The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: Four National Forests Reopen Trailheads and Access Points to Appalachian National Scenic Trail

The USDA Forest Service will open a series of trailheads and access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail yesterday, May 22. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia will participate in the coordinated reopening.

The Triple Crown in Virginia will remain closed, which includes Dragon’s Tooth trailhead.

To recreate responsibly outdoors, avoid congregating at parking areas, refrain from gathering in large groups and maintain a 6 feet distance from others, especially when passing other hikers.

Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html. Bathroom facilities may not be available. Shelters will remain closed at this time.

While work continues opening trails and roads, staffing may remain limited to encourage safe distancing. This may also cause a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in risky recreation activities at this time.

Find the latest recreation information for each national forest at: Georgia, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/conf North Carolina, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee/ Virginia, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, www.fs.usda.gov/gwj