Wet conditions and overuse force U.S. Forest Service to temporarily close roads in Rabun, Stephens and White counties
U.S. Forest Service officials are encouraging 4×4 enthusiasts and other unnecessary traffic to stay off national forest roads until weather conditions improve. The agency shut down seven Forest Service Roads (FSR) this week on the Chattahoochee National Forest in Rabun, Stephens and White counties.
The following roads are now temporarily closed to motorized public access:
White County
• FSR 44 (Wilks Creek Road/Poplar Stump Road)
• FSR 79 (Chimney Mountain Road)
• FSR 79 (Tray Mountain Road)
Rabun County
• FSR 164 (Dick’s Creed Road, above Kennesaw Lane)
• FSR 163 (Popcorn Creek Road)
Stephens County
• FSR 92 (Red Root Road)
• FSR 87 (Guard Camp Road)
Damage control
“There are folks who must use these roads to access their homes or work,” said District Ranger Ryan Foote in a news release. “And more importantly, these roads may also provide the only access for emergency responders. We need your help by staying off the roads to stop further damage.”
Vehicle traffic after rain can lead to increased soil erosion into streams and watersheds that supply drinking water, the release states. It also can damage the habitats of trout, sensitive fish and other aquatic species.
Closures will last until roads can dry out to prevent further damage. The agency will continue to monitor road conditions and weather forecasts, and expects to be able to reopen roads in about a week.
To check the status of your favorite trail, call (770) 297-3000 or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation.
