USFS orders ‘hard closure’ of area tourist sites

In addition to the state of emergency announced Thursday by White County Commissioners and the City of Cleveland, the U.S. Forest Service has ordered ‘hard closures’ of several national forest sites in White County.

Effective today, March 26, Raven Cliffs, Dukes Creek Falls, Mt. Yonah, and Anna Ruby Falls are closed to the public.

“These areas will be closed and roads barricaded,” said White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. Law Enforcement will be patrolling for violations and illegal parking will be enforced along roadways.

The Forest Service closed its campgrounds and recreational areas in the region on March 21, but people continued to visit the unmanned sites. With these hard shutdowns, White County hopes to slow the number of tourists coming to the area during the pandemic.

Georgia Parks remain open. Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources online for the latest updates.

READ US Forest Service closes campgrounds, recreation sites