U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina

09/15/2026

We had a fantastic time at North Carolina Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine earlier this month!

The Appalachian Ranger District joined the Pisgah River Rangers to celebrate one of western North Carolina's most unique and important residents.

Visitors stopped by the booth to learn more about these incredible salamanders and to create their own keepsakes using handmade linocut stamps provided by the Pisgah River Rangers to decorate canvas tote bags.

Since Helene, we've worked hand in hand with partners and other agencies to support hellbender habitat and recovery across North Carolina. Healthy streams matter! Not only for hellbenders, but for the entire ecosystem.

Photo 1: Forest Service employee, Natalie Houston, poses with family as she works the event. USDA Forest Service photo by Jennifer Barnhart.

Photo 2: Ivanna Knox, wildlife biologist, works alongside river rangers, stamping canvas tote bags. USDA Forest Service photo by Jennifer Barnhart.

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

Request for Proposals: South Mills River Trail Project

The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is accepting proposals from professional trail-building contractors for a major trail maintenance, improvement, and construction project in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

The project includes work on the first four miles of the South Mills River Trail, beginning at Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead and continuing to the intersection with Cantrell Creek Trail. Work will include trail maintenance and widening, trail relocation, and construction of armored fords. The project also includes approximately 0.25 miles of new construction/relocation on Bradley Creek Trail.

These repairs are an important part of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts on the Pisgah Ranger District. The improvements will create more resilient trail infrastructure while restoring reliable access for upcoming U.S. Forest Service work to replace three suspension bridges destroyed in the area.

Proposal deadline: October 12, 2026.

Professional trail-building contractors interested in receiving the full RFP package should email [email protected].

09/14/2026

Bradley Creek Trail (TR351) and a section of Yellow Gap Road ( FS Road 1206) near milepost 6.7 from Highway 276, are temporarily closed to all traffic, including hikers, bicyclists and equestrians.

Crews are repairing damage from a landslide that occurred during a previous weather event and was further impacted by Hurricane Helene. The construction work will make the section of Yellow Gap Road where Bradley Creek Trail crosses the road impassable.

The closure is expected to remain in place for at least two weeks while repairs are completed. Avoid the area and plan an alternate route.

Please note, there is already a closure in the area: "Yellow Gap Road (FS 1206) is open from Hwy 276 near Cradle of Forestry to Wolf Ford Horse Camp; Closed from Wolf Ford Horse Camp to North Mills River Campground."

Previously, visitors could hike, bike or ride horses after 6 p.m. and on weekends on the section from Wolf Ford to North Mills River Campground. During this construction they will be unable to get through at mile post 6.7 where Bradley Creek Trail crosses.

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

09/11/2026

Today marks 25 years since the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. We pause to honor the lives tragically lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will never forget 🇺🇸

09/11/2026

The Nantahala Ranger District will temporarily close access to the lower portion of Dry Falls from September 14–18 to conduct necessary maintenance and improvements. During this period, public access to the base of the waterfall will not be available.

To ensure visitors can still enjoy the site, the upper viewing deck will remain open throughout the maintenance window. In recognition of the limited access, all fees at Dry Falls will be waived from September 14–18.

The lower area of Dry Falls is expected to reopen once all work is completed. For updates or additional information, please contact the Nantahala Ranger District at 828-524-6441.

09/11/2026