DNR News** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

Some Jocassee roads opening Wednesday, others may open Friday December 12, 2018

**Update:**
As of noon on Friday (12/14/2018), all gates on Jocassee Gorges that were closed due to snow and ice storm damage earlier in the week are now open. Some sections of roads remain impassable due to downed trees, but the majority of the area is accessible.

Jocassee Gorges’ Horsepasture Road in northern Pickens County, which leads to the iconic Jumping-Off Rock Overlook, is expected to be re-opened by Friday, Dec. 14. (SCDNR photo by Greg Lucas)

Jocassee Gorges’ Horsepasture Road in northern Pickens County, which leads to the iconic Jumping-Off Rock Overlook, is expected to be re-opened by Friday, Dec. 14. (SCDNR photo by Greg Lucas)

Some roads within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges in northern Pickens County are opening on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 12, while others are expected to open on Friday, Dec. 14.

All Jocassee roads have experienced downed trees, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is clearing trees as quickly as it can. Motorists should drive carefully and at a reduced speed.

Shooting Tree Ridge and Cane Creek roads will be open Wednesday afternoon; however, Cane Creek Road will be locked near the Cane Creek Bridge. Camp Adger Road will be opened as well, although all downed trees have not been removed.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) anticipates opening Horsepasture Road to Jumping-Off Rock Overlook by mid-day Friday, Dec. 14.

As of Wednesday, all roads at the higher elevations still have 3 to 6 inches of snow accumulated due to the winter storm that hit this past weekend.

The Jocassee Gorges is in northern Pickens and Oconee counties along the North Carolina border and surrounds Lake Jocassee. The property features numerous forest ecosystems and many rivers and streams. Jocassee Gorges, acquired by SCDNR in 1998, is also home to many rare and unusual plants and animals. Recreational uses include hunting, fishing, mountain biking, paddling, birdwatching and nature viewing.

For more information on Jocassee Gorges, visit https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/53.

DNR Media Contacts

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Upstate Greg Lucas 864-380-5201

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