Officials at DuPont State Recreational Forest have lifted the single-track trail closure. Officials will continue to monitor conditions to determine if trails are being damaged through use by forest visitors and make closures accordingly.
When using forest trails, pay attention to signage or barricades related to the trail closures. Be aware that all trails, even those that are not closed or signed, may have debris and icy, slick conditions so use them at your own risk.
Officials have reviewed trail and road conditions at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) today. The single-track closure will remain in effect through Monday, December 24, 2018. There is still an average of 4-6 inches of snow covering the ground throughout the forest. Some areas are icy and access is difficult. Once again, rain is expected for Thursday night and Friday. The slush, snow and additional rain will continue to create wet and soggy conditions, keeping the trails highly susceptible to damage.
Please pay attention to signage or barricades related to trail closures. Be aware that all trails, even those that are not closed or signed, may have debris and icy, slick conditions so use them at your own risk.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 13, 2018
SINGLE-TRACK TRAILS CLOSED THROUGH MONDAY 12/17/18
Officials at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) are extending single-track trail closures through Monday due to on-going conditions. Up to 19 inches of wet, heavy snow fell in the area. Predicted rains on Friday and Saturday will further complicate the situation so the decision was made to keep single-track trails closed until conditions improve. Officials will look at conditions on Monday to determine when trails can be re-opened.
Forest Staff began clearing roads on Sunday afternoon to allow officials access to the forest. This has proved very difficult due to the amount, and heavy nature, of this snow. Work will continue through the weekend to allow access to the forest as soon as possible.
As forest trails become accessible, pay attention to signage or barricades related to the trail closures. Be aware that all trails, even those that are not closed or signed, may have debris and icy, slick conditions so use them at your own risk.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 7, 2018
Predicted snow causes DSRF trail closures
Cedar Mountain – In response to predicted heavy snow accumulation, officials at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) will close single track trails on Sunday, December 9. Large amounts of snow will create conditions that make many of the Forest trails susceptible to damage from trail users.
Heavy snow can cause limbs to fall and make travel on the trails difficult. Limited staff access during this time will reduce the ability to assist visitors. The Visitor Center will also be closed on Sunday but will reopen when roads are clear.
As the snow melts, potential for trail damage will increase. Saturated trail surfaces will be soft so that foot traffic, bicycles and equestrian users will cause erosion issues and rutting. This can be exacerbated by freezing temperatures at night followed by thawing during the day. To prevent resource damage, there will be temporary closures of all DSRF single-track trails and some other effected areas. Forest roads and graveled two-track trails such as High Falls Loop, Triple Falls Trail and Hooker Falls Trail will remain open.
According to recreation specialist Mary Smith, “Snow, ice and freeze thaw conditions are times when trails are most susceptible to damage; causing soil to move and the tread surface to be eroded. Protecting the sustainability of the trails is important to providing enjoyable, safe experiences for all forest users. Visitors are asked to be considerate of these conditions and stay off the trails.”
During your visit to DSRF, please pay attention to signage or barricades related to the trail closures. Be aware that all trails, even those that are not closed, may have debris and icy, slick conditions so use them at your own risk.
Forest officials will monitor conditions and will reopen trails as conditions allow. Some trails may have extended closures depending on storm impacts.
For updates, please refer to the DSRF website or the NCFS Facebook page:
To report trail problems or for questions call the Forest Supervisor at 828-877-6527.
Single track trails have been closed due to the 5 iches of rain in the past 48 hours. That’s a lot of rain! Please see the message from the NC Forest Service below.
Tropical Storm Michael causes trail closures at DuPont State Recreational Forest
BREVARD – Officials at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF), in Cedar Mountain NC, have closed single track trails in response to over 5-inches of rain in the past 48 hours. Wet conditions have made many of the Forest trails susceptible to damage from trail users.
Saturated trail surfaces will be soft so that foot traffic, bicycles and equestrian users will cause erosion issues and rutting. To prevent resource damage, there will be temporary closures of all DSRF single-track trails and some other effected areas. Forest roads and graveled two-track trails such at High Falls Loop, Triple Falls Trail and Hooker Falls Trail will remain open.
“It’s important that we all do our part to protect the trails from damage for ecological reasons, such as protecting sensitive habitats, but also so visitors to the Forest can enjoy them in the future,” said Jason Guidry, Forest Supervisor. “We are asking visitors to be part of the solution when it comes to trail protection by paying attention to trail closures and keeping to those that are open. Conditions will improve in the coming days as Tropical Storm Michael moves out of the area and trails will reopen.”
During your visit to DSRF, please pay attention to signage or barricades related to the trail closures. Be aware that all trails, even those that are not closed, may have debris and muddy, slick conditions so use them at your own risk.
Forest officials expect conditions will improve enough for trail reopening by Saturday Oct. 13, 2018.
Please refer to the DSRF website: http://www.ncforestservice.gov/Contacts/dsf.htm or the NCFS Facebook page for updates.
To report trail problems or for questions call the Forest Supervisor at 828-877-6527.
Bruce MacDonald
DuPont State Recreational Forest
North Carolina Forest Service
NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
PO Box 300
Cedar Mtn. NC 28718
o828-877-6527×202
m828-713-4096
f828-862-8531
