Know before You go to National Forests

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service says “know before you go!”  Visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf for important alerts and safety warnings. Learn the current status for recreation sites before you decide to visit. Some campgrounds, roads, and trails could be closed as a result of flooding or storm damage.  Their highest priority is visitor and employee safety. Avoid the forest during hazardous weather for personal safety and to prevent further stress on emergency responders who may not be able to quickly respond to emergencies because of conditions that limit access or create safety hazards.  Low-lying areas are especially vulnerable to rapidly rising and swift water. These areas should be avoided during and after major storm events. Excessive rain and high winds have the potential to create high water, flash floods, falling trees, mudslides, and severe damage to roads. Our national forests are heavily wooded, remote, and mountainous, making the potential for hazardous conditions significant. Trees falling or large limbs breaking off are common occurrences during storm events.  Stay connected with us to view alerts related to possible hazards and closures on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forest on Facebook and twitter @ChattOconeeNF and on our website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.