Four national forests reopen trailheads and access points to Appalachian National Scenic Trail

United States Department of Agriculture    NEWS RELEASE National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801  Asheville, NC, May 21, 2020 - The USDA Forest Service will open a series of trailheads and access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on May 22. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia will participate in the coordinated reopening.   The Triple Crown in Virginia, which includes Dragon's Tooth trailhead, will remain closed. Restroom facilities are not available. Shelters will remain closed at this time.  While work continues opening trails and roads, services may remain limited and there may be a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in high risk recreation activities at this time. To recreate responsibly outdoors, avoid congregating at parking areas, refrain from gathering in large groups and maintain a 6-foot distance from others, especially when passing other hikers.   Visitors are urged to take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.    Review recommendations from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html along with local and state guidelines for social distancing and cloth face coverings.   Find the latest recreation information for each national forest at: Georgia, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/conf North Carolina, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee Virginia, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, www.fs.usda.gov/gwj Follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc) or Twitter (twitter.com/NFsNCarolina) for more news and features.