U.S. Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest office in Unicoi have announced the annual schedule for the opening and closings of certain roads in the Watauga District.
Some roads will be closed as early as Dec. 17. These roads are located in the northern portion of the Cherokee National Forest (Cherokee Wildlife Management Area) in Cocke, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, Sullivan and Johnson counties.
Certain roads are systematically closed to motorized vehicles to help protect wildlife habitat, decrease wildlife disturbance and reduce road maintenance costs. However, some of these roads are temporarily opened for a short period to provide seasonal public access for various uses including fall color viewing, hunting and other uses.
Roads which have been opened for seasonal access that are scheduled to close Dec. 17 include the Cedar Gap Road and Piney Grove Roads in Carter County. The Cedar Gap Road is located in a bear reserve.
Johnson County roads slated to close Dec. 17 include the Gouge Tract, Parks Branch and Robbins Hollow.
The Cherry Flats Road in Carter County will remain closed for timber sales.
Other Forest Service roads in Carter County which will close Dec. 17 and remain closed until March 26 include: Panhandle/Holston Mountain, Bitter End, White Rock and Little Pond Mountain.