Alerts
Please visit this page for current closures and advisories.
Forest Alerts
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Fire danger increasing in Georgia – Prevention team educates about wildfire prevention
Increasing fire danger across north Georgia, fueled by dry conditions and rising temperatures, is prompting fire personnel to urge residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires and avoid debris burning until conditions improve.Now through April 7, a multiagency… -
Campground Updates: Low Gap Temporary Closure and Water System Changes
Visitors to the Chattooga River Ranger District should be aware of several campground updates as the Forest Service completes facility improvements and transitions aging infrastructure. Low Gap Campground is temporarily closed while restroom facilities are replaced. The campground was taken… -
Pinhoti Trail Prescribed Fire Activity Friday, March 6
The Conasauga Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations in the Dry Creek area. Portions of the Pinhoti Trail that pass through the burn area may experience temporary closures or delays during operations. Prescribed fire is an important forest management tool used to reduce… -
Temporary Closure on Portion of Duncan Ridge Road (FSR 39) Beginning March 9
UPDATE, 30 March 2026:The bridge is out over Mulkey Creek along FS-39 (Duncan Ridge Rd), and FS-4 (Mulkey Gap Rd) is inaccessible via FS-39. Exercise caution and avoid traveling too far down the road where vehicles are unable to safely turn around.__________________________The Chattahoochee-Oconee… -
Pocket Picnic Area Temporarily Closed March 4
The Pocket picnic area will be temporarily closed Wednesday, March 4, to allow for safe prescribed fire activities. -
Keown Falls and Johns Mountain Overlook Temporary Closure
For public safety during prescribed burn activities, Johns Mountain Overlook and Keown Falls will be temporarily closed Tuesday, February 24. -
Residual Impacts from Recent Winter Storms
Recent winter weather events affected portions of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. While crews have made significant progress clearing hazards and restoring access, visitors may still encounter downed trees, debris, or minor damage on some forest roads, trails, and recreation… -
Johns Mountain Overlook Temporarily Closed Saturday, February 7
The Johns Mountain Overlook Road will be temporarily closed on Saturday, February 7 for the safety of the Snake Creek Gap race. -
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest begins prescribed fires
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has begun prescribed fire operations, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through May as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and… -
Johns Mountain Overlook and Keown Falls Temporary Closure
For public safety during prescribed burn activities, Johns Mountain Overlook and Keown Falls will be temporarily closed Friday, January 16. -
Temporary Road Closure Alert – Chattooga River Ranger District
UPDATED: January 22, 2026Due to multiple road slides, the following National Forest System roads are temporarily closed for public safety and will remain closed until further notice. At this time, there is no estimated reopening date. We understand these closures may disrupt travel plans and… -
Temporary Closure - All Administrative Offices Dec. 24-26th
In accordance with the Administration’s Presidential Action, our offices will be closed Dec. 24–26 in observance of the holiday. National forests and grasslands will remain open for your enjoyment. -
Prescribed Fire planned - 17 Dec. 2025
The Blue Ridge Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations today on 34 acres approximately 6 miles northwest of Blairsville, GA, in Union County.The point of the burn is to enhance wildlife habitat and promote native pollinator species, improve forest health and decrease fuel… -
Temporary Closure - Tottery Pole Rd, FSR 86C
Tottery Pole Rd, FSR 86C, will be closed for surveys Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 8-9th. -
Temporary Closure for Muskrat Creek Road FS 218 and Windy Gap OHV Trailhead
Road maintenance is currently underway on FS 218. -
Temporary Closure of Hidden Creek Roads 955E, 955B, 955D
Road repair work is being done in the Hidden Creek area over the next several months. Currently, 955E, 955B and 955D are closed to vehicle traffic. Roads will be reopened when repairs are complete, and they are safe to drive. -
Wildfire Prevention
