Thank you Ramdino for your honest update on trail conditions, hostels,shelters. It doesn't sound good for the 2025 season, but if there is a will there's a way.
Thanks for the update! I’m trying to ascertain how much the Virginia section hike is impeded from a destroyed bridge standpoint. Are you aware of any in VA?
Makes me think of Earl Shaffer when he hiked the trail in 48 ten years after the hurricane of 38. Maine was devastated with hardly any trail work done and he did the whole trail.
We are gonna play an important role in updating Far Out. Let's make a special effort to report anything that hasn't yet been reported. I kinda feel doubly blessed since I've already hiked the affected sections already and now I get to be among the first to hike the new trail. It would be great if everything is done and ready for us to begin hiking, but I would love more if I get the opportunity to volunteer along the way to do trail maintenance. I also have a great idea for some of us to do fundraisers for trail communities along the way. 2025 is gonna be the best year ever!
I would think a flip flop hike or south bound would give trail maintainers more time to recover before you get there. Just hiked 11 miles of AT in Maine this week, just gorgeous!
Our area was changed after Katrina. It takes some getting used to change but with time things get back to a new normal. Thanks for the useful and interesting update. I’m sure it was hard for you to see the changes and damage but optimistic for the future. 😊❤
My heart goes out as I am from CA., and as y’all know, the fires have altered not just the PCT, but our local beloved backyard outdoors, so I understand. I’ve been on the AT, and plan to be there again. We will persevere. .
Hey Ramdino. Nice update. I am truly blessed to have my memories of this damaged section from 2022-23. My photos will be cherished but the Trail will grow bigger and better than ever! To many beautiful people that make happen! God Bless the AT!
Do you have any info on, pics of Laurel Falls after? We hiked a section through there last year and so curious to know how it faired. Thanks for another great update, I've been so busy finally have the time this morning to watch your last couple updates!
I can tell you one thing, if you have been visiting and hiking the Appalachian Trail for years, when you see it now, you will shed a few tears. There comes a love for that area and the ecological beauty there.
Well Ramdino, sounds like the class of 2025 will put some new steps on some new paths, it’s still all a journey. I’m totally up for it and look forward to my journey on this foot path. Thank you so much again for what you do. Please keep us hikes informed.
Not much mentioned so far is that like Yellowstone after the devastating fire in 1988, by spring the forest will show widespread new growth of foliage that was kept limited by the mature old growth canopy. The downed trees will be there, but there will likely be lots of new green to make a new face of the forest in those areas.
The pictures show that they’ve kept the trail open to get emergency vehicles in in case someone needs help. It always looks more barren in the winter when the leaves are all gone and you can see all of the fallen branches and trees. just look at some of the fire zones in California that were completely covered by forest, and soon after the fire is out, within a few weeks, you see new growth, sprouting up..
I've been thinking about next year. I hammock camp. I'm thinking the trail is going to be very very interesting. Might have to bone up on some parkour skills too. Thanks for the update.
Thanks again Ramdino for keeping us all up to date. Your videos give us 2025 NOBOs much more insight as to what we can expect than any other source. I notice a November 6 announcement on the Cherokee site about a full opening except Jackson Farm area which is nowhere near the AT. The ATC hasn't updated anything, but should this mean that closed portion from U.S. 19E to U.S. 321 (Dennis Cove area) is open? What's your take on that?
Dennis Cove area has some open areas and some closed. My understanding is it's open from nobo ,19E to the Bitter End and sobo Boots off to walnut mtn road. Sobo walnut is bombed although I onow of a hiker that got thru bushwacking
Love the update Ramdino it’s devastating what happened but the good lord has made a new path and will bless everyone I look forward to it ISAIAH 43:18-19
Also- the Trail Days Festival in Damascus is officially still on for 2025, of course! May 16-18. Come for a weekend of drum circles, giant bonfires, fun,and free music, yall! -Damascus local
@Ramdinohikes And thank you very much for the update on the AT! Last we had heard on Scanner Food was that it was possibly gonna be rerouted around Damascus for 2025. It's good to hear that it isn't. Thank you.
