Appalachian Trail, other high elevations unsafe during winter weather

Hikers should stay off the Appalachian Trail and other high elevation trails during the wintery weather, the Forest Service advises.
 
Trail conditions can change rapidly and for personal safety, as well as to avoid further stress on emergency responders, the Forest Service urged hikers to stay home in a press release issued Friday.
 
Weather conditions at high elevations can also be significantly different than conditions predicted for surrounding areas and lower elevations.
 
They recommend staying off the trails from Friday until Monday.