Forest Service says Pisgah National Forest trails likely to reopen before August 13

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Forest Service issued sweeping closures of roads, trails and recreation sites in Pisgah National Forest. The four-month closure is set to expire on August 13 or ‘until rescinded.’ Recently, National Forest Service spokesperson Cathryn Dowd told the Citizen Times that they “do expect things to reopen sooner.” 

“The closing of the Pisgah Trails is unfortunate. But I think we certainly support the efforts to control the coronavirus,” Randy Fluharty, a past president of the Carolina Mountain Club told the Citizen Times. “A lot of people are having to make adjustments to their lives and make sacrifices, and we feel like it’s what we have to do.” 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park synchronous firefly displayed canceled in 2020

It’s a summer tradition and a sight to behold: thousands of fireflies synchronously