Alerts
Forest Alerts
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Clinch Ranger District: FS Road 237 Powell Mountain Temporarily Closed 8/28-9/9/2025
From August 28, 2025 to September 9, 2025 NFS Road 237 Powell Mountain Road will be temporarily closed to all public activities for road repair. No bypass or turnaround opportunities will be provided beyond road closure signs.
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Mount Rogers National Recreation Area: FS Road 643 Bartons Gap Temporarily Closed 8/15-9/5/2025
From August 15, 2025 to September 5, 2025 NFS Road 643 Barton's Gap Road will be temporarily closed to all public activities for road repair. No bypass or turnaround opportunities will be provided beyond road closure signs.
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Clinch Ranger District: NFS Road 238 Eagle Knob Temporarily Closed 7/8-9/5/2025
From July 8, 2025 to September 5, 2025 NFS Road 238 Eagle Knob Road will be temporarily closed to all public activities for road repair. No bypass or turnaround opportunities will be provided beyond road closure signs.
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Balcony Falls to Skimmer Transmission Line Reconstruction Project
Construction activities on the Balcony Falls to Skimmer Transmission Line Reconstruction Project may impact visitors now through October 2025.
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Sections of Virginia Creeper Trail closed due to Hurricane Helene damage
A section of the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail (Forest Service Trail #4575) is closed past Trestle #17 in the Town of Damascus east to Whitetop Station and the North Carolina line. This section of the trail is on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. -
Construction near Appalachian Trail on Peter's Mountain
Hikers may hear sound or see lights in the vicinity of Symms Gap meadow on the crest of Peters Mountain (southbound mile 1544, northbound mile 649.1) Please stay on the Trail.
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Sherando Lake visitor rules
The following prohibitions apply within the Sherando Lake Recreation Area.
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Prohibitions in designated recreation sites
Several prohibitions related to swimming, camping, and parking apply in Recreation Areas, Day Use sites, and swim beaches on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest lands.
See the below forest order for full details.
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Prohibitions at Cascades Recreation Area
Climbing the rocks around or under the waterfall is prohibited.
Camping anywhere in the recreation area, parking lot, or trail is prohibited.
The trail is designated for hiking only. Horses, bikes, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail.
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Special regulations apply when visiting wilderness areas
When visiting wilderness areas in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, is it prohibited to:
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Target shooting allowed only at designated shooting ranges
For public safety, target shooting is allowed only in designated shooting ranges.
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Saint Mary's Wilderness Prohibitions
Several prohibitions are in place at the Saint Mary's Wilderness on the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District.
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Shooting Ranges rules and prohibitions
Target shooting on the George Washinton and Jefferson National Forests is allowed only at established shooting ranges. Several rules apply to all shooting ranges. See the below forest order for details.
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Controlled Substances Prohibited
It is prohibited to possess controlled substances on National Forest lands in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
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The abandoned Powells Fort Organization Camp is closed to all entry
It is prohibited to enter within 100 feet of the abandoned buildings of the Powells Fort Organization Camp on the Lee Ranger District.
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Vehicle requirements for use of Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap Trail System
Only four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or similar high clearance vehicles are allowed at the Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap Trail System.
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Motor vehicle operators must follow State Laws
Motor vehicle operators must follow all State Laws.
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Hunting prohibited around Lake Moomaw
Hunting is prohibited in and around Lake Moomaw recreation areas.
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Prohibitions on the James River Footbridge on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
It is prohibited to have alcohol, camp, or build a fire on or around the James River footbridge of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail or in the nearby parking lot on the Amherst County side of the footbridge.
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General Prohibitions
There are several general prohibitions that apply throughout the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. See the attached forest order for details. -
Food Storage and Disposal Requirements - Bear Safety
In many campgrounds and recreation areas on the forest, visitors are required to store and dispose of food in bear-proof receptacles.
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Alcohol prohibition at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter
Alcohol is prohibited at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.