(Gainesville)- Select trails and recreation areas in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have been reopened for public use.  The U.S. Forest Service said Thursday more than a dozen local sites that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic are now open. 

Officials say reopening these recreation sites is consistent with CDC guidance and state and local government guidelines. 

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ acting forest supervisor Edward Hunter says “Recreating on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is activity individuals and families look forward to experiencing every summer, we are working with local communities on phased plans to reopen additional sites and facilities as soon as this can be accomplished safely.”  

Hunter reminds individuals to avoid congregating at trailheads and parking areas and refrain from gathering in groups of ten or more.  

The following sites reopened on May 7:

  • FSR 34 Dicks/Waters Creek Camping Corridor
  • FSR 42 Dispersed Camping Corridor
  • FSR 58 / Noontootla Rd. Dispersed Camping
  • FSR 28-2 Nimblewill Rd. Dispersed Camping
  • FSR 69 / Rock Creek Rd. Dispersed Camping
  • Padena Rd. Dispersed Camping Area
  • Fruitkoff Dispersed Camping Area
  • Dispersed Camping at Bull Mtn.
  • Dispersed Camping at Jake Mtn.
  • Lake Chatuge Boat Ramp
  • Aska Trails
  • Benton MacKaye Trail (from Weaver Creek to Hwy 60)
  • Duncan Ridge Trail (from Benton MacKaye Trail intersection to Wolfpen Gap)
  • Coosa Backcountry Trail (from Vogel State Park to Duncan Ridge Trail)
  • Helton Creek Falls Trail
  • Hemlock Falls Trail and Trailhead, Parking Area
  • Minnehaha Falls Trail and Trailhead
  • Angel Falls Trail
  • Keown Falls Trail and Trailhead
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