Camping closed at Abingdon Gap Shelter due to bear activity

Release Date: Oct 28, 2022

Contact(s): David Stone, Wildlife Biologist (843) 860-9499

CLEVELAND, TENN., October 28, 2022 — Due to a report of an aggressive bear at Abingdon Gap Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, all camping will be closed immediately to the public from TN-VA Border to the Low Gap-Hwy 421 Intersection until further notice.

U.S. Forest Service officials are also urging visitors to exercise caution when recreating within the area and be on the lookout for black bears. Visitors are encouraged to be BearWise. Safety tips include:

• Avoiding walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling alone
• Keep dogs on a leash
• Make noise so that bears know you are in the area
• Carry bear spray and know how to properly use it
• If you encounter a bear, don’t run. Back away slowly while making noise and do not turn your back on the bear
• In the unlikely case you are attacked or come into contact with a black bear, fight back

A Forest Order is being drafted and will include the closure order for all camping at Abingdon Gap Shelter on the Appalachian Trail from TN-VA Border to the Low Gap-Hwy 421 Intersection. The Order will be issued to provide visitor safety and the conservation of bears and to help ensure that recreational areas can safely remain open to Forest visitors.

Please report any future bear sightings within the area to the campground host or to the Watauga Ranger District office at 423-735-1500. Please do not remove any bear activity signage for the safety and awareness of fellow visitors. For more information on how people can live responsibly with black bears please visit BearWise.

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