(Gainesville)- The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest sustained damage from Hurricane Helene including extensive flooding, road and trail washouts, fallen trees, and potential damage to bridges and other infrastructure, particularly in the Chattooga River Ranger District in northeastern Georgia.
A forest service news release said, Forest Service teams continue working to clear access to critical infrastructure such as communication sites and primary roads here in Georgia and will be assisting with efforts in hard-hit neighboring national forests across the Southern Appalachians. As critical needs are met, crews will begin to clear roads and trails to restore public access to recreation sites where conditions can be made safe for visitors.
The release said “Our highest priority is employee and visitor safety. Some of this recovery work may take weeks or months to achieve. Many sites have already been able to reopen, such as Anna Ruby Falls, Desoto Falls, The Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia, Brastown Bald Visitors Center along with several other sites.
Visitors are asked to remain patient as recovery efforts continue. Many roads and trails that provide access to hunting areas have been impacted. All visitors are encouraged to track closure alerts before attempting to access areas where there have been impacts.
Visitors hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) should check for updates through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy which is providing the latest information on trail conditions across all states including Georgia.
For updates on recovery progress, closures, and reopening of roads and trails, follow our social media channels @ChattOconeeNF or visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/conf/alerts-notices/?aid=90885.
