INCIDENT REPORTING

While the Appalachian Trail is a relatively safe place to visit, that does not mean that there are not potential dangers while you are hiking or camping. If you see something, say something — this will help us keep the A.T. as safe as possible for our visitors.

Here are five ways to report a problem, including incidents related to bear activity.

1. Anytime you or another Trail visitor needs medical attention or a law-enforcement response, including threats to your personal safety, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY, even if you are uncertain if it is a crime.

DIAL 911

If possible, ask the 911 dispatcher to contact the National Park Service 24-Hour Dispatch/Communications Center to inform them of the situation: 1.866.677.6677.
2. If you are not in immediate danger but witness suspicious behavior, have a bad feeling about someone, observe vandalism or resource damage on the A.T., or just feel like something should be reported, contact the National Park Service 24-Hour Dispatch/Communications Center to inform them of the situation: 1.866.677.6677.
3. If you are in a situation where you need an immediate response but are unable to make a phone call or might put yourself at risk by making a call, send an email with as much information as possible (who, what, when, where, and why) to [email protected].
4. After completing step 1, 2, and/or 3: if you are able to submit a detailed report about an incident, such as damage to the Trail, bad behavior at campsites/on trail, a missing or delayed hiker, or a person(s) of concern, please complete and submit the A.T. Incident Report Form. This provides more context about the situation, potential witnesses, and other details that could help with an investigation.

ONLINE INCIDENT FORM


Even if you feel this might have been a one-time situation, law enforcement might have had other reports that we can connect to yours. This could help identify and address a pattern of harassing, threatening, or other concerning behavior.
5. Bear encounters on the Trail. Did you have an encounter with a bear on the Appalachian Trail? Please complete the Bear Incident Report Form if a bear:

BEAR INCIDENT FORM

If you are not sure whether to report something, we always recommend submitting a report for any suspicious or potentially dangerous situations, even if it turns out to be nothing. These reports help our law-enforcement partners identify problem areas requiring more attention. If you would prefer the incident form in a downloadable, printable format (PDF), click here.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is a private, nonprofit organization that has a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service for the management and preservation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. However, ATC has no law enforcement authority; law enforcement is the responsibility of the National Park Service (NPS) agency where the incident occurred. The National Park Service (NPS) coordinates with the U.S. Forest Service, state, county, and local law enforcement along the Trail to monitor and respond to reports of unsafe persons or activity. ATC provides a portal for the recreating public to report incidents on and along the Trail in order to ensure that NPS receives all reports of suspicious or unsafe activity.