Important Notice for Visitors: Temporary Closure of U.S. Forest Lands Due to Hurricane Helene

The USDA Forest Service has temporarily closed sections of the Clinch Ranger District following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. These areas have been severely affected by high winds and flooding, resulting in numerous fallen trees and road closures, making access unsafe.

As of 10/8/24, reopened facilities include:

• Most roads and trails.
• High Knob observation tower.
• Devils Fork trail head.
• Devils Bathtub.
• Hanging Rock picnic site.
• Lake Keokee picnic site.
• Phillips Lake picnic site.
• Pound Launch boating site.
• Phillips Creek launch boating site.
• Wise Launch boating site.

Still closed are:

• Forest Service Trail #216, Guest River Gorge Trail past the first bridge, closed due to safety concerns until further condition assessment can be completed.
• Forest Service Trail #211, Bark Camp Lake Trail; closed due to safety concerns until further condition assessment can be completed.
• Forest Service Trail #401, Chief Benge Scout Trail; closed due to safety concerns until further condition assessment can be completed.
• Flatwood day use recreation area.
• Cave Springs campground.
• Bark Camp campground and day use area.

• Birch Knob observation site.
• Cane Patch campground.
• High Knob campground and day use area.

The Forest Closure Order is currently in effect and will remain in place until October 1, 2025, unless conditions allow for an earlier reopening. Please continue to check back for updates on the situation and any changes to the closure timeline.

While we await the reopening of our great outdoors, we encourage visitors to lend support to our local businesses and restaurants and spend time in our downtown districts. Your support makes a difference!