fire ban in backcountry lifted

The Park had issued a ban on open fires at the Park's 100-plus backcountry sites and shelters on August 21 because of extremely dry conditions in and around the Park.

While recent rainfall and lower temperatures have reduced the fire danger, this small amount of precipitation has not ended the dry conditions and visitors should still be cautious.

Backpackers should also note that many of the free-running springs do not currently have water along about a 16-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail between Shuckstack Mountain north of Fontana Dam to Spence Field.

Other specific sites without water are backcountry sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 26, 42, 113, Russell Field Shelter and Mollies Ridge Shelter.