The temporary government shutdown in New Jersey is having an impact on the state’s hikers.
The shutdown began on Saturday, July 1 amid a political standoff over the state’s budget. Because of the shutdown, all state parks and forests are closed until further notice.
That complicates matters for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers hoping to stay in facilities and resupply along the trail in New Jersey. All parks along the AT are currently closed, including Worthington State Forest, Stokes State Forest, High Point State Park, and Wawayanda State Park, which together comprise almost 60 miles of the A.T.
Although the Appalachian Trail is not closed, some access points and parking areas are closed. Hikers should respect any closures or directions of law enforcement officials they encounter in these areas. Long-distance hikers should be aware that facilities such as High Point State Park (HFSP) office will be closed. Hikers will not be able to pick up packages at HPSP and should not send packages there until the shutdown has ended.
Maine is also experiencing a temporary government shutdown. But it doesn’t affect AT hikers as most of the AT in Maine is on National Park Service land, and Maine state parks are staying open during the shutdown.