From Staff Reports

MILLS RIVER — DuPont State Recreational Forest began the first phase of its reopening plan on May 14, with trails made accessible to the general public. However, gathering areas remain closed.

The forest is open to the public at 5 a.m. and the Holmes Educational State Forest opens to the public at 9 a.m.

Minimal services, facilities and assistance will be available for visitors.

Parking is limited to Fawn Lake Access Area, Guion Farm Access Area and Corn Mill Shoals Access Area. N.C. Forest Service officials said visitors should expect crowding and limited parking.

The N.C. Forest Service stressed that visitor behavior will be a key factor for providing continued public access and preventing additional closures during this period of phased reopening, the N.C. Forest Service said.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving.

All picnic areas, swimming areas and waterfronts will remain closed.

Other closed areas include:

• High Falls Access Area

• Hooker Falls Access Area

• Lake Imaging Access Area

• Visitor Center and office

• Triple Falls Trail and staircase

• Base of High Falls Trail

• Wintergreen Falls

• The area at the base of Bridal Veil

• Three Lakes Trail

• Hooker Falls

• Fawn Lake

• Lake Dense

• Lake Alford