Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 31, 2018
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Barry Garten, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, (276) 783-5196, bgarten@fs.fed.usÂ
Grayson Highlands State Park closes Wise Shelter until further notice
RICHMOND, Va. — Grayson Highlands State Park, managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, has closed Wise Shelter in response to increased bear activity in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
The area remains open to day use, including hiking and horseback riding.
U.S. Forest Service officials have temporarily closed portions of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area high country and segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to camping. This camping closure affects approximately 20,000 acres of National Forest land in Grayson and Smyth counties, including Elk Garden, Thomas Knob Shelter, the Scales, Old Orchard Shelter and about 17 miles of the Appalachian Trail (Forest Trail #1).
Camping is available at Grayson Highlands State Park in developed campgrounds.
For more information about the closures, visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj or contact Mount Rogers National Recreation Area at 276-783-5196.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are home to an increasing healthy population of black bears. So that visitors can enjoy the national forest, and the bears and other wildlife that make their home there, it is important that visitors follow guidelines regarding bears and food storage. Backcountry visitors should be familiar with Leave No Trace methods to secure food. Following these methods dramatically reduces the risk of human-bear conflicts.
Helpful Tips to be Bear Aware:
Never leave food or trash unattended.
Never cook or store food in or near your tent.
Pack out all garbage including fruit rinds and cores, empty cans or jars, and aluminum foil used for grilling or cooking.
Pick up all food scraps around your site.
Never feed a bear or other animals.
Never approach a bear.
If a bear approaches your site, pack up your food and trash. If necessary, attempt to scare the animal away with loud shouts or by banging pans together. If the bear persists, move away slowly to your vehicle or other secure area.
Keep children close.
Keep pets on leashes.
Always respect bears and admire them from a distance.
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