Appalachian Trail Alerts
Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires in western North Carolina that are producing smoke and road closures near the Appalachian Trail, raising spring hiking safety concerns. (wspa.com) Separately, authorities rescued a sick hiker on the trail near Chilhowie, VA, underscoring the need for preparedness. (wcyb.com)
The USDA Forest Service named two active incidents in western North Carolina as the Poplar Fire (Appalachian Ranger District) and the Tarkiln Ridge Fire (Tusquitee Ranger District), with an official release dated March 24, 2026. (fs.usda.gov) In its release the Forest Service said the Poplar Fire was “nearly 100 acres” with about 60 personnel and a helicopter assigned, while Tarkiln Ridge had 32 personnel working in rugged terrain previously identified for prescribed burning. (fs.usda.gov) Local outlets and later federal updates gave larger estimates: WSPA and Spectrum reported the Poplar Fire near 350 acres and roughly 80% contained, and Spectrum put Tarkiln Ridge at about 400 acres and about 80% containment during weekend reporting. (wspa.com) Officials ordered or maintained specific closures tied to firefighting operations, including NC‑80 north of Toms Creek Road to the Yancey County line and trail impacts at the Appalachian Trail’s Indian Grave Gap (NOBO mile 352.9). (wspa.com) State authorities announced a statewide ban on open burning and the National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for parts of the Piedmont and western North Carolina while crews were active. (spectrumlocalnews.com) Fire managers reported crews were improving road access, holding containment lines, conducting mop‑up and rehabilitating containment lines, and that air support and helicopters were requested or used across multiple incidents. (wspa.com) Separately, Chilhowie Fire & EMS and the Chilhowie Police Department responded to reports Saturday of a sick hiker on the Appalachian Trail; three hikers (identified as retired law‑enforcement officers) located the patient, crews hiked about 1.25 miles to reach him, and Highlands Emergency Air Rescue & Transport airlifted the man to a local hospital. (wcyb.com)
