DuPont State Recreational Forest

Visitors to Triple Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, view the falls from the roped-in viewing area at the base of the falls Thursday, July 26, 2018. 636685587642086186-DuPontFalls-MB2-07262018.jpg
Photo credit © Matt Burkhartt/mburkhartt@citizentimes.com

This 4th of July weekend, many are expected to get out and explore.  

DuPont State Recreational Park located in North Carolina draws many visitors this time of year. 

Despite positive tests for COVID-19 spiking across the United States, NC Forest Service officials don't expect the pandemic to impact experiences at the Park this weekend.

Where Positive Tests Are Spiking In The U.S.

Here is what the NCFS says you should know before making your trip to DuPont State Recreational Forest:

During this Fourth of July holiday weekend, N.C. Forest Service officials are expecting visitation numbers to be high at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) in Cedar Mountain, NC. To ensure visitors enjoy a safe visit to DSRF this weekend, forest officials are advising visitors to come prepared and to adjust plans, making it easier to avoid overcrowding. 

Here are some general tips to help visitors prepare:
§  All parking access areas of the forest are open to visitors; however, visitors should expect limited parking in all access areas. Additionally, roadside parking is not available and is restricted along public highways.
§  The Visitor Center, picnic areas, and public restrooms are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. A limited number of portable toilets are available.
§  Be mindful that traveling can increase the likelihood of spreading and/or contracting COVID-19. It is best to stay local and to stay safe. Visiting crowded areas may increase the risk of exposure for you and others.
§  Avoid peak visitation times by visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. Consider visiting on a weekday rather than during the weekend or holiday. DSRF is open daily and year-round from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
§  Visitors should come prepared to maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other visitors. Visitors should be prepared to wear a cloth face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Visitors should abide by posted guidelines and restrictions and should bring supplies such as water and hand sanitizer.
§  Visitors should be prepared to adjust plans, if necessary, to avoid crowds. Have an alternate plan so you are not disappointed if the forest is full!

In addition to the general tips above, we have a great visitor expectations video that can be included and shared in news stories as well. The video is without copyright and can be used without issue. Here’s a direct link: https://youtu.be/fd1KxrMs9pg.

Anticipated crowding at many public events and venues is driving concerns about further spread of COVID-19 across our state and possibly others. As far as public lands managed by the North Carolina Forest Service, DuPont State Recreational Forest is a popular recreational hub in the western part of the state that attracts thousands of visitors during an average summer weekend. During the bulk of this COVID-19 pandemic, visitation to DuPont State Recreational Forest has been two and three times above that average, which seems to be the growing trend for many public lands in North Carolina. While we do not know what to expect of visitation numbers this weekend, we are expecting heavy visitation from in-state locals as well as out-of-state travelers within a reasonable proximity of the forest. In the interest of health and safety for the public and for our NCFS forest rangers, we’re sharing information that can help prepare visitors to visit and safely experience one of the most beautiful, natural landscapes during this unprecedented time in our country.

 

 

 

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