Access to Chilhowee Recreation Area and Forest Service Road #77 Temporarily Restored

UPDATE: 
The Forest Service temporarily restored access to Chilhowee Recreation Area and FSR 77 in preparation for second phase improvements.  Additional improvements will disrupt access again in the coming months but there are no scheduled access disruptions to Chilhowee Recreation Area at this time. 

Construction crews closed access to Chilhowee Recreation Area on Oct. 21 for road construction and paving.  This is a phased project with adjustments to Chilhowee access throughout the phases.  The long-term improvement project includes installation of dumpster pads for bear-proof dumpsters and widening and resurfacing existing roads within the recreation site. This Great American Outdoors Act project is expected to be completed prior to the summer recreation season in 2026. 

Additional construction work is planned for the Ocoee Scenic Byway, Forest Service Road #77.  Intermittent access will continue throughout the process.  The Forest Service will update access on this website.