Anna Ruby Falls closed for maintenance
Press Release August 8, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The U.S. Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests announced Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area will be closed to allow repairs and replacement of the split-rail fence along the extremely popular interpretive trail to the falls.
Because the .8-mile trail leading to the falls is so heavily-used on a daily basis, there is a critical need for structural repairs to the fence that borders the trail to enhance the safety of visitors and staff.
To ensure visitor and employee safety, Anna Ruby Falls will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month, beginning August 10th, and will conclude repairs on August 31. Normal operations will resume on September 1, in which the site will be open daily from 9:00 – 6:00pm through the end of the year.
Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia, and has become one of the state’s premier scenic destinations for tourists and locals alike for years. Curtis and York Creeks converge and form twin waterfalls at a height of 150 feet and 50 feet, respectively, creating an amazing natural phenomenon that is likely to impress anyone who appreciates the beauty of our public lands.
The Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is managed and operated by FIND Outdoors, a 49-year old nonprofit based in Pisgah Forest, NC.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest open but services, facilities limited
News May 30, 2020
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
NEWS RELEASE
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Although recreation opportunities are available with the reopening of additional trails and recreation areas, some facilities and services remain limited on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
Visitors should know what to expect before leaving home: Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services available. While work continues opening trails and roads, staffing may remain limited to encourage safe distancing. This may also cause a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in risky recreation activities at this time.
Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
UPDATE: Additional recreation sites, including several campgrounds, have reopened. Please see a list of affected recreation locations and services by visiting:
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap
Please note that Anna Ruby Falls is now open, BUT with limited hours of operation, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site will be open from Thursday through Sunday. There is a set capacity for the parking lot of 40 vehicles. Once that amount has been reached, cars will be turned around at the gate until the number in the parking lot decreases.
We anticipate that Brasstown Bald may open soon once routine maintenance issues can be addressed. Trails and the observation deck is currently open.
Please contact the nearest District office for further details. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/about-forest/offices
USDA logo – color United States Department of Agriculture
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
News Release
Limited services, facilities at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests recreation areas
Gainesville, Ga. (May 22, 2020) — Although recreation opportunities are available this Memorial holiday weekend with the reopening of additional trails and recreation areas, some facilities and services remain limited on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
Visitors should know what to expect before leaving home: Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services available. While work continues opening trails and roads, staffing may remain limited to encourage safe distancing. This may also cause a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in risky recreation activities at this time.
Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are coordinating with federal, state and county officials to reopen areas once it can be accomplished safely. Campgrounds, visitor centers, picnic pavilions, restrooms and other developed recreation sites remain closed due to continued limitations on gatherings and the limited availability of cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.
Forest Service staff are examining each site to ensure operations comply with current public health guidance. Additional recreation sites including some campgrounds are expected to reopen in June.
For updated information on temporary closures on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation. The latest information about recreation sites is also available on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.
About the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
To receive instant alerts and updates on forest information, follow @ChattOconeeNF on Twitter and Facebook or visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.
Warning: County will enforce closure of Yonah Mountain Trailhead
News March 31, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County officials are posting notices and barricading the area of Chambers Road at the Yonah Mountain Trailhead in anticipation of persons within and outside of the county using the USFS trail.
The USFS closed several trailheads in the region due to social distancing requirements in place by local, state and federal guidelines and emergency declarations. Unfortunately, persons are not following these guidelines, and some are traveling from areas where shelter in place orders is in effect.
For the last two days, county public works under coordination and advisement of Emergency Management has barricaded the Yonah Mountain Trailhead and placed barrels and cones along the public right of way. Several complaints were received over the weekend from persons parking along the county right-of-way, mostly out of county residents.
These measures with enhanced traffic enforcement from the Sheriff’s Office and US Forest Service Law Enforcement will hopefully discourage the use of this area. Enhanced patrols will also be in place for other trailheads in the county.
As always, citizens should report illegal parking and dangerous road conditions, by calling 9-1-1.
As a reminder the USFS has closed the following locations in White County: Yonah Mountain Trailhead, Raven Cliff Falls, Duke Creek Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, along with campsites at Anna Ruby Falls, Low Gap, Andrews Cove, and the Upper Chattahoochee.
DNR state campgrounds have closed visitor’s centers and playground areas, such as the Unicoi State Park.
For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.