Hikers on national park trails who cannot maintain a safe distance from others will be required to wear masks under new guidance from the National Park Service.
The mask guidelines appear to affect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which is overseen by the park service, and the Continental Divide and Pacific Crest Trails, both of which cross national parks and other federal lands.
The NPS issued the guidance on Tuesday, Feb. 2, less that two weeks after President Joe Biden signed an order requiring masks on federal property and lands.
“Face masks are now required in all NPS buildings and facilities,” the park service says on its website. “Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes. Additional public health measures are in place across the service, from capacity limits to one-way trails, or even temporary closures in response to local conditions.”
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic national parks have been inconsistent in their responses. Some national parks, among them Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Yosemite, closed briefly. Some parks recommended wearing masks, but did not require them.
The park service advises checking park websites before visiting to read about their responses to Covid.
Yosemite—located in California, which is being hit hard by Covid—issued safety guidelines in late January that limited groups to fewer than 11 people and required social distancing of 6 feet with all but members of the same household.
Wearing masks on trails is controversial, and the response on social media to the park service rules is no different. Comments range from hikers willing to wear masks when meeting others on narrow trails to those vowing to never wear masks.
The park service emphasizes that wearing masks is the responsible thing to do during the pandemic and has guidelines for recreating responsibly.
“Wearing a mask around others, physical distancing, and washing your hands are the simplest and most effective public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” NPS Office of Public Health Director Captain Sara Newman said. “Getting outside and enjoying our public lands is essential to improving mental and physical health, but we all need to work together to recreate responsibly.”