Alerts & Closures

Alerts Archive

June 2024

Tallulah River Road Construction to Begin
Date(s): Jun 20, 2024

Contact(s): Chattooga River Ranger District Office at (706) 754-6221

The U.S. Forest Service will begin bridge repairs on Tallulah River Road (Forest System Road 70) on the Chattahoochee National Forest beginning the week of June 24, 2024, causing intermittent road closures and traffic delays, including to area campgrounds.
John's Mountain RD & Overlook Temporarily Closed 6/10
Date(s): Jun 7, 2024 - Jun 11, 2024

Contact(s): Conasauga Ranger District Office: 706-695-6736

John’s Mountain Road (FS 208) and Overlook will be temporarily closed for maintenance Monday, June 10th. It is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, June 11th.
Advisory for Morganton Point Recreation Area in Fannin County
Date(s): Jun 3, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024

ALERT

Update 6/13:

Recent tests at the Morganton Point Recreation Area on Lake Blue Ridge, Fannin County, GA are within the water quality standards established by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for swimming. If next week’s test results continue to be within EPD standards, the 30 day test sample average will allow the Forest Service and FIND Outdoors to remove the advisory on swimming and wading at the beach area. Morganton Point Recreation Area is open for camping, picnicking, launching boats, and other recreational activities, and visitors may continue to use the beach until the advisory is removed.

6/3:

Advisory: swimming and wading at the beach at the Morganton Point Recreation Area on Lake Blue Ridge, Fannin County, GA are not recommended. Results of a routine water test identified conditions, likely due to recent heavy rains, that exceed water quality standards established by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) . Morganton Point Recreation Area will continue to be open for camping, picnicking, launching boats, and other recreational activities, and visitors may continue to use the beach during the advisory period. The Forest Service will continue to conduct water tests in coordination with the EPD and TVA and will remove the advisory as soon as possible.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/newsarchives/conf/alertsarchives?cid=FSE_003753&navid=120000000000000&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&pname=Chattahoochee-Oconee+National+Forest+-+Alerts+amp&pnavid=null&position=Alerts&ss=110803&ttype=newsarchives

May 2024

Houston Valley Closed
Date(s): May 27, 2024 - May 30, 2024

The area has received over 2 inches of rain in the past two days. This is a dry trail system, so it will be closed to allow the trails to dry.
Houston Valley Closed!
Date(s): May 25, 2024 - May 25, 2024

The trail system will be temporarily closed for several days to allow the trails to dry.
Anna Ruby Falls
Date(s): May 9, 2024 - May 10, 2024

Anna Ruby Falls will be closed on 05/09/2024 due to inclement weather. The site will re-open on 05/10/2024 during normal business hours.
Tumbling Creek Road (FSR 22) Reopened
Date(s): May 8, 2024

Forest Service personnel have completed repair work on Tumbling Creek, FSR 22.
Tumbling Creek Road Repairs
Date(s): May 3, 2024 - May 8, 2024

Tumbling Creek Road (FSR 22) remains closed due to a major slump. Forest Service personnel and equipment will begin repair work on Monday, May 5.
FSR 68 Culvert Replacements
Date(s): May 1, 2024 - May 2, 2024

Forest visitors may experience delays due to culvert replacement work on FSR 68, Potato Patch Road.

April 2024

Road to Beech Bottom Barricaded
Date(s): Apr 17, 2024 - May 22, 2024

Contact(s): 423-338-3300

Cherokee National Forest is repairing Forest Service (FS) road 62. There will be no access to Beech Bottom trailhead while maintenance is in progress.
Oconee Ranger District without power - no visitor services
Date(s): Apr 11, 2024 - Apr 13, 2024

Contact(s): 706-485-7110 or 770-297-3000

The Oconee Ranger District is currently experiencing an internet outage and is unable to offer visitor services at this location. We are hoping this is a temporary issue and will update here as soon as it has been resolved. Thank you for your patience!

Find updates at:
Dry Creek Trails and Pocket Recreation Area Temporarily Closed April 5 and 6
Date(s): Apr 3, 2024 - Apr 7, 2024

Contact(s): Conasauga District 706-695-6736

Beginning Friday, April 5, the Dry Creek Trail System and the Pocket Recreation Area will be closed for the safety of visitors and fire managers conducting prescribed fires in the respective areas. Portions of the Pinhoti Trail will be affected by this closure.

On April 5, a prescribed fire operation will be conducted in Walker County approximately 6 miles west of Resaca, Ga., within the John's Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The Pocket North burn unit requires the closure of the Pocket Recreation Area, from Pilcher’s Pond Road North to the national forest boundary on the east side of Pocket Road. This closure includes portions of the Pinhoti Trail located within the burn unit, from Forest Service Road 232 south to FSR231, including the Pocket trail and the Pocket Trail Connector. Managers intend to reopen this recreation area on April 6, depending on fire operation needs and visitor safety.

On April 6, a prescribed fire operation will be conducted in Chattooga County approximately 12 miles NE of Trion, Ga. The Mt. Joy burn unit requires the closure of the Dry Creek Trail System and recreation area, located on the East Side of East Armuchee road at along the Walker County and Chattooga County lines, specifically from Forest Service Road 226 (Dry Creek Road) south to the forest boundary along the County Dry Creek Road. Managers intend to reopen this recreation area when fire managers determine it is safe for public visitors.

