ONEIDA, Tenn. — Update 3/27/20 : The Big South Fork is closing the Leatherwood Ford Day Use Area starting Friday.
That includes the parking area and restrooms.
The trails of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area remain open.
Park employees remain at work, and will be patrolling the park, assisting visitors, and enforcing all regulations.
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The National Park Service is taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases in Tennessee.
The park service closed visitor centers and campgrounds in Big South Fork and Obed on Tuesday. They will stay closed until April 1. Ranger-led programming and activities are also cancelled until further notice. Instead, rangers will rove park trailheads to give information and answer questions.
The trails of Big South Fork NRRA and Obed WSR remain open. Park employees remain at work, and will be patrolling the park, assisting visitors, and enforcing all regulations. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces clean, safe and healthy.
The Center for Disease Control also recommends Americans reduce travel and begin practicing social distancing by keeping six feet apart from other people. They also recommend avoiding gatherings and groups with more than 10 people.
Bandy Creek and Alum Ford Campgrounds are open and sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Backcountry reservations made online are still valid. Park staff cannot write backcountry permits in-person, though.
Commercial activities will also be restricted to parties of 10 or less, including guides and drivers.
“We realize these changes have a big impact on the visiting public, and the economic livelihood of local businesses and employees,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. “With restrictions being implemented across the nation, these actions are necessary for the health of park visitors and employees. We appreciate the support and understanding of the American public.”