Tennessee – Pickett State Forest in Tennessee will reopen its northwestern section to motorized vehicles on February 1, 2025, following months of road and trail restoration. The reopening comes after the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) implemented temporary restrictions in May 2024 to address the damage caused by off-road vehicles.
State Forester Heather Slayton emphasized the importance of balancing sustainable forest management and recreational use, noting that the forest’s health had been compromised by off-road vehicles, which hindered management activities and posed safety risks.
TDF has successfully rehabilitated nearly five miles of roads and trails, restoring surfaces, eliminating mudholes, and installing gates to protect designated areas. The updated recreation map now designates 14.5 miles of hiking trails, 18.2 miles for non-motorized use, and 34.7 miles for motorized vehicles.
Additionally, two unpaved roads—Yellow Doors Road and Redmond Rim Road—will be open to motorized use seasonally, from March 15 to December 20, to reduce damage during wet seasons. Gates have also been installed to block access to Kentucky via Redmond Mountain and Carpenter Rockhouse roads.
The restoration efforts allow for a sustainable balance between forest management and recreational opportunities.