The National Park Service has developed an interim policy prohibiting the use of unmanned aircraft on NPS managed lands of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.  This is a new park use that could affect park resources, staff, and visitors in ways that the National Park Service has yet to identify, analyze and examine.  It is the National Park Service policy to not allow a new park use until a determination has been made that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values, plus staff and visitor safety.

The closure prohibits the launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links).  This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.”

This interim policy is effective August 20, 2014 until such time that the National Park Service can determine the most appropriate policy that will protect park resources and provide all visitors with a rich experience.

About the Appalachian National Scenic Trail:  The Appalachian Trail is a 2,184 mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.  Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers. www.nps.gov/appa

About the National Park Service:  More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to- home recreational opportunities. www.nps.gov.

Deer hunting season begins in the Georgia mountains in October. Other hunting seasons occur through the year. We encourage hikers to take extra precautions when hiking in north Georgia particularly in the autumn months.  Wear a blaze orange hat and jacket or pack cover, hike in groups, and be particularly cautious in the early morning or at dusk when visibility isn't as good.  For more information about hunting seasons and locations, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have announced the launch of their mobile app with up-to-date information about the two Forests in Georgia including information about hiking, biking, camping, facilities, etc in and around 49 recreation sites.  The free app is available for both Apple and Android smart phones and tablets.  For more information, see the C-ONF website.

The U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with a variety of forest user groups, has created a working group of forest users to develop trail systems within the Forest that meet various user needs, are maintainable on a long-term basis, and are ecologically sustainable.  For more information on the initiative and the upcoming workshops and events, see www.cotrails.org.

See also the article in the December 2 AJC.

The Approach Trail is rerouted from the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center to the top of the falls due to storm damage and reconstruction. Hikers can follow either the West Ridge or East Ridge Trails to bypass the area. More details are available at the park visitor center.