HARRISBURG (WSIL) -- Shawnee National Forest announced Thursday that it's temporarily shutting down two of the most visited sites in the forest.
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Bell Smith Springs Trailhead are closed to the public.
The Forest Service says the closure aligns with federal and state guidelines for social distancing and ensures the health and safety of employees and visitors.
The announcement comes a week after Shawnee National Forest closed . Those are:
Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District
� Johnson Creek Campground, Jackson County
� Pine Hills Campground, Union County
Hidden Springs Ranger District
� Camp Cadiz Campground, Hardin County
� Pharaoh Campgrounds at Garden of the Gods, Saline County
� Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow, Gallatin County
� Tower Rock Campground, Hardin County
The Forest Service says hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and dispersed camping within in the Shawnee National Forest is still available. Visitors are encouraged to:
� Avoid visiting the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
� Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest.
� Take your trash with you when you leave. Trash overflowing the receptacles becomes litter and can be harmful to wildlife