News Release

Big South Fork to Reopen Some Roads and Trails as Storm Recovery Operations Continues

Park staff working to remove fallen trees from park roads and trails

NPS

News Release Date: June 21, 2024

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

As of June 21, 2024, the southern end of Divide Road to the intersection of Fork Ridge Road is now open as well as all of Fork Ridge Road. The park has also opened Salt Pine Horse Trail, Yellow Cliff Horse Trail, Station Camp Creek Horse Trail, and Charit Creek Horse Trail.

Work crews continue to clear roads and trails of hazardous trees from the major weather event on May 26 at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Due to safety concerns, the following trails are still closed to all pedestrian, bike, and horse traffic due to extensive tree damage:

• Slave Falls Loop Trail
• Twin Arches Hiking Trail
• Middle Creek Nature Loop
• Gobbler's Knob Wagon Trail
• Laurel Fork Creek Hiking Trail
• Hatfield Ridge Multi-Use Trail
• Charit Creek Lodge Connector Trail

In addition, Divide Road, north of the Fork Ridge intersection and Twin Arches Road remain closed. Those areas will reopen when the area has been deemed safe for visitors. These areas contain hazardous trees, including broken trees hung up by other vegetation.

“Work crews have been working hard to clear debris so that we can continue to open areas that were severely impacted by the Memorial Day weekend storms. I appreciate everyone’s patience with the situation. Our overriding goal is to make sure that visitors and employees stay safe during the storm recovery work,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.

By entering closed areas individuals are endangering themselves and the work crews. Also, when people enter areas with crews, work must stop–causing delays in the reopening of roads and trails. Do not enter closed areas. People entering closed areas may be ticketed by Law Enforcement Officers.