Locate additional recreation areas to visit on the Forest Service interactive visitor map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap
Bartram Trail to be Closed 4/5 - 4/7
Date(s): Apr 2, 2024 - Apr 7, 2024

Contact(s): Rose Rudisill

A portion of Bartram Trail will be closed along the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area from Courthouse Gap to Wilson Gap. The closure will occur 04/05/2024-04/07/2024. The trail is closed due to Rx/controlled burns being conducted in the area. For more information, please contact the Chattooga River Ranger District office at 706-754-6221 ext. 120.

March 2024

Houston Valley Now Scan & Pay
Date(s): Mar 29, 2024
Houston Valley OHV system no longer has a fee tube. Daily users must use the Scan & Pay option.
- 1-Day Scan and Pay Activitiy Pass ($5 per operator): Before leaving cell phone service, download the Recreation.gov app on your mobile device. Once you are at Houston Valley, you will need to open the Recreation.gov app. Once the app is open you will need to press the scan function within the app. This will open the scanning function on your phone's camera. Point your camera at the QR code at Houston Valley. You will then be able to purchase a pass. You will need to repeat this process for each operator, or each operator can do it on their own device. As long as you have the Recreation.gov app, you will not need cell phone service to purchase a pass. Passess will show "Pending" until service is reached.
Bartram Trail Temp Closure 03/29-04/01/2024
Date(s): Mar 29, 2024 - Apr 1, 2024

Contact(s): Rose Rudisill

Part of the Bartram Trail will be closed from Warwoman Dell to Sandy Ford Road. The closure will occur between 03/29/2024-04/01/2024. The trail is closed due to Rx/controlled burns that are being conducted in the area. Members of the public can call the Chattooga River Ranger District for more information: 706 754-6221 ext. 120.
Town Creek OHV Closure
Date(s): Mar 28, 2024 - Mar 30, 2024

Contact(s): Oconee Ranger District, 706-485-7110

In preparation for the Oconee RD burn on Friday, March 29,^th Town Creek OHV and Roberts Bike Camp will be closed starting this afternoon (3/28/24). The burn will consist of C-188, C-198, and C-199 which encompasses all of Town Creek OHV and Robert’s Bike Camp. Town Creek and Robert’s Bike Camp will re-open on Saturday, March 30^th.
Houston Valley Delayed Opening April 15
Date(s): Mar 21, 2024 - Apr 15, 2024

Contact(s): 706-695-6736 ext. 0

Houston Valley trail system will have a delayed opening to allow the trails to dry after a week of rain. Anticipated opening April 15, but call the office to check before traveling.

February 2024

Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area Temporarily Closed, February 26, 2024
Date(s): Feb 26, 2024 - Feb 27, 2024

Contact(s): Blue Ridge Ranger District, 706-745-6928

Due to a controlled burn the Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area will be temporarily closed Monday, February 26, 2024.
Blue Ridge Ranger District Open House – February 29, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Date(s): Feb 21, 2024 - Mar 1, 2024

Contact(s): Blue Ridge Ranger District, 706-745-6928

Open House with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest’s Blue Ridge Ranger District staff.

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Lumpkin County Library – 56 Mechanicsville Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533

Drop in format. Staff from fire, wildlife, recreation, engineering, and timber management will be on site to share information and answer questions.
#BurnAlerts - PRESCRIBED FIRE ~ 2 miles E of Elijay, Ga. within RICH MOUNTAIN WM
Date(s): Feb 20, 2024 - Feb 21, 2024

Contact(s): Blue Ridge District 706-745-6928
Warwoman Dell parking lot closing 02/21/2024
Date(s): Feb 20, 2024 - Feb 24, 2024

Contact(s): Rose Rudisill

The parking area for Warwoman Dell and the lower trail (going from Warwoman Rd. to the Warwoman Dell parking lot) will be closing at 4 pm on Wednesday, 02/21/2024. Members of the public are welcome to hike the trails, but please use the 2 car parking area located on Warwoman Rd. The area is being closed so trees can be cut down in the area. The area will re-open on Friday, 02/23/2024.

January 2024

Lake Russell WMA road information
Date(s): Jan 26, 2024 - Mar 4, 2024

Contact(s): Chattooga River Ranger District, 706-754-6221

Lake Russell WMA roads are now open. Please note that seasonal closures may affect some of the roads. Seasonal road closures are available on the Motor Vehicle Use Maps(MVUM) on the website. www.fs.usda.gov/conf
#BurnAlerts for Prescribed Fires
Date(s): Jan 22, 2024 - May 31, 2024

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

Info: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/fire

News release: Important Habitat Work in Progress - Prescribed Fire Operations to Begin on Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Map: Burn Tracker

Ranger Districts:
Chatsworth 706-695-6736
Blairsville 706-745-6928
Lakemont 706-754-6221
Eatonton 706-485-7110
Gainesville 770-297-3000
Track Rock Petroglyphs
Date(s): Jan 20, 2024