Good video. It is a lot more dangerous than usual out there. Don't encourage bushwacking. People will get lost and hurt. I was one of the rare 2LTs who could read a map because I was trained as a surveyor. Most people are not good with a map and compass. Good Luck, Rick
Hi Ramdino; I do a lot of trail maintenance in north Georgai and we are not allowed to use powered equipment in wilderness areas. Do you think the Forrest Service will make exceptions for this rare event?
I'm not sure, but I don't think volunteers can make decisions where to relocate a trail. I might be wrong, but doesn't the Forest Service need to approve the reroutes? I mean, don't they have to physically walk certain sections and certify it?
There’s a lengthy process for reroutes that includes environmental and archeological assessments. For reroutes to road walks or another existing trail, that won’t be an issue, but it’s no cake walk to get approval to cut new trail on federal lands.
Normally long distance hikers don't carry the unnecessary weight in their pack of items like saw...axe or hatchet....machete or other large blade or knife. It just gets in the way and makes your core weight too heavy. But now however....now those items or some combination thereof may be completely necessary not to be out on the trail without. It may be necessary to group up with 2 or 3 others in a group where one person has each of the group of tools or bushwacking implements or equipment combined.
This goes to show how spoiled thru hikers have gotten over the years. Hostels in nearly every town is a newer thing. Hikers back in the day didn't have as many accommodations as hikers do today. It's not the end of the world. Sleep in your tent more. After all, we're out there to hike, right? But at the same time, it's sad to see how many hostels are closing down, not due to the hurricane. Makes me wonder if it's due to them having too many entitled, bad thru hikers. I really hope not, but it sounds like too many all shutting down their hostels at once.
Planning on a thru hike in 2025. I’m a hammock camper is this going to be a huge issue? Will I just need to go to ground during these section? Thanks for the updates!
I'm not seeing ALL trees at shelters down because they are usually in lower areas where the water is. But some are at higher places like Blue Mtn. Where the damge may be worse. Most dangerous is in the south or east slopes
Stick the Eagle just posted on his thru hike. He started hammock....and went tent. Look, you're in cold, wet, windy conditions. A hammock is fine in your back yard but outdoors....you're kidding I hope. The convection in cold will popsicle you asap. No real cover. You can ultra light yourself into big trouble. I got a North Face stormbreak 2, with a fly, and good stakes. Great tent and has many ties for cords, stability. It's not ultralight, about 5.5 lbs but your tent is your critical need. A fly protects you and the tent. I would go with a tent with a fly, with good ventilation.
Ditch any stakes tent manufacturers have with tents and get good lightweight real stakes. REI has bronze snow stakes that are great. 6$ each. Invest in good stakes for high wind.
@ I’ve hammock camped for years now. Did it on the Colorado trail in the winter in Red River Gorge and I just don’t sleep as well on the ground. I’m a very hot sleeper as well!!
It has been a bad year for the trails, lost over a million acres and a couple of trail towns on the pct and parts of the CDT got hit also.The AT is over groomed it won't hurt thru hikers to have to work a little bit maybe they won't complain as much when they get to the PCT
It's true, this year has been tough for our beloved trails. It's a reminder that we need to cherish and protect these natural spaces. Let's hope for better conditions ahead!
Here's an idea get the army corps of engineers and the naval Seabees out there to do some work both can build temporary Bridges both of them can clear the trails but having the army corps of engineers in the naval Seabees out there would definitely help
residents in the Helene devastated war zones need that help far more than selfish hikers who have a choice to hike elsewhere. AT recnstruction should be last on the list.
In The Pisgah national Forest the only reason why they're not out there working on it cuz they don't want to they will work on that area that is closed when they feel like working on it not any sooner it might be 5 6 years by the time they get it cleared
100 years ago the entire trail probably looked like this from logging. The wild game population will explode in these areas. A beautiful open forest does not benefit all the critters.
I think that the word "forever" is not really applicable for a dynamic landscape and environment. It is just different for now. Tomorrow is another day. Ymmv I reckon. Peace
Agreed. The video title is sensationalistic. Every single day, the trail changes, and none of it is forever. We humans have an over-inflated sense of our importance.
