SHENANDOAH COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Shenandoah National Park has issued new trail closures due to the Rocky Branch Fire, which is now burning more than a thousand acres.
On Friday, March 22, Shenandoah National Park issued closures for Hull School Trail from Skyline Drive to Thornton River Upper Trail, as well as Thornton River Upper Trail from the intersection of Hull School Trail to Skyline Drive due to the Rocky Branch Wildfire.
According to the park, the fire started in the afternoon Wednesday, March 20, and is now estimated to be 1,188 acres burning timber litter.
As of Friday morning, fire officials estimated 10% of the fire had been contained. The cause of the fire is unknown and no structures are immediately threatened by the fire.
On Thursday, March 21, the park said the fire was estimated to be 450 acres, and fire officials estimated 10% of the fire had been contained Wednesday.
The following closures are still in place at Shenandoah National Park due to the wildfire:
- Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap to Mathews Arm
- Appalachian Trail from Elkwallow to Beahms Gap
- Rocky Branch Trail
- Neighbor Mountain Trail
- Jeremys Run Trail
- Byrds Nest 4 shelter
According to the park, firefighters are continuing suppression activities and are establishing a fire line.
A parkwide fire ban remains in effect at Shenandoah National Park.