The Track Rock Petroglyphs tribal site is closed until further notice.
District office delayed openings
Date(s): Jan 19, 2024 - Jan 19, 2024

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

The Blue Ridge District Office will delay opening until 10 a.m. on January 19, 2024, in anticipation of expected hazardous weather. Contact the nearest office to find out of any closures and availability of services.
Conasauga Ranger District Seasonal Road Closures
Date(s): Jan 16, 2024 - Mar 4, 2024

Contact(s): Conasauga District, (706) 695-6736

Seasonal road closures are now in effect on the Conasauga Ranger District. On the east side of the district, Forest Service Road (FSR) 64 is closed from Jacks River Field Campground to Potato Patch. FSR 68 from Potato Patch to Lake Conasauga, FSR 49 from Lake Conasauga to Grassy Tower and FSR 17 from the intersection of FSR 68 to FSR 630 are all closed. Also, there is no vehicle access to the following trailheads: Three Forks, Chestnut Lead, Tear Britches, Buddy Cove and Betty Gap. On the west side of the district, Johns Mountain Overlook Road (FSR 208) is closed. These roads will re-open approximately March 4, 2024, depending on conditions.

Click image for large map indicating road closures.
Seasonal Road Closures in Effect
Date(s): Jan 16, 2024 - Apr 1, 2024

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

Seasonal road closures are in effect on the U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests due to winter weather conditions on select forest roads susceptible to damage. These seasonal closures help to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources. Seasonal closures generally occur between December and March, when snow, ice and frigid temperatures make winter travel treacherous.

While many forest roads may appear to be "trails", these routes are designated on official Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) as public roads subject to federal and state laws. Learn whether your route is designated for motorized use, as well as whether it may be closed for the winter season. Find maps for each Ranger District at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/RoadMaps

More wet weather is expected over the next few days, and several forest roads remain in poor condition and may be temporarily closed. Check Alerts & Notices on the website to see updates on road closures and hazardous weather: www.fs.usda.gov/conf.

Operating a motor vehicle on National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and in areas on National Forest System lands carries a greater responsibility than operating that vehicle in a city or other developed setting. Not only must the motor vehicle operators know and follow all applicable traffic laws, but they need to show concern for the environment as well as other forest users. The misuse of motor vehicles can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of any designated road, trail, or area. Operators of motor vehicles are subject to State traffic law, including State requirements for licensing, registration, and operation of the vehicle in question.

Motor vehicle use, especially off-highway vehicle use, involves inherent risks that may cause property damage, serious injury, and possibly death to participants. Riders should drive cautiously and anticipate rough surfaces and features, such as snow, mud, vegetation, and water crossings common to remote driving conditions. Participants voluntarily assume full responsibility for these damages, risks, and dangers. Motor vehicle operators should take care at all times to protect themselves and those under their responsibility. Much of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is remote, and medical assistance may not be readily available. Mobile telephones do not work in many areas of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

If you have a specific question on a road, trail, or area, contact the nearest office for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest:

Chatsworth 706-695-6736
Blairsville 706-745-6928
Lakemont 706-754-6221
Eatonton 706-485-7110
Gainesville 770-297-3000

An interactive visitor map includes roads and trails, which you may select to learn more about seasonal closure dates: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap

Off-road riding can be great fun. Forest roads are only open to registered vehicles and mopeds in accordance with state law. All other vehicles including “motorized carts”, “low speed vehicles”, “multipurpose off-highway vehicles” and “all-terrain vehicles” are prohibited on Forest Service roads. Find Frequently Asked Questions and more about Motor Vehicle Use Rules and Regulations at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/MotorVehicleRules

Learn more about forest road management and our mission to achieve a more ecologically and economically sustainable road system for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/resources/conf/landmanagement/resourcemanagement#engineering

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FS Road 22 Tumbling Creek road hazard - major slump
Date(s): Jan 11, 2024 - Mar 31, 2024

Be advised of a major slump on Forest Service Road 22 approximately 3/4 mile from Watson Gap headed toward Dally Gap. This has caused unsafe driving conditions for horse trailers and other vehicles.
Storm Damage along Conasauga Forest Service Roads
Date(s): Jan 11, 2024 - Jan 31, 2024

Numerous trees are down along Mill Creek, West Cowpen and East Cowpen. Forest Service personnel are working to clear the roads.
Annual Public Meeting for Oconee Forest Health & Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Date(s): Jan 10, 2024 - Jan 31, 2024

Contact(s): Oconee Ranger District: 706-485-7110

Annual Public Meeting

The Oconee Ranger District’s annual meeting for the Oconee Forest Health and Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (OFHWHIP) will occur on Thursday, January 25 at 09:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the district work center building, located at 1199 Madison Road, Eatonton, GA 31024.

District staff will present ongoing implementation efforts across the project area and highlight work to address the latest information to address the southern pine beetle outbreak on the forest.

Find more details at: Oconee Forest Health & Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project - OFHWHIP

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Chatsworth 706-695-6736
Blairsville 706-745-6928
Lakemont 706-754-6221
Eatonton 706-485-7110
Gainesville 770-297-3000
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