Heh, heh. Bring back boy scouts! You can get topological maps from the USGS. It does remind me how things have changed, having to understand contour maps etc was once part of the outdoor experience, AT guidebooks had those maps in them. (Google does those though). GPS is one of those things that makes people a little more confident than they should be.
Just so ya know, a lot of us net folks see anything like "shocking truth" or "horrifying moment" in a title, we downvote, DNR, and move on. Don't be a clickbait farmer, it loses as many or more views as it wins, alienates potential viewers.
We cleared another mile north of McQueen Gap (little over a mile past Abingdon Shelter, which is undamaged, by the way)
AWESOME!! Thank you so much for all your hard work!!!
Good point about map and compass skills for bushwhacking. Thanks for the update, Ramdino!
Don't do it if you only depend on a phone for navigation.
Thank you Ramdino for your honest update on trail conditions, hostels,shelters. It doesn't sound good for the 2025 season, but if there is a will there's a way.
I didn't mean to leave that impression. Things are def looking up.
Thanks for the update! I’m trying to ascertain how much the Virginia section hike is impeded from a destroyed bridge standpoint. Are you aware of any in VA?
I am not other than the creeper trail.
Makes me think of Earl Shaffer when he hiked the trail in 48 ten years after the hurricane of 38. Maine was devastated with hardly any trail work done and he did the whole trail.
Earl Shaffer's journey is truly inspiring! It's incredible to think about the challenges he faced while hiking the trail under such tough conditions.
Great informational video. I hope many of those wanting to hike next year are watching!
I'm glad you think so! I hope they are too and getting excited
We are gonna play an important role in updating Far Out. Let's make a special effort to report anything that hasn't yet been reported. I kinda feel doubly blessed since I've already hiked the affected sections already and now I get to be among the first to hike the new trail. It would be great if everything is done and ready for us to begin hiking, but I would love more if I get the opportunity to volunteer along the way to do trail maintenance. I also have a great idea for some of us to do fundraisers for trail communities along the way. 2025 is gonna be the best year ever!
Absolutely, love the positivity and willingness to volunteer to help
@@Ramdinohikes Me too!
I would think a flip flop hike or south bound would give trail maintainers more time to recover before you get there. Just hiked 11 miles of AT in Maine this week, just gorgeous!
You’re right, that is a great point!
Thank you for your continued updates. I plan to do my 2025 hike and have and will continue to perform "Town Magic" until I start.
Town Magic! I'm all about that!
Our area was changed after Katrina. It takes some getting used to change but with time things get back to a new normal. Thanks for the useful and interesting update. I’m sure it was hard for you to see the changes and damage but optimistic for the future. 😊❤
Always look on the bright side. Better days are ahead and creation will heal itself.
My heart goes out as I am from CA., and as y’all know, the fires have altered not just the PCT, but our local beloved backyard outdoors, so I understand. I’ve been on the AT, and plan to be there again. We will persevere.
.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's tough to see our natural spaces impacted, but together we can support each other and our beloved trails.
Thanks, Ramdino for keeping us updated on the sad but true situation on the AT. It will be somewhat different, I think, but it will be back!
It'll be back, bigger and better.
Hey Ramdino. Nice update. I am truly blessed to have my memories of this damaged section from 2022-23. My photos will be cherished but the Trail will grow bigger and better than ever! To many beautiful people that make happen! God Bless the AT!
💯
Do you have any info on, pics of Laurel Falls after? We hiked a section through there last year and so curious to know how it faired. Thanks for another great update, I've been so busy finally have the time this morning to watch your last couple updates!
The falls themselves didn't change much
Thanks. I'll be leaving Springer March 1st. If I have to skip a few sections and come back later that's what I'll do.
That's the sprirt
thanks for the update. I will have to change my plans... Maybe do a sobo.... or a flip flop.....
It's a tough situation, but there's always a way to hike the trail!
I can tell you one thing, if you have been visiting and hiking the Appalachian Trail for years, when you see it now, you will shed a few tears. There comes a love for that area and the ecological beauty there.
