ONEIDA, Tenn. — Crews are working to clean up the Big South Fork area, and more than a month after storms swept through two trails have reopened.
In a release, leaders said the Hatfield Ridge Multi-Use Trail and the Hatfield Ridge Loop Trail were cleared of storm debris. However, the trails can only be accessed from the Kentucky side of Divide Road — not the Tennessee side.
Storms hit the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on May 26, sending debris flying and tearing down trees. The storms damaged a lodging area in the backcountry area and blocked off several areas.
Some trails and roads are still blocked as of July 5. Park leaders said four trails were specifically closed to all pedestrian, bike and horse traffic due to extensive tree damage. Those trails are listed below.
- Slave Falls Loop Trail
- Middle Creek Nature Loop
- Gobbler's Knox Wagon Trail
- Laurel Fork Creek Hiking Trail
In a release, they also said Divide Road was closed north of the Fork Ridge intersection to the Fentress County line. It also said the Twin Arches Road was closed.
The release encouraged people to avoid entering areas that were closed due to dangerous conditions. It said when people enter areas with work crews, the work must stop — delaying the reopening of those areas. They may also be ticketed for entering closed areas.
