Published: September 30, 2009 06:57 pm      

Heavy rains cause closures on Conasauga Ranger District

CHATSWORTH — Heavy rains over the weekend in the Cohutta Mountains, preceded by a week of heavy rain across North Georgia, have caused damage to some roads and recreation facilities on the Conasauga Ranger District. As a result, East Cowpen Road (Forest Road 51), Rocky Flats OHV Trail (Trail 630D), and the bathrooms at the Cottonwood Patch Campground have been closed until repairs can be completed.

East Cowpen has been closed because the first ford at Jigger Creek is not safe for vehicle passage. This road provides access to several popular trailheads which provide access to the Cohutta Wilderness, including Horseshoe Bend, East Cowpen, Hickory Creek, and Rice Camp Trailheads. The Rocky Flats OHV Trail has been closed because a failed culvert has made the trail dangerous and impassable. The vault toilets have been closed at the Cottonwood Patch Campground, but the Campground is still open for public use.

“I recognize how important these roads and facilities are for access to the Cohutta Wilderness, OHV enjoyment, and camping during the busy fall hunting season.” said Conasauga District Ranger Michele Jones. “We will be working towards repairing the storm damage as soon as possible so that we can restore access to these important areas of National Forest.” For more information on the storm damage, please call the Conasauga Ranger District at (706) 695-6736 or visit the Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/conf/.