I understand the sadness, the trail is part of our heart.
Another great job in providing this important information.
Appreciate your efforts for all AT hikers!
God Bless
Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s always a pleasure to share information that helps fellow AT hikers.
So sad but eventually it will be back in hiking form. I have no doubt. Thank you again for the updates. ❤❤❤❤❤
Well Ramdino, sounds like the class of 2025 will put some new steps on some new paths, it’s still all a journey. I’m totally up for it and look forward to my journey on this foot path. Thank you so much again for what you do. Please keep us hikes informed.
It's gonna be a great ride. Enjoy every step.
Thank you for the update.This video was very informative.
Glad to hear it!
Gonna be an adventure for sure 😳 Thanks for the updates.
It’s going to be a wild ride for sure!
Love ya Ramdino! Thank you for calling out what needs to be SAID!
You're welcpme
Not much mentioned so far is that like Yellowstone after the devastating fire in 1988, by spring the forest will show widespread new growth of foliage that was kept limited by the mature old growth canopy. The downed trees will be there, but there will likely be lots of new green to make a new face of the forest in those areas.
This isn’t a forest fire bud. Why would people talk about a 35 year old event
The forest is resilient, new life will emerge.
The pictures show that they’ve kept the trail open to get emergency vehicles in in case someone needs help. It always looks more barren in the winter when the leaves are all gone and you can see all of the fallen branches and trees.
just look at some of the fire zones in California that were completely covered by forest, and soon after the fire is out, within a few weeks, you see new growth, sprouting up..
So the storm came thru in the fall when all the leaves should have been on the trees and in beautiful colors
👍Thank you for the updates
Glad you like it.
How did Standing Bear Hostel hold up with the storm? Thanks for updates!!!
All good
I've been thinking about next year. I hammock camp. I'm thinking the trail is going to be very very interesting. Might have to bone up on some parkour skills too. Thanks for the update.
It'll be an adventure. Best to be prepared.
thank you for the info!
You bet! Glad you found it helpful!
luv what u do ramdino
Preciate cha
Sad to see so much damage from Hurricane Helene, and now a wild fire in PA too 😢
Tuff end of year for the trail
That was some good information Ramdino! Keep On Rocking It! 🌻✌️❤️🦆donnie duck
Appreciate that! Cheers to you too.
Thanks again Ramdino for keeping us all up to date. Your videos give us 2025 NOBOs much more insight as to what we can expect than any other source. I notice a November 6 announcement on the Cherokee site about a full opening except Jackson Farm area which is nowhere near the AT. The ATC hasn't updated anything, but should this mean that closed portion from U.S. 19E to U.S. 321 (Dennis Cove area) is open? What's your take on that?
Dennis Cove area has some open areas and some closed. My understanding is it's open from nobo ,19E to the Bitter End and sobo Boots off to walnut mtn road. Sobo walnut is bombed although I onow of a hiker that got thru bushwacking
Love the update Ramdino it’s devastating what happened but the good lord has made a new path and will bless everyone I look forward to it
ISAIAH 43:18-19
Me too.
@ I must not of heard but how will the resupply be that section or should we prepare mail in boxes? Thank you
@Outcast, I wish I could give your comment two or three thumbs up!
@@dontall71 haha thanks bud verse just spoke to me during that video
Damascus is open for resupply. Food City there and I'm sure if Dollar General isn't they'll build 2 more within eyesight of each other
Found a bridge out on my last section hike made it fun to cross 😂
Is the Dollar general in Hot Springs still open, that's where I get resupplied when I hike through Hot springs.
DK
Also- the Trail Days Festival in Damascus is officially still on for 2025, of course! May 16-18. Come for a weekend of drum circles, giant bonfires, fun,and free music, yall! -Damascus local
See you there!
@Ramdinohikes
And thank you very much for the update on the AT! Last we had heard on Scanner Food was that it was possibly gonna be rerouted around Damascus for 2025. It's good to hear that it isn't. Thank you.
