Forest Service Closes Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to Camping

Forest Service Closes Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to Camping

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday that it is closing the Shining Rock Wilderness and Graveyard Fields areas to overnight camping due to ongoing bear encounters with humans.

The areas will be closed to dispersed camping until further notice. The agency will monitor conditions to determine when it is safe to reopen the areas.

On Monday night, a bear damaged a tent and food bag. Two people were in the tent at the time of the encounter, but no injuries were sustained. The encounter is the latest in a series of bear encounters in recent weeks.

Questions regarding the camping closure can be directed to the Pisgah Ranger District, 828-877-3265.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Forest Service Issues Warning about Black Bears in Shining Rock Wilderness

Forest Service Issues Warning about Black Bears in Shining Rock Wilderness

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service issued a warning yesterday for visitors to the Shining Rock Wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest to be on the look-out for black bears.

While black bear attacks on people are rare, such attacks have resulted in human fatalities.

The warning comes after several bear encounters were reported recently in Shining Rock Wilderness, located north of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Transylvania County. Although minor property damage has been reported, there were no injuries.

Visitors are encouraged to prevent bear interactions by practicing the following safety tips:

* Do not store food in tents.
* Properly store food by hanging it in a tree or in another secure container.
* Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills or other areas of your campsite.
* Do not leave food unattended.

For more tips from the forest service, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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