Sections Closed, Visitors Limited at Stone Mountain
Restrictions placed after Saturday’s incidents
ROARING GAP-Stone Mountain is back open for visitors today, but there are some restrictions. Park officials closed off some sections and put a limit on the number of visitors after a series of incidents took place Saturday.
There were three reported injuries, including a severe one at Stone Mountain Falls where the victim had to be carried out. The number of visitors also created problems, as the park reached its maximum capacity just after 1 p.m. But the main issue involved how some visitors acted when they arrived at the park. Stone Mountain officials found some people had parked along or in the middle of different roads at times. Others were picnicking on various roads in the park, as they pointed out the picnic shelters were still closed due to the virus. As a result, the park was shut down for several hours Saturday afternoon and officials changed what is and isn’t allowed once people step inside.
No More Trips to Widows Creek
Part of the park has been closed since March due to COVID-19. Visitors haven’t been able to go inside the park office, sit in picnic areas or venture into either the campgrounds or backcountry primitive camping. As North Carolina is still in Reopening Phase I, all of those areas are still closed to visitors. Widows Creek Falls is also closed.
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After Saturday’s incident, parking will be limited to available spaces only. In a statement put out late Saturday, officials said there would be no exceptions.
“Overflow parking will not be allowed,” the statement from NC Parks said. “The park will be closed to additional visitors once park capacity has been reached for the day.”
Currently, the park will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for hiking, running, fishing, climbing and horseback riding. NC Parks officials emphasized however this is for day use only. Until North Carolina gets out of Phase I, overnight parking and camping is not allowed. All campgrounds at Stone Mountain are scheduled to open on May 22, unless something changes in regards to the virus. Due to the overflow of people expected, you’re asked to make a reservation for camping if possible. You can do that by calling (877)-722–6762.
Follow The Guidelines
Officials also requested that visitors follow all social distancing guidelines while they’re in the park. And beyond that, if an area is closed, they ask that everyone stay away from it.
“Try to touch as few surfaces as possible and do not enter areas that have been closed off,” the statement said. “Please try to stay 6 feet away from other visitors or wear a mask or face covering.”
Brian Carlton is the editor for NWNC Magazine. He can be reached at brian.carlton38@gmail.com.
