All George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Recreation Areas closed due to Hurricane Florence   Roanoke, VA (Sept. 12, 2018) - The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests will temporarily close all forest recreation areas and some forest roads for public safety due to the anticipated heavy rainfall, high winds and potential for flooding and downed trees associated with Hurricane Florence. All forest campgrounds, cabins, day use areas, and some trailheads and roads will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, September 12. Visitors are encouraged to avoid all trails, roads and travel in and across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests over the next few days as there is a serious risk of potential road blockages due to flooding, downed trees, and landslides. For a list of recreation areas and roads that are temporarily closed due to Hurricane Florence, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/ Over 166 recreation sites across the forest will be closed. Among the closed sites are Sherando Lake Recreation Area in Augusta County, the South Pedlar ATV Trail System in Amherst County, the Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap OHV Trail Complex in Shenandoah County, Cascades Trail in Giles County, Lake Moomaw in Alleghany and Bath Counties, and all recreation sites within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, among others. Many forest roads that have a high potential for flooding will also be closed. Visit the forest website or call your local District Offices for more information about what roads are closed. Because grounds are already saturated with rain from previous storm events, there is an increased likelihood of falling trees and landslides. Reservations made through recreation.gov for the closed sites have been cancelled and will be refunded by the reservation service. Forest recreation areas and roads will be reopened on a case by case basis as soon as conditions allow. For more information visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/ or call your local district office.

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