portions of the “River Walk” along the Housatonic River in Kent between “South Gate” and “Swift’s Bridge” (Dawn Hill Road in West Cornwall) are impassible. This entire section is to be avoided.
• Macedonia Brook (just north of the Rt 341 crossing) is very high. Although the bridge is intact, the open fields are somewhat flooded, particularly on the north side. (11/21/11)
• The Ten Mile River/Housatonic Rivers have flooded the south side of the Ned Anderson bridge to shoulder height. The small stream on the AT, north of the Anderson bridge requires fording. (11/21/11)
• Stepping stones at Guinea Brook Crossing have washed away. Use the “high water bypass” or the Mohawk Trail, or continue south on RT 4 to the Breadloaf Mountain parking area and take the blue-blazed trail to rejoin AT. (11/21/11) The stepping stones will not be replaced. (1/21/12)
• Several areas have reported significant erosion, notably north of Hatch Brook. (11/21/11)
• Bridge replacement at Carse Brook, south of West Cornwall Road, is underway. The project is scheduled to be completed soon. 10/22. Use care when crossing the existing bridge. (added 10/1/11, updated 11/21/11, again 1/21/12)