We received this forest service alert from the U.S. Forest Service today and wanted to pass it along to users of Panthertown Valley. The U.S. Forest Service is encouraging drivers to stay off all Forest Service roads in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests until the storm passes. The entrances to Panthertown Valley at Salt Rock Gap, Cold Mountain Gap, and Flat Creek are all along Forest Service roads.
Please be particularly careful when hiking in Panthertown during and after heavy rain events, especially around the river, creeks, and waterfalls. Be safe!
National Forests in North Carolina
U.S. Forest Service
160A Zillicoa St.
Asheville, N.C. 28801
Online: http://www.fs.usda.gov/nfsncFOREST SERVICE ALERT
Jan. 17, 2013
Warning: Travel on Forest Service Roads Discouraged
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina is encouraging drivers to stay off all Forest Service roads in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests until the storm passes.
Heavy rain has produced mudslides in the two national forests. Travel conditions are also dangerous because of the potential for washed out roads and flooding, downed trees and other hazards.
Road closures thus far include: Fires Creek, Tuni Gap and Tatham Gap roads on the Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest. Additional roads closures may be forthcoming today or tomorrow across the two national forests.
In the Appalachian Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest: Twelve Mile Road in Haywood County is mostly blocked because of a mudslide; and Forest Service Road 288 is flooded. The two roads are not officially closed, but travel is discouraged.
The safety of national forest visitors and employees is the top priority of the Forest Service.
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