Good video. It is a lot more dangerous than usual out there. Don't encourage bushwacking. People will get lost and hurt. I was one of the rare 2LTs who could read a map because I was trained as a surveyor. Most people are not good with a map and compass. Good Luck, Rick
Yea, that's why I discouraged it if you can't read a map or compass
Thank you sir. New sub here.👍🏻
Welcome aboard!
@ Glad to be here.👍🏻
4 pines hostel is doing just fine. Hike on by.
So don't strop and take a break?
@ I may have worked that poorly
A lot of surprises to come lol
Class of 2025 here 🥾🙏🏿
You got that right
Hi Ramdino;
I do a lot of trail maintenance in north Georgai and we are not allowed to use powered equipment in wilderness areas. Do you think the Forrest Service will make exceptions for this rare event?
Nope. highly doubt it.
its true that roan high knob shelter floor is very convex lol
It's been removed so I'm sure they'll fix it
GREAT VIDEO A OSCAR VIDEO MY FRIEND RAMDINO
Appreciate the love!
Does anyone know if Hidden Pond Hostel closed? They've been quiet on social media for months.
Dk
Thanks for the info.
2027 thru hike should be okay?
2025 should be ok
I'm not sure, but I don't think volunteers can make decisions where to relocate a trail. I might be wrong, but doesn't the Forest Service need to approve the reroutes? I mean, don't they have to physically walk certain sections and certify it?
There’s a lengthy process for reroutes that includes environmental and archeological assessments. For reroutes to road walks or another existing trail, that won’t be an issue, but it’s no cake walk to get approval to cut new trail on federal lands.
Thks for your informed input
@CloverHikes is correct and a hard working trail club member.
Normally long distance hikers don't carry the unnecessary weight in their pack of items like saw...axe or hatchet....machete or other large blade or knife. It just gets in the way and makes your core weight too heavy. But now however....now those items or some combination thereof may be completely necessary not to be out on the trail without. It may be necessary to group up with 2 or 3 others in a group where one person has each of the group of tools or bushwacking implements or equipment combined.
We'll see, the trail crews are doing an awesome job faster than I expected.
thanks ramdino be blessed end of days still open?
You're welcome! I'll be posting updates about what's open and closed, keep checking back!
Yikes!
This goes to show how spoiled thru hikers have gotten over the years. Hostels in nearly every town is a newer thing. Hikers back in the day didn't have as many accommodations as hikers do today. It's not the end of the world. Sleep in your tent more. After all, we're out there to hike, right? But at the same time, it's sad to see how many hostels are closing down, not due to the hurricane. Makes me wonder if it's due to them having too many entitled, bad thru hikers. I really hope not, but it sounds like too many all shutting down their hostels at once.
Spotter, you might be on to something. Dealing with hikers who seem to feel entitled can be a downer for hostel owners
Is far-out new name for guthook? Last time I was out here I had guthook on my phone.
Yea, it changed to far out when gut hook sold it to atlas.
Well with all the damaged areas clear out all the fallen trees and replant
Bushwhacking. Use hot pink surveyors tape to mark trail once you PROVE a good re route. Surveyors etc generally do not use that color.
Is the n o c in north caralina and what is there status
Yes, and there is no damage to the NOC
@Ramdinohikes ok that's great thanks
Hiked north and southbound a couple of weeks ago and all is well at the NOC!
I think we will see the trail open by New Years.
Not saying no,but do you have independent knowledge?
ATC can suggest a section be closed but they don’t have the authority to close anything
💯💥
Planning on a thru hike in 2025. I’m a hammock camper is this going to be a huge issue? Will I just need to go to ground during these section? Thanks for the updates!
I'm not seeing ALL trees at shelters down because they are usually in lower areas where the water is. But some are at higher places like Blue Mtn. Where the damge may be worse. Most dangerous is in the south or east slopes
Stick the Eagle just posted on his thru hike. He started hammock....and went tent. Look, you're in cold, wet, windy conditions. A hammock is fine in your back yard but outdoors....you're kidding I hope. The convection in cold will popsicle you asap. No real cover. You can ultra light yourself into big trouble. I got a North Face stormbreak 2, with a fly, and good stakes. Great tent and has many ties for cords, stability. It's not ultralight, about 5.5 lbs but your tent is your critical need. A fly protects you and the tent. I would go with a tent with a fly, with good ventilation.
