Alerts
Forest Alerts
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Prescribed Burning near Hone Quarry and Briery Branch Reservoirs
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, North River Ranger District is planning prescribed fire operations Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the afternoon as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed… -
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Prescribed Burning Comers Rock Area
The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area plans to conduct approximately 1,377 acres of prescribed burning today near Speedwell and Cripple Creek Virginia. County emergency managers will be notified when ignitions begin.Forest Service Trails (FST) Temporarily Closed:FST 301 – Iron Mountain Trail… -
Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail Closure Update
The closed area around the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail now includes Trestle 16 and Trestle 17 near the Town of Damascus as construction activity is underway in this area. Currently, the section of the Virginia Creeper Trail from Trestle 16 in the Town of Damascus to the North… -
Whitetop Mountain Rd on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Closure
Forest Service Road 89_ Whitetop Mountain Rd on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area will be closed to protect public and emergency responders’ safety due to hazardous winter weather conditions. The closure will take effect on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, and will remain in effect until… -
Bald Mountain Road Closures
USDA Forest Service fire managers and firefighters on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are still working in the vicinity of the Bald Mountain Fire which is 4,374 acres and is 100% contained.When a fire is 100 percent contained, it does not mean that the fire is extinguished or… -
Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction Closures
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 number of… -
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Current Road Conditions
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNA) is currently working on Forest Service Roads that is normally closed for the winter. Contact MRNA on the latest closures that may impact your travel plans.  For your safety, please observe all road closure signs. Forest Service Road 86 and FSR 644 will… -
Virginia Creeper Trail Contract Award
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. The Virgina Creeper Trail is an iconic landmark that is an important economic and… -
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area: Forest Service Road 84 Closed Beginning 9/1/25
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Forest Service Road 84 is schedule to close 9/1/25 due to road maintenance. All dispersed camping along this road will be closed. Hurricane campground will remain open, users will still be able to access Hurricane Campground access via SR 650. -
Balcony Falls to Buena Vista Transmission Line Reconstruction Project
Construction activities on the Balcony Falls to Buena Vista Transmission Line Reconstruction Project (Phase 2) may impact visitors now through December 2026. Public users are advised to use caution in the vicinity and to avoid the transmission line right-of-way during this time. In areas of the… -
Construction near Appalachian Trail on Peter's Mountain
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. -
Sherando Lake visitor rules
The following prohibitions apply within the Sherando Lake Recreation Area. Organized games on beach and swimming area.Swimming outside the hours of 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.Swimming beyond outer rope and buoy markers.Bringing boat into the swimming area.Bringing glass bottles and other materials to the… -
The abandoned Powells Fort Organization Camp is closed to all entry
It is prohibited to enter within 100 feet of the abandoned buildings of the Powells Fort Organization Camp on the Lee Ranger District. -
Prohibitions in designated recreation sites
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. -
Shooting Ranges rules and prohibitions
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. -
Saint Mary's Wilderness Prohibitions
Several prohibitions are in place at the Saint Mary's Wilderness on the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District.It is prohibited to enter the wilderness area in a group larger than 10 people. Do not store personal property or dispose of trash anywhere in the wilderness area. Camping is not allowed within… -
Target shooting allowed only at designated shooting ranges
For public safety, target shooting is allowed only in designated shooting ranges. It is prohibited to discharge a firearm within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests unless you are target shooting in a designated shooting range or hunting following state hunting laws. -
Special regulations apply when visiting wilderness areas
When visiting wilderness areas in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, is it prohibited to:Enter the wilderness area in a group larger than ten people.Store personal property in the wilderness area.Disposing of trash anywhere in the wilderness area. (If you pack it in, pack it… -
Vehicle requirements for use of Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap Trail System
 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. Vehicle operators must have a valid state operator’s license as required by state law and vehicles my be registered with the State… -
Motor vehicle operators must follow State Laws
Motor vehicle operators must follow all State Laws. -
Hunting prohibited around Lake Moomaw
Hunting is prohibited in and around Lake Moomaw recreation areas. -
Prohibitions on the James River Footbridge on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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. It is also prohibited to climb on any part of the bridge abutments or piers or jump… -
General Prohibitions
There are several general prohibitions that apply throughout the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. See the attached forest order for details. -
Food Storage and Disposal Requirements - Bear Safety
In many campgrounds and recreation areas on the forest, visitors are required to store and dispose of food in bear-proof receptacles. -
Controlled Substances Prohibited
It is prohibited to possess controlled substances on National Forest lands in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. -
Prohibitions at Cascades Recreation Area
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 anywhere in the… -
Alcohol prohibition at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter
Alcohol is prohibited at the Appalachian Trail Partnership Shelter on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Â