Wildfire activity has picked up across north and central Georgia over the past couple of weeks, and conditions remain dry. As you enjoy your time on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, a few small choices can make a big difference in preventing human-caused fires. • Keep campfires small,… -
Hidden Creek Temporary Closure
Road maintenance is being performed on roads in the Hidden Creek area. Â Heavy equipment is present on Forest Service roads 955B and 955E currently, with other roads in the area being temporarily closed in the near future. -
Temporary Closure - Tallulah River Road/FSR 70 - 11/11/2025 - 11/15/2025
Just past the campground will be closed from Tuesday, Nov. 11, until Saturday, Nov. 15th, from 9 AM to 4 PM.  -
Temporary Closure - Upper Chattooga River Road 11/10/2025
Closed 11/10/2025 for maintenance. Transportation to Low Gap Campground will be affected during this closure but will remain open with an alternate route. -
Windy Gap Trail System Temporarily Closed
The Windy Gap trail system will be closed for several days while crews perform maintenance on Muskrat Road (FS 241) clearing hurricane downfall. -
Emery Creek Parking Lot Closure
The Emery Creek trailhead parking lot will be closed Monday, October 20 to allow for engineering surveys. Â The trail will remain open. -
Lake Conasauga Campground Closure Due to Waterline Break
Due to a broken water line in the drinking water system, Lake Conasauga campground loop will be closed for health and safety concerns. Forest Service employees are working to locate the issue in order to repair and restore the water system. The picnic area, boat ramp and overflow are still… -
Aug. 27-Sept. 9 - Chattooga River office temporarily unable to sell permits, passes and map
From Aug. 27 to Sept. 9, the Chattooga River Ranger District office will temporarily be unable to sell permits, passes or maps. Â -
Temporary road closures - Tottery Pole Rd & FSR 7
Temporary road closures: Tottery Pole Road (Aug. 18) and Hale Ridge Road/FSR 7 (Aug. 19) The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest will close the following roads for forest management and restoration work between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (ET): Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 – Tottery Pole Road 34.959999,… -
Flash Flood Awareness
Recent heavy rains have saturated the ground and raised water levels in rivers and streams. Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning, especially in low-lying areas, stream channels, and valleys. Conditions may remain hazardous even after rainfall ends. Avoid riverbanks and… -
CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
While beautiful, waterfalls pose risks to 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… -
Forest Supervisor's Orders, Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines
Please visit this page for Forest Supervisor's Orders about official Recreation Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines for Forest Visitors.Rules for Visitors to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GeorgiaAll visitors and users of the National Forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The… -
Hickory Ridge #71 and Rough Ridge #12 Trails closed (Cohutta Wilderness)
The Hickory Ridge (#71) and Rough Ridge (#12) trails in the Cohutta Wilderness (Conasauga Ranger District) are temporarily closed for public safety. Hurricane Helene’s high winds and heavy rainfall have compounded ongoing changes to the Wilderness resulting from the 2016 drought and wildfires.… -
Forest Service 259 Hammond Gap Temporarily Closed
Forest Service Road 259, Hammond Gap, is temporarily closed for public safety. -
Forest Service Road 212B Temporarily Closed
Forest Service Road 213B, Turkey Creek, is temporarily closed to protect the resource and for public safety. -
Grassy Gap - Horseshoe Ridge Road FSR 55 Temporary Road Closure - Blue Ridge Ranger District
Forest Service Road 55, Grassy Gap - Horseshoe Ridge Road, located on the Blue Ridge Ranger District, is closed temporarily to protect the resource and for public safety. -
Forest Service Road 259C Temporarily Closed
Forest Service Road 259C, Cockburn Road, is closed temporarily to protect the resource and for public safety. -
Lower Moccasin Road (FSR127) closed for repairs
ALERT: Lower Moccasin Road (FSR127, also known as Andersonville Lane) is closed for emergency repairs to a collapsed road culvert. Access to Hemlock Falls trailhead is limited by this road closure. Please avoid the area for visitor safety and road maintenance staff. Contact the Chattooga River… -
Be Bear-Aware!
Camping season is bear-aware season. It's crucial to store food and scented items properly and know what to do if you encounter a bear.  Bears are curious, hungry, and have a keen sense of smell, so they are attracted to food, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. To reduce the odds of having a bear… -
Hammond Gap (FS 259 A) Road Closure
Recent road maintenance combined with heavy rains have caused the road surface to be soft and subject to damage from traffic. Â The road will be temporarily closed to allow the surface to dry and settle. -
Dunaway Gap Road Maintenance
Please use caution when traveling Forest Service Road 204, Dunaway Gap, due to heavy equipment performing road maintenance. -
Oconee recreation areas closed for repairs; Redlands, Swords and Dyar Pasture
The Oconee Ranger District will be temporarily closing the Redlands Recreation Area (June 3-6), Swords Recreation Area (June 9-13), and Dyar Pasture Rec Area (June 16-20). The temporary closures will allow the installation of new courtesy docks and fishing piers. Please contact the Oconee District… -
No Visitor Access to Oconee Ranger District Office
Due to storm drain construction related to the HWY 441 expansion project, public access to the Oconee Ranger District office is currently suspended.We recommend:-Purchasing passes online, including the Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Pass, at Recreation.gov-Calling our front office at (706)… -
Narrows Road Maintenance
There is ongoing road maintenance being performed on Narrows Road in the area of Hammond Gap. Â Please be aware of possible rough road conditions. -
Closure Alert - Forest Service Road 58
Forest Service Road 58 – Noontootla Road - will experience a temporary partial closure from 21 May 2025 to 23 May 2025 for emergency road repairs.  Road repair will take place in the vicinity of 34.688114, -84.199594. This closure will only affect through traffic at this location. The remainder… -
Oconee Ranger District moves to "Scan to Pay" on Recreation Sites
As of today, May 1, 2025, the Oconee Ranger District is now offering forest visitors the option of paying for their day-use recreation site fees with the free, easy-to-use Recreation.gov mobile app and choosing the “scan and pay” option.To use “scan and pay” in lieu of other traditional… -
ATV and OHV - Call Before You Haul
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… -
Appalachian Trail Reopened from Blue Ridge Gap to Deep Gap
17 April 2025 - The Appalachian National Scenic Trail from Blue Ridge Gap to Deep Gap has been reopened.------------CAUTION: Due to uncontrolled wildfire activity, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail has been closed from Blue Ridge Gap to Deep Gap. For more information, please contact the Blue… -
Forest Supervisor's Office No Longer Accepting Cash
After April 25th, 2025, the Forest Supervisor's Office will no longer accept cash as a form of payment. Cards and checks will continue to be accepted. -
Warwoman WMA and Big Ridge Fire Area Reopened
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has officially terminated the Forest Closure Order for the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area and the Big Ridge Fire Area. Effective immediately, all previously closed roads, trails, and recreation sites within the affected area are now open to the… -
CLOSED - Panther Creek Rec Area due to Storm Damage Alert
GAINESVILLE, GA — The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has issued an official closure order for the Panther Creek Recreation Area following significant damage sustained during Hurricane Helene. The closure, which is effective immediately, is necessary to protect public health and safety due… -
Burn Ban Termination
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has officially terminated the burn ban order that was instated on March 27, 2025. Effective April 4, 2025, visitors may resume campfires and other permitted fire activities in accordance with local regulations and forest… -
Panther Creek Trail Temporary Hiker Restrictions
March 19-21, 2025Panther Creek Recreation Area and trail is closed until March 21. A prescribed fire will be conducted in the Tugaloo Village Area. For the safety of visitors and fire managers, please avoid the area.Recreation map:… -
SEVERE Weather Warning! Road and Recreation Site Closures
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING! Extreme winter weather is predicted for parts of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the next few days. Please check our Facebook page @chattoconeenf for the latest closures and check weather conditions at US National Weather Service Peachtree City Georgia. -
Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range Temporarily Closed
The Chestnut Mountain range will be temporarily closed for several days in the interest of public safety while firefighters work to contain the Chestnut Mountain wildfire. -
Rock Creek Road (FSR 69) Temporary Closure
Rock Creek Road (FSR 69) will experience a temporary partial closure on 25 February 2025.  Road maintenance will take place in the vicinity of 34.726797, -84.151518, closing vehicular through traffic from approximately 7am to 4pm. This closure will only affect through traffic at this location. The… -
All Temporary Closures- Hurricane Helene
UPDATE (Jan. 6, 2025, 2:30 PM) - All recreation sites, campgrounds and trails have returned to normal, seasonal closures. We continue to assess storm damage in accessible areas of the Forest. Trail conditions on the Appalachian Trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee NF have not been fully assessed.… -
UTV Education for Forest Visitors
Contact(s): Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110Before riding your UTV, Educate Yourself! Obtain a map (motor vehicle use map) of your destination and determine which areas are open to UTVs. Respected Access is Open Access! By practicing…