Ditch any stakes tent manufacturers have with tents and get good lightweight real stakes. REI has bronze snow stakes that are great. 6$ each. Invest in good stakes for high wind.
@ I’ve hammock camped for years now. Did it on the Colorado trail in the winter in Red River Gorge and I just don’t sleep as well on the ground. I’m a very hot sleeper as well!!
Is the motel in Hot Springs still open?
The one at the actual hot springs is under repair.
It has been a bad year for the trails, lost over a million acres and a couple of trail towns on the pct and parts of the CDT got hit also.The AT is over groomed it won't hurt thru hikers to have to work a little bit maybe they won't complain as much when they get to the PCT
It's true, this year has been tough for our beloved trails. It's a reminder that we need to cherish and protect these natural spaces. Let's hope for better conditions ahead!
@@Ramdinohikes Amen we are lucky to have the trail system we have no other place does.
That is a lot of mouths to feed at the ATC!
2025 AT thru hikers will be challenged thru the damaged areas.
They will, but they'll be able to make it.
Here's an idea get the army corps of engineers and the naval Seabees out there to do some work both can build temporary Bridges both of them can clear the trails but having the army corps of engineers in the naval Seabees out there would definitely help
Get er done!
residents in the Helene devastated war zones need that help far more than selfish hikers who have a choice to hike elsewhere. AT recnstruction should be last on the list.
In The Pisgah national Forest the only reason why they're not out there working on it cuz they don't want to they will work on that area that is closed when they feel like working on it not any sooner it might be 5 6 years by the time they get it cleared
Tell must more. Why is Pisgah like that?
Zero evidence of what you're saying.
I’m sure tons of blazes are down
Oh yea just follow the logs
Water sources will change
Good point
100 years ago the entire trail probably looked like this from logging. The wild game population will explode in these areas. A beautiful open forest does not benefit all the critters.
I'm pretty sure when they logged the trees, they hauled them off. Would love to see dogs herding deer and bear thru this junk
@@Ramdinohikes That's why the game will be there. Nothing can catch it.
I think that the word "forever" is not really applicable for a dynamic landscape and environment. It is just different for now. Tomorrow is another day. Ymmv I reckon. Peace
So it has been changed forever, but it'll be back better and beautiful
Yep, Things change. Kind of why people shouldn't get bent out of shape when you don't follow the trail exactly, it's an illusion.
Agreed. The video title is sensationalistic. Every single day, the trail changes, and none of it is forever. We humans have an over-inflated sense of our importance.
Yes
Bushwhack
Go for it
Awesome
How many Gen Z s does it take to operate a compass ? Hahaha
My guess is they're in trouble, but I'd love to see it. Lol 😆
Once they find the USB c input they'll be fine 🙂
Heh, heh. Bring back boy scouts! You can get topological maps from the USGS. It does remind me how things have changed, having to understand contour maps etc was once part of the outdoor experience, AT guidebooks had those maps in them. (Google does those though). GPS is one of those things that makes people a little more confident than they should be.
😎☮
aldha ?
Sorry, don't understand the question
Appalachian long distance hikers association @@Ramdinohikes
The class of 25 is going to probably be the toughest year in MANY decades if not the Toughest ever.
Nah, it's not gonna be that bad. Just a little different.
if its not about doom and gloom why do you say "SHOCKING?" in the title?
because the amount of damage IS shocking
I like roadwalking!
Can't wait to hear what the official milage is in 2025.
It'll be different, always is.
Your description is very dark and mostly unreadable. Just thot you should know.
No such thing as huanted
Just so ya know, a lot of us net folks see anything like "shocking truth" or "horrifying moment" in a title, we downvote, DNR, and move on.
Don't be a clickbait farmer, it loses as many or more views as it wins, alienates potential viewers.
Gotcha, tks for commenting just the same