The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest sustained impacts from Hurricane Helene including extensive flooding, road and trail washouts, fallen trees, and potential damage to bridges and other infrastructure, particularly in the Chattooga River Ranger District in northeast Georgia.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) reports its teams continue working to clear access to critical infrastructure such as communication sites and primary roads in Georgia and will be assisting with efforts in hard-hit neighboring national forests across the Southern Appalachians.
As critical needs are met, crews will begin to clear roads and trails to restore public access to recreation sites where conditions can be made safe for visitors. Our highest priority is employee and visitor safety. Some of this recovery work may take weeks or months to achieve. Many sites have already been able to reopen.
For updates on recovery progress, closures, and reopening of roads and trails, follow our social media channels @ChattOconeeNF or visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/conf/alerts-notices/?aid=90885.