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Alerts

Forest Alerts

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: June 12th, 2025

  • Springer Mountain Shelter Closure

    Out of an abundance of caution, the USDA Forest Service has temporarily closed Springer Mountain Shelter for overnight camping on the Blue Ridge Ranger District due to bolder bear behavior toward hikers and campers. 

    Alert Start Date: June 11th, 2025

  • 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. 

     

    Alert Start Date: June 5th, 2025

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: June 3rd, 2025

  • Narrows Road Maintenance

    There is ongoing road maintenance being performed on Narrows Road in the area of Hammond Gap.  Please be aware of possible rough road conditions.

    Alert Start Date: May 22nd, 2025

  • Lake Winfield Scott Kids Fishing Rodeo Cancelled

    Due to ongoing construction of HWY180 in the immediate vicinity of the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, the Lake Winfield Scott Kids Fishing Rodeo, scheduled for June 7, 2025, has been cancelled.

    Alert Start Date: May 8th, 2025

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: May 1st, 2025

  • 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

    Alert Start Date: April 23rd, 2025

  • 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

    Alert Start Date: April 22nd, 2025

  • 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.

    Alert Start Date: April 7th, 2025

  • #BurnAlerts for Prescribed Fires

    Subscribe to #BurnAlerts at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/CONFemails

    Info: *updated link coming soon

    Map: Burn Tracker

    Alert Start Date: February 22nd, 2025

  • UTV Education for Forest Visitors

    Contact(s): Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110

    Alert Start Date: January 1st, 2025
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