U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina

08/13/2026

Behind the images you see on the news are tens of thousands of firefighters working across jurisdictions as part of our interagency response that’s meeting an incredibly challenging season head-on.

(Forest Service photo by Celeste Morales/ Andrew Avitt.)

08/12/2026

All previously closed sites from the peregrine falcon seasonal closure will officially reopen beginning August 15 following coordination with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:
• White Rock Cliff
• Buzzard’s Roost
• Big Lost Cove Cliff

In addition to the sites that were reopened July 21:
• North Cedar Rock
• Looking Glass
• NC Wall / Apricot Buttress / The Camel
• Pickens Nose
• Shortoff North
• Whiteside Mountain

It was an exciting nesting season for peregrine falcons in western North Carolina. Fifteen pairs nested, and NCWRC wildlife biologists tallied an all-time record 22 nestlings. Thanks to our partners for their continued effort in helping us conserve and monitor the fastest animal on the planet.

Every year from January 15 to August 15, certain cliff faces in Western North Carolina are temporarily closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Disturbance near nests can cause adults to abandon their young. Thank you for helping give these rare birds the space they need.

Learn more about peregrine falcons at: www.ncwildlife.gov/species/peregrine-falcon

Video: A fledgling calls over the mountains. Courtesy video from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

08/12/2026

Looking for your next outdoor adventure? Cradle of Forestry in America is hiring for a variety of positions. If you enjoy problem-solving, working outdoors, and making an impact, we'd love to hear from you!

Interested? Follow the link below to see the open positions!
https://find.catsone.com/careers/29049

08/08/2026

The Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12–13, 2026, with the potential to see 50 to 100 meteors per hour under dark, clear skies.

Our national forests offer some of the best places in North Carolina to escape city lights and enjoy the night sky. Whether you're camping or just out for an evening drive, consider adding one of these locations to your stargazing list.

-Black Balsom K**b, Pisgah National Forest
-Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, Nantahala National Forest
-Catfish Lake and Great Lake Area, Croatan National Forest
-One of the many dispersed camping areas on Uwharrie National Forest

Remember to bring a blanket or a chair, a red light flashlight, and give your eyes about 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best viewing experience.

Where is your favorite place to go stargazing in our national forests?

Photo: Night sky in Pisgah National Forest.

08/07/2026

Introducing our brand new fee machine for Flintlock Valley Shooting Range on the Uwharrie National Forest!

The kiosk only accepts cards, however you can still purchase a pass with cash from our local vendors in person. Visit our passes page to see locations:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/passes

USDA Forest Service Photos by Michael Bass.

08/07/2026

⚠️Public Input Needed! ⚠️

The Forest Service is proposing three new fees at recreation areas on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/recreation-fee-proposal

We recognize how important our shared public lands are to our local communities and visitors. The proposed modest fee increases will help the Forest Service ensure a positive visitor experience for generations to come.

Let your voice be heard! The public is invited to provide input to proposed fee changes for the next 60 days, ending on Oct. 5, 2026.

To provide feedback online, visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/60eb19b736ec4a75aa32936dd04f384e.

As a reminder, comments on social media posts WILL NOT be included in our analysis.

08/06/2026

Beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, the Croatan Ranger District Office will permanently close as North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) begins its US 70 widening project. Until construction of the new Croatan Ranger District is complete, visitor services will operate from the Croatan Work Center, located directly behind the former office. Recreation passes will not be available until August 17 and will be issued from the Croatan Work Center beginning that day.

Thank you for your patience as we transition to our new facility. We look forward to welcoming you to the new Croatan Ranger District Office in late summer.

08/06/2026

This week the USDA Forest Service ended the closure order on 5.5 miles of the Trail in the Iron Mountain Gap area (NOBO miles 360.6 to 366.1) after extensive salvage logging to remove downed trees left by Hurricane Helene.

Donations to the ATC’s A.T. Resiliency Fund supported repair efforts in this section and other parts of the Trail impacted by Helene. Volunteers with Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, ATC’s Konnarock and SWEAT Trail Crews, and staff from Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards tackled extensive treadway damage, including root ball holes and erosion caused by major blowdowns.

A huge thank you to those who supported the A.T. Resiliency Fund and to our partners who made this work possible. 💚🌱

Learn more ➡️ https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/five-miles-reopen-on-appalachian-trail-after-hurricane-helene-damage/

📸 Joe Morris with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club

08/06/2026

08/04/2026

If you fly, we can’t.

When drones are in the area, firefighting aircraft have to be grounded, putting crews and communities at risk. Keep your drone away from fire zones so firefighters can do their job safely.