Contact: Paul Bradley, 828-682-6146
The following National Forest System Roads on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest will be closed from now until the end of March to prevent damage to the roads and water resources during the winter weather season:
Yancey County – Neals Creek #2074
South Toe River #472
Locust Creek #239
Flat Top #278
Madison County - Rich Mountain Road #467
Buncombe County - Craggy Road #63
Coleman Boundary #74
During the winter months these gravel roads are regularly freezing and thawing, resulting in “frost heave” which creates air and water pockets in the surface of the road. Driving on a gravel road in this condition will damage the surface of the road by creating ruts and erosion on the road. The rutting and erosion increases maintenance costs and potentially could have a negative impact on water quality. “By closing these roads during winter months when traffic is low and impacts are high, we protect our water resources and increase efficient use of our road maintenance dollars,” said District Ranger, Paul Bradley.
The road from Carver’s Gap to the top of Roan Mountain in Mitchell County is also closed and will remain closed until the late April. This road is closed for public health and safety and to allow for non-motorized winter recreation activities (cross country skiing and sledding). The road will re-open when it is warm enough to open the bathroom facilities on top of the mountain.
For additional information, please contact the Appalachian Ranger District in Burnsville, NC at 828-682-6146 or in Hot Springs, NC at 828-622-3202.
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