Storm Recovery Updates

October 18, 2024

Recovering from Hurricane Helene

Like many places in the Southeast, Oconee County was severely affected by Hurricane Helene on September 27th. Our towns are back to normal. But the more rural and off-the-beaten path places will be recovering for awhile.

We are extremely grateful for the way professional first responders, volunteers and local residents have rallied together to help friends, neighbors and strangers. Our thoughts and prayers are with nearby communities that were harder hit and more heavily impacted than our county was.

Highway 76 Road Closure

Highway 76 is the main road from Georgia into South Carolina. The road is closed between Long Creek and Westminster, due to structural failure of the Chauga River Bridge. It was determined that the bridge must be replaced, not just repaired.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has given an approximate timeframe of up to 9 months to complete bridge construction.

Drivers traveling Hwy. 76 must detour along rural backroads to avoid crossing the Chauga River Bridge. Factor this into your travel plans and save time by looking into alternate routes beforehand.

Latest updates regarding outdoor recreation sites in Oconee County, SC:

Parks

Oconee County Parks

Chau Ram County Park OPEN
High Falls County Park OPEN
South Cove County OPEN

Devils Fork State Park

The park, and public access to Lake Jocassee, is OPEN.

Boat-in Campsites and the Oconee Bell Trail will remain closed until further notice.

Oconee State Park

The Palmetto Conservation Foundation Trail Crew aided in clearing trails. All trails within the park, including the section of the Palmetto Trail from Oconee State Park to Stumphouse Tunnel Park, are OPEN.

Cabin 20, Tent Campsite 5, and Campsite 78 remain closed. There is no internet service in the park office or in the cabins, and the office phone has not been restored.

Oconee Station State Historic Site

Station Cove Falls Trail is OPEN from the parking lot on Oconee Station Road to the falls.
Oconee Station and all other trails will remain closed until further notice.

Foothills Trail

TRAIL UPDATE posted on the Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook page:

“Progress is being made. It’s going to be a slow process, taking months, not weeks. While we can’t circle a date on the calendar for you, we can easily say March 2025 or later to get the 77 mile main trail cleared. The middle, very remote sections will be the most challenging. Remember, we are an all volunteer group.”

In just one mile of trail (near Burrell’s Ford) there were 28 trees down and 8 blockages. Use caution as there are number of “high snags” (trees broken over but not down) that could fall at any time.

Fish Hatchery to Burrell’s Ford is CLEAR

Sloan Bridge to Fish Hatchery Road is CLEAR

A note about Foothills Trail Conservancy trail maintenance volunteer commitment:

It’s more than just working “on the trail”. Their Board Chairman, for example, is also the in-house saw maintainer. He volunteers his time to keep chainsaws and crosscut saws razor sharp and in top working condition. The energy and motivation of volunteer help has been incredible! People are chipping in however they can to aid in clearing and recovery across Oconee County.

Sumter National Forest

Andrew Pickens Ranger District

Most official hiking trailheads are now accessible and open. However, user created trails are not maintained by the forest service. The public is urged to exercise extreme caution because there will be downed trees on or near trails for some time.

Still CLOSED: