The National Forests in North Carolina are open for primitive recreation
Asheville, NC, May 21, 2020 - The USDA Forest Service is expanding access to recreation opportunities, however facilities and services are limited at many sites. Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services at most sites. If you plan to visit, expect a primitive experience. Recreate responsibly and:
Bring the food and water you need for the day and use the restroom before you leave home. Many forest areas have no restrooms and are far from towns that offer these services.
Bring hand sanitizer and the supplies you need to hygienically pack out your waste and your pet's waste.
Know your limits and choose activities that are appropriate for your physical condition. Bring a first-aid kit and extra food, water, and clothing in case emergency response is delayed.
Campgrounds, visitor centers, picnic pavilions, shooting ranges, beaches, restrooms, day use areas, and many other developed recreation sites remain closed. Closed areas include high-use iconic places like Dry Falls, King's Mountain Point, Roan Mountain, Tidelands Trail, and Wayah Bald. Some recreation sites including some campgrounds are expected to reopen in June.
For updated information on temporary closures on the National Forests in North Carolina which includes the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests please visit: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures.
Facilities and services are limited at many sites. Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services at most sites. If you plan to visit, expect a primitive experience.
Bring the food and water you need for the day and use the restroom before you leave home. Many forest areas have no restrooms and are far from towns that offer these services.
Bring hand sanitizer and the supplies you need to hygienically pack out your waste and your pet's waste.
Know your limits and choose activities that are appropriate for your physical condition. Bring a first-aid kit and extra food, water, and clothing in case emergency response is delayed.
Closed areas include high-use iconic places like Dry Falls, King's Mountain Point, Roan Mountain, Tidelands Trail, and Wayah Bald.
Asheville, NC – May 29, 2020 – On June 1, 2020, Uwharrie National Forest will open the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex. The vault toilets will remain closed, visitors should be prepared to take waste home.
Canebrake Horse Camp will remain closed however Canebrake Overflow and Badin Horse Camp will open on June 1 for dispersed camping and day use parking. Arrowhead Campground, Badin Lake Campground, Canebrake Horse Camp, West Morris Mt. Campground, Yates Place Camp, Uwharrie Hunt Camp, Flintlock Valley Shooting Range, and King’s Mt. Point Day Use Area are expected to reopen later in June.
Badin Lake Group Camp will remain closed until the Conservation Corps North Carolina crew has completed trail work in late August.
The USDA Forest Service will open a series of trailheads and access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on May 22. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia will participate in the coordinated reopening.
The Triple Crown in Virginia, which includes Dragon's Tooth trailhead, will remain closed.
Restroom facilities are not available. Shelters will remain closed at this time.
Robbinsville, NC, May 18, 2020 - Visitors to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest should be aware that parking or leaving a vehicle along the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Road (FSR 416) is now prohibited.
This access road to the popular destination is very narrow and has almost no shoulder. Normally there is sufficient parking in the parking lot. The recent increase in visitation has led to roadside parking which creates a hazardous condition for other vehicles that are entering or exiting the parking lot.
For more information and to see the closure order on our website click here .
The Pisgah National Forest will begin to reopen many trails and roads and partially lift restrictions for dispersed camping May 14, using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety of recreation areas. Facilities and services may remain limited at some sites.
Popular recreation areas that will reopen include, but are not limited to:
Catawba Falls, TR 225
Brown Mountain Off Highway Vehicle Area
Black Balsam Road, FSR 816, and associated trails
Bent Creek Road, FSR 479 and most trails and trailheads
For more information including a complete list of trails, roads, and recreation areas that are reopening and information on dispersed camping please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/pisgahreopenings.
Troy, NC, May 11, 2020 - Badin Lake Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail System on the Uwharrie National Forest will remain closed through May 31. This federal agency operating decision was based on regional data and best available information regarding local health and safety.
We are working with our state and local partners as we determine the best path forward to safely reopen the trail system as local conditions warrant. The Forest Service's highest priority is ensuring the safety of the public and our employees on national forest system lands while supporting mission critical functions.
Forest Service officials are regularly evaluating the situation and working with local communities on phased plans to reopen sites and facilities as soon as this can be accomplished safely.
We are looking forward to again seeing these sites filled with the people from the communities we serve, enjoying the full benefits their national forests have to offer
Pisgah Forest, NC – May 11, 2020- The Pisgah Ranger District will close a portion of Cathey’s Creek Road, FSR 471, approximately 3 miles from Highway 64 to replace a stream crossing starting May 11.
This portion of the road will be closed to vehicle traffic as well as bike and pedestrian access. This work is expected to last until the end of June.
For more information please contact the Pisgah Ranger District at (828) 877-3265.
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