POLK COUNTY, N.C. (April 24, 2020) –The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is temporarily closing the Big Bradley Falls Trail on the Green River Game Lands through May 8, 2020. Over the last two weeks, a significant increase in use at this area and limited adherence to social distancing protocols have been observed. Closure is necessary to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and keep people away from areas that can be potentially dangerous if overcrowded. 

The Bradley Falls Trail leads to areas that could be dangerous, particularly with increased congregations of people. This area is potentially dangerous as there is no safe view of Big Bradley Falls from the trail, which has resulted in eight fatal accidents since 2000.

At this time, the Commission is not considering closing other areas of the game lands. However, areas that have seen an increase in use will continue to be monitored for adherence to social distancing guidelines. Education efforts for game land users regarding proper social distancing guidelines will continue.

Individuals must, with the full force and effect of law, comply with all Social Distancing and Mass Gatherings requirements per Executive Order 121. The Commission promotes outdoor recreational pursuits so long as they are done in a manner consistent with CDC social distancing guidelines and in compliance with any applicable Emergency Orders at the municipality, city, county, state and federal level. In order to keep these doorways to North Carolina’s public trust resources open, the Commission is relying on the compliance of every person. If observations indicate that these requirements are not being followed, closures of additional areas of game lands may occur.  

Due to the COVID-19 virus, the sales counter at the Wildlife Commission’s headquarters in Raleigh is closed. We encourage the public to visit our website, www.ncwildlife.org, to purchase fishing, trapping and hunting licenses and to renew a vessel registration. The Commission’s License, Vessel Registration, and Wildlife Helpline Call Centers are open from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. For the most up-to-date information on agency-related closures, cancellations and postponements visit ncwildlife.org/covid19.