Alerts

• Coleman River Rd (FSR #54) Closure

  Date(s): Feb 3, 2022

  Coleman River Road (FSR #54) is closed to motorized access due to a newly formed landslide. The slide has destabilized a significant portion of the road and incoming heavy precipitation will likely further damage the road. 

• CAUTION Waterfall Dangers

  Date(s): Aug 26, 2021

  While beautiful, waterfalls pose risks to unprepared visitors. Each year serious injuries and fatalities occur 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 is 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 and swirling water currents can drag and keep you underwater.

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

• Visitor centers at Anna Ruby Falls and Brasstown Bald reduce capacity

  Date(s): Aug 26, 2021

  While the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is open for public use, the U.S. Forest Service and managers for FIND Outdoors are reducing visitation capacity at two visitor centers in response to guidance from health and safety officials. Please contact the visitor centers to learn the current status, and how to get the services and information you need.

  Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area
  Phone: 706-878-1448

  Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center
  Phone: 706-896-2556

  For the most current and accurate information about COVID-19, contact your local health officials or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

• Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District

  Date(s): Mar 30, 2021

  Contact(s): Chattooga River Ranger District, 706-754-6221

  After heavy rains and damage from erosion, Forest Service officials on the Chattooga River Ranger District temporarily closed several National Forest roads to motorized public access.

  Temporary closure to vehicles is required to protect and maintain roads adjacent to sensitive wildlife habitat and streams. Closures will continue until necessary to prevent further damage.​

  Habersham/Stephens Counties

  - Oakey Mountain ORV Trail

  White County

  - FSR79 - Tray Mountain from Corbin Creek Road east to Chimney Mountain Road.

  Rabun County

  - FSR 164 - Dick's Creek

  - FSR 31 - Racepath Rd - washout at 1.5 miles

  - FSR 26-1 - Wildcat Road  - foot traffic welcome

  - Oakey Mountain ORV Trail

  Please visit the Recreation Condition Report to learn status for developed recreation sites: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation

• CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV

  Date(s): Mar 1, 2021

  Contact(s): Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110

  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.

  1. Keep It Safe

      - Wear proper safety gear.

      - Maintain a safe speed.

      - Stay alert.

  2. Keep It Legal

      - Know where you can ride. Keep a current map.

      - Verify what trails are open and when.

      - Learn and follow the rules. Get an OHV pass.

  3. Keep on the Trails

      - Travel only on routes designated for your use.

      - Get maps of designated routes from the Forest Service.

      - Obey signs and temporary postings.

  4. Keep The Privilege

      - Respect the environment. Tread Lightly!®

      - Be courteous to other trail users.

   

• Holcomb Creek Falls trail closure

  Date(s): Nov 2, 2020

  Contact(s): Chattooga River Ranger District at (706)754-6221

  The wooden viewing platform along FS Trail 52 to Holcomb Creek Falls has been impacted by falling trees after recent winds from Hurricane Zeta. The viewing area is now closed and visitors are advised to avoid the area until it can be better assessed, hazard trees are removed and repairs made. Please exercise caution anytime when visiting waterfalls.

  Photo by Reis Birdwhistell.

  

• Panther Creek Trail Temporarily Closed

  Date(s): Oct 23, 2020

  Contact(s): Chattooga River Ranger District at (706)754-6221

  The Chattooga River Ranger District has issued a temporary trail closure for the Panther Creek Trail in Habersham County Georgia.

  Recent high-water events have caused significant damage to the Panther Creek Trail. Bridges are no longer in place requiring hikers to ford Panther Creek and minor tributaries. Sections of the trail tread washed away and sustainable passage to the falls is no longer possible at this time. In addition, high winds and saturated soils led to a higher number of downed trees impacting hiker safety. We appreciate visitor's cooperation while staff work to make the trail safe and address resource damage in order to open Panther Creek Trail soon.

  The Forest Service understands the inconvenience of this temporary closure and appreciates the public respecting the resource by finding open sustainable trails to hike.  For a map of alternative trails, visit:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap. 

  Map & Photos

• Hale Ridge Road closed at Metcalf Creek

  Date(s): Oct 22, 2020

  As a result of a culvert failure following record rainfall, the Chattooga District is temporarily closing Hale Ridge Road (FSR7) north from the Mt Zion Church and Cemetery to the parking area for 3 Forks Trail.  This closure does not affect access to private lands, while also allowing public access to both Rabun Bald Trail and 3 Forks Trailheads. Visit the Interactive Visitor Map to review alternative access points to the Warwoman WMA.

   

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