Wildfire Prompts Closure in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area

ROBBINSVILLE, N.C., April 15, 2025 – The USDA Forest Service issued a closure order for portions of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness in the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest to entry to mitigate the risks to public safety in response to the ongoing Haoe Fire. 

The following trails are closed:

• Stratton Bald- TR 54
• Haoe Lead- TR 53
• Wolf Laurel- TR 57
• Strawberry Knob- TR 217 H
• Naked Ground- TR 55
• Hangover Lead- TR 56
• Jenkins Meadow- TR 53A
• Slickrock Creek- TR 42

Visitor and employee safety are the highest priorities for the Forest Service, so the public should stay out of this area while fire crews work to contain the blaze.

Currently reaching approximately 120 acres, the Haoe fire started on April 12 by a lightning strike. The fire is located 2 miles from the Joyce-Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail and separated by several natural features, including the Little Santeetlah Creek drainage. Forest Service crews continue to monitor the situation and will work to mitigate impacts on the area's natural resources. 

For wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nfsnc or visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.