Alerts

The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail between Damascus and Whitetop Mountain remains closed due to significant safety concerns and ongoing recovery work following Hurricane Helene.  There will be ongoing construction work in the area, beginning immediately.  There are a nu

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest awarded Kiewit Corporation a contract valued at $240,580,430 to lead the full rebuild of the Virginia Creeper Trail following last year’s hurricane damage.

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. 

The following prohibitions apply within the Sherando Lake Recreation Area. 

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. 

When visiting wilderness areas in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, is it prohibited to:

For public safety, target shooting is allowed only in designated shooting ranges. 

Several prohibitions are in place at the Saint Mary's Wilderness on the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District.

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. 

It is prohibited to enter within 100 feet of the abandoned buildings of the Powells Fort Organization Camp on the Lee Ranger District. 

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. 

Motor vehicle operators must follow all State Laws. 

Hunting is prohibited in and around Lake Moomaw recreation areas. 

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.

In many campgrounds and recreation areas on the forest, visitors are required to store and dispose of food in bear-proof receptacles. 

It is prohibited to possess controlled substances on National Forest lands in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. 

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. 

Alcohol is prohibited at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.