Solar Eclipse Road Closures on the Chattahoochee National Forest
Forest Service Urges Visitors to Plan Ahead
Gainesville, Ga. (August 11, 2017) – The U.S. Forest Service announced road closures at several sites on the Chattahoochee National Forest in anticipation of an increase in visitors for the solar eclipse on August 21. The agency encourages drivers to understand parking rules and plan ahead for high amounts of traffic on narrow forest roads.
“We want visitors who come for the eclipse to have a safe and enjoyable experience. To ensure safety and protect the forest, we need to keep roadways clear for emergency vehicle use,” said Forest Supervisor Betty Jewett. “As you travel on forest roads, keep in mind that there has to be enough space for fire trucks and ambulances to get up and down roads in case of an emergency.”
To ensure public safety and emergency vehicle access, the following forest roads will be closed to vehicles, open to foot travel only:
FSR 11 – Glassy Mountain, beyond Apple Gap Road
FSR 62 – Currahee Mountain
FSR 413 – Rabun Bald
Additionally, Brasstown Bald will be open only for those visitors who made a reservation. The 180 Spur Road will be closed to all other traffic. The site has limited capacity and no further reservations are being accepted. Visitors are reminded to check Twitter and Facebook (@ChattOconeeNF) for safety alerts and additional road closures.
 |
Don’t expect solitude on August 21.
If you choose to visit the national forest
on this day, please plan ahead.
Ensure space for fire trucks and ambulances
to get up and down narrow forest roads
in case of an emergency.
Image by U.S. Forest Service.
The U.S. Forest Service is focused on public safety and protecting natural and cultural resources. Use extreme caution when driving and parking, and pay close attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and bikers that will be sharing the roads and may be distracted. Plan to arrive early at your destination so that you can park legally. Plan to leave late following the eclipse to avoid traffic congestion.
Know what to expect before you arrive. Parking is not allowed at locations with “No Parking” signs, in front of closed gates, on closed roads or contrary to posted instructions. If a vehicle is impeding the flow of traffic or blocking gates, it will be towed. When parking on a roadside, be aware that unseen ditches often parallel roads. Sensitive natural forest areas and vehicles can be damaged while entering or exiting a ditch and vehicles frequently require towing from these areas.
Many roads on the Chattahoochee National Forest are rough and may not be suitable for vehicles without high clearance or 4-wheel drive. Remote locations outside of developed recreation areas have very limited access and parking, restricted traffic flow, restroom facilities or drinking water. Mobile phone service can be limited or unavailable and GPS units are often unreliable in the forest, so plan your route in advance and have a map.
Popular areas will likely meet capacity early in the day, so visitors should have alternate plans in mind. The solar eclipse can be viewed anywhere the sun is visible. It’s not necessary to be on the forest or at a high elevation to get a great view. Consider checking out some of the great community events planned that day which will feature celebrations showcasing the local and regional culture. Local visitor centers have all the details on specific events or visit:
www.exploregeorgia.org/blog/
Developed campgrounds reserved through recreation.gov are booked for the weekend of the eclipse. There are some first come first served campsites and they are expected to fill up several days before the eclipse. Dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed unless posted or restricted by a closure order. Camping is not allowed near water, trails, trailhead parking lots, developed recreation areas, or Scenic Byways. Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.
For updated information on current conditions on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, visit the website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf, or contact one of our local offices. For more Chattahoochee National Forest information contact: Chattooga River Ranger District: 706-754-6221; Blue Ridge Ranger District: 706-745-6928; Forest Supervisor’s Office: 770-297-3000.
For more eclipse information visit: www.fs.fed.us/visit/
 |
#KnowBeforeYouGo and stay safe
while enjoying the #Eclipse .
You can see the
#2017Eclipse where ever
the sun is shining.
Image by U.S. Forest Service.