Alerts
Forest Alerts
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Forest Service Working on Bolar Flat Marina Parking Area Boat Launch Closure May 5 to May 11
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest’s James River and Warm Springs Ranger District will be sealing and line painting the day-use parking area for Bolar Flat Marina, May 5th through May 11th. The boat launch will be closed and will reopen May 12th.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Alcohol prohibition at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter
Alcohol is prohibited at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.