Alerts
Please visit this page for current closures and advisories.
Forest Alerts
-
Muskrat Road, FS 218, Temporarily Closed
Forest Service Road 218, Muskrat, is closed due to a road cave-in after recent heavy rain. Â Visitors may still access the parking lot for Windy Gap trail system. -
Lake Conasauga Campground Temporarily Closed
Due to an aging public water system, a water main break has occurred in the Lake Conasauga campground. This break causes a public health and safety concern due to the inability to provide flushable toilets and safe drinking water in accordance with State and Federal guidelines. Out of an… -
Peavine Sheeds Road Closure for repairs
Phase one road construction on Peavine Sheeds Creek Road/FS 221, on the Cherokee National Forest north of the Jacks River bridge into Tennessee will be closed heading west from July 20 – Sept 14. Phase two construction beginning September 15-January 4 will close Peavine Sheeds Creek Road/FS… -
Emery Creek Trailhead – Intermittent Closures Beginning August 5
Emery Creek Trailhead – Intermittent Closures Beginning August 5The Emery Creek Trailhead will experience intermittent closures from August 5 through the end of December while crews work to expand and improve the parking area. Visitors should be prepared for temporary access restrictions during… -
Rough Ridge Trail 12 closed (Cohutta Wilderness)
The Rough Ridge Trail (#12) in the Cohutta Wilderness (Conasauga Ranger District) is 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. These combined impacts have… -
Old CCC Camp Road / Forest Service Road 18 – Temporary Closure Beginning September 8
Road paving crews will be working through November to pave the section of roadway that runs directly alongside Holly Creek. This project will help reduce ongoing erosion and protect water quality in one of the state’s most important aquatic habitats. -
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 streambeds. Stay… -
Campground Updates: Low Gap now OPEN and Water System Changes at Upper Chattahoochee & Andrews Cove
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 has reopened, following replacement of the restroom facilities.Drinking water is unavailable… -
14 Day Camping Limit
Camping or maintaining a campsite on National Forest System lands within any area of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest exceeding an aggregate of 14 days in any 30-day period is prohibited. Once a combination of any 14 days has been reached, individuals must remove their property and leave… -
New phone number for Blue Ridge Ranger District
The main phone line for the Blue Ridge Ranger District has been changed to 706-745-6928. -
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… -
Temporary Road Closure Alert – Chattooga River Ranger District
UPDATED: April 16, 2026Due to land 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 access to the… -
CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
While beautiful, waterfalls pose risks to visitors. Each year serious injuries and fatalities occur at Georgia waterfalls. -
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, Georgia All visitors and users of the National Forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The… -
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. -
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… -
Oconee Ranger District moves to "Scan to Pay" on Recreation Sites
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. -
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… -
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…