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SCDNR News

Jocassee Gorges roads to be closed Friday in anticipation of snow

COLUMBIA, S.C.

January 13, 2022

CLEMSON, S.C. — All roads within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges in northern Pickens County will be closed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) on Friday in anticipation of significant snow accumulation over the weekend.

This will include roads from the Laurel Valley entrance on US 178, Camp Adger Road at US 178 and also roads at the Shooting Tree Ridge site entrance on Cleo Chapman Highway in Eastatoee Valley. Musterground Road on the Oconee County side of Jocassee Gorges, which is already scheduled to close Saturday, Jan. 15, will also close.

"Road closure will prevent road damage and help avoid public safety issues during a time of reduced response capability," said Tom Swayngham, SCDNR Jocassee Gorges land manager.

Access to the road to Sassafras Mountain Overlook, F. Van Clayton Highway, is managed by Pickens County and may be subject to closure as well. The gate, which is near the intersection with Glady Fork Road and is managed by Pickens County in inclement weather, is about a mile from the Sassafras Mountain Overlook. For information on the road to Sassafras, call the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 898-5500.

Check the SCDNR website (www.dnr.sc.gov), social media outlets, or call (864) 868-0281 for Jocassee Gorges road updates. Jocassee road closures will remain in effect until weather conditions warrant opening them back up.

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 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 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (sc.gov).

Media Contact:
Greg Lucas
SCDNR Upstate Outreach and Education Coordinator
LucasG@dnr.sc.gov