Archived Outdoors

Forest Service facilities open for the season

Written by
Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Seasonal road openings are beginning on the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.

Nantahala Ranger District. The following roads opened April 1: Boardtree (FSR 388), Deep Gap (FSR 71), Shope Fork (FSR 751), Connelly Creek (FSR 86 through Alarka-Laurel), Winding Stairs (FSR 422), Big Creek (FSR 4567), Moses Creek (FSR 4651), Sugar Creek (FSR 4665), Wolf Mountain (FSR 4663C), Beech Flats (FSR 4668), Upper Nantahala (FSR 67), Shingletree (FSR 713), Ball Creek (FSR 83), Wayah Bald (FSR 69), Little Yellow Mtn. (FSR 367), Cold Spring Gap (FSR 4663), Old Bald Road (FSR 4652), Gage Creek (FSR 4648), Charley Knob (FSR 4654). 

Recreation areas that have reopened are: Wayehutta OHV, Balsam Lake Lodge, Appletree Group Campground, Standing Indian Campground, Kimsey Creek Group Campground, Hurricane Horse Campground, Cliffside Lake/Van Hook Glade Campground, Nantahala River facilities.

Appalachian Ranger District. The following roads will reopen on Thursday, April 4: Big Ivy (FSR 74), Cataloochee (FSR 3549), Hickey Fork (FSR 465), Flat Top (FSR 278), Hurricane Gap (FSR 467), Rich Mountain Fire Tower (FSR 467A), Long Arm (FSR 287), Mills Ridge (FSR 113).

The following roads will remain closed due to storm damage: South Toe River (FSR 472), Neals Creek (FSR 2074), Stony Fork (FSR 63).

Cheoah Ranger District. The following roads reopened April 1: Big Fat (FSR 62), Farley Cove (FSR 407), Tatham Gap/Long Creek (FSR 423), Long Hungry (FSR 1127), Santeelah Creek (FSR 81).

The following recreation areas reopened April 1: Cheoah Point Campground, Cheoah Point Beach, Tsali Campground, Horse Cove Campground, Cable Cove Campground, Rattler Ford Group Campground.

Tusquitee Ranger District. The following roads reopened April 1: Bear Paw (FSR 435), Beech Creek (FSR 307), Cherokee Lake (FSR 313), Chambers Creek (FSR 2071), Deep Gap (FSR 71), Derreberry Gap (FSR 614B), Nelson Ridge (FSR 351), Panther Gap (FSR 85A), Perry Gap (FSR 350), Persimmon Creek (FSR 651), Powerline Cove (FSR 6020), Stateline Loop (FSR 420-6), Tellico River (FSR 420-5), Tuni Gap (FSR 440).

Cherokee Lake Picnic Area will also reopened April 1, and the Jackrabbit campground and beach area will open May 1. 

Emergency closures due to weather or resource conditions can occur at any time. For current road conditions and status, contact the district ranger office. 

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