High elevation trails at Baxter State Park are closed as of Friday because of early snowfall and changing weather conditions.

The park says all Katahdin and Traveler Loop trails are closed for the season, with conditions expected to fluctuate between freezing and thawing temperatures in the coming days.

The closure includes Owl Trail, which is the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail, and hikers are being asked to plan accordingly.

There’s concern that foot traffic under current weather conditions could harm alpine habitat and erode the trails.