Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Alerts

High Shoals Creek Falls Trail Closed
Date(s): Jul 13, 2018

Contact(s): Blue Ridge Ranger District, 706-745-6928

The High Shoals Creek Falls Trail is closed due to damage to the trail from heavy rain. Forest Service Road 283 (Indian Grave Gap Road) is open.
CAMPING CLOSURE for area around Rainbow Family gathering, Lumpkin County
Date(s): Jun 15, 2018

The Forest Service has issued a camping closure order for the area surrounding the Rainbow Family gathering that took place July 4-7, 2018.

SEE MAP
FS Road 1098 & Wise Creek Canoe launch temporarily closed
Area(s): Oconee Ranger District, Ocmulgee Bluff Horse Bike and Hike Trail System

Date(s): Jun 7, 2018

**Update** Forest Service Road 1098 (Ocmulgee Church Road) and the Wise Creek canoe launch on the Ocmulgee River is temporarily closed because of hazardous conditions. Please contact the Oconee Ranger District Office for more information at 706-485-7110.
CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
Date(s): Jun 7, 2018

While beautiful to see, waterfalls often pose risks to unprepared visitors. Each year, there are serious injuries and fatalities at Georgia waterfalls.

The best way to enjoy a waterfall is from a safe distance. Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on or around waterfalls and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery and it's easy to lose your balance. Currents near waterfalls can be extremely swift even in areas further upstream.

Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools at the base of waterfalls. Rocks and logs can be hidden beneath the surface of the water and their positions are ever-changing. Often waterfall pools have swirling water or currents that can drag and keep you underwater.

Have fun and enjoy the beauty, but please be safe!

Learn more about Outdoor Safety and Ethics
BE BEAR AWARE - Unusually aggressive bear reported near Addis Gap
Date(s): May 25, 2018

Be bear aware. An unusally aggressive black bear was reported near Addis Gap off Wildcat Creek Road in Rabun County today 5/25/18. Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division is responding.

Advice for staying safe in bear country: https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/bears
Tallulah River Campground Temporary Closure
Date(s): May 14, 2018

Tallulah River Campground will be temporarily closed beginning May 14th until bathroom facility has been replaced. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/ChattOconeeNF/posts/1830673686972415
Upper Chattahoochee Campground Closed Temporarily
Date(s): Mar 16, 2018

Upper Chattahoochee Campground will remain closed until FSR 44 - Chattahoochee River Road is repaired. See more: TEMPORARILY CLOSED Roads on the Chattooga River Ranger District
CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV
Area(s): Beasley Knob OHV Trails, Davenport Mountain OHV Trails, Whissenhunt OHV Trails, Locust Stake OHV Trail System, Oakey Mountain OHV Trails, Houston Valley OHV Trails, Rock Creek ORV Trail, Rocky Flats OHV Trail, Tatum Lead ORV Trail, Windy Gap, Milma Creek, and Tibbs OHV Trails, Roberts Bike Camp OHV Trails, Town Creek OHV Trails

Date(s): Feb 28, 2018

Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check the status of your favorite trail or Call Before You Haul.

Conditions

Weather Around the Forest

Know Before You Go - Check Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Georgia from the National Weather Service.

View current conditions live via webcams at Brasstown Bald on the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Monitor National Weather Service current weather, plus forecasts for fire, drought, and real-time surface water flows in Georgia.

Public Notices

Cooper Creek Watershed Project

The Blue Ridge Ranger District of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests recently released an environmental assessment and draft decision for the Cooper Creek Watershed Project. The project is located southwest of Blairsville and just north of Suches, Ga., covering approximately 30,000 acres.

“Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2015” maps

View maps as introduced and subject to change entitled “Priority Land Adjustments, State of Georgia, U.S. Forest Service—Southern Region, Oconee and Chattahoochee National Forests, U.S. Congressional Districts—8, 9, 10 & 14” dated September 24, 2013, that are part of 114th Congress, H.R. 470 “Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2015.”

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