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  1. #1

    Default Temporary closure of some Forest Service roads in north GA due to impending storm

    Just received the following via email, but a recall notice was issued, and it's not clear if the original message is still in effect. Regardless, use extreme caution and remember that conditions at higher elevations are usually substantially more severe due to colder temperatures, higher snowfall, and drifting snow.


    Pursuant to 36 CFR 220.6(d)(1), starting at sunset on February 10th, 2014, Blue Ridge District Ranger Andrew L. Baker has made the decision to close the following Forest Service roads to protect public health and safety: FS Roads 42, 77, 80, 55, 69, 58, 15, 283, and 816.

    These closures also affect access to the Springer Mountain Trailhead on the Appalachian Trail and the High Shoals Falls Trailhead in Towns County, GA.
    These temporary road closures are necessary due to the impending winter storm which will quickly make these roads treacherous to impassible and has the potential to create numerous emergency incidents that can strain local emergency managers’ ability to respond to these remote areas.


    Regards,


    Valencia Morris
    Recreation Program Manager
    Blue Ridge Ranger District
    Chattahoochee National Forest
    2042 Highway 515 West
    Blairsville, GA 30512
    706.745.6928 ext. 118
    706.745.7494 (fax)
    Last edited by Lauriep; 02-10-2014 at 15:49.

  2. #2
    Registered User
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    11-10-2011
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    Georgia, USA
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    Default

    The GATC sent a message to its members today that 42 would close and stay closed until next week.

  3. #3

    Default

    So the "Should I hike the approach trail debate or not" debate is over. At least for the time being.

  4. #4

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by forrest! View Post
    The GATC sent a message to its members today that 42 would close and stay closed until next week.
    I love the GATC, but they have a website and a facebook page for non members and neither one has this important update on it.

  5. #5
    Registered User Razor's Avatar
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    01-13-2008
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    Blairsville ,Ga
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    The reason they closed the roads is weather . Hikers should consider if it is wise to start the approach trail when the USFS has closed all roads accessing the first 32 miles . It takes good cold weather skills to navigate in these conditions . Consider their reasons and if it is prudent to proceed until they are reopened .

  6. #6
    Registered User Rebel's Avatar
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    12-07-2008
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    Danville, kentucky
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    Razor, do you have any reports on how much snow/ice there is at higher elevations on the trail between Dicks Creek Gap and Springer? I was scheduled to start this section on Saturday but decided to wait until mid-March.....just curious as to the conditions...thanks
    Rebel

  7. #7
    Registered User
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    01-30-2014
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    Boonville, NC
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    Anyone know if US 42 is still closed?

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by Fuzzywuzzy View Post
    Anyone know if US 42 is still closed?
    open now........

  9. #9
    Registered User
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    01-30-2014
    Location
    Boonville, NC
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    Quote Originally Posted by max patch View Post
    open now........
    Thanks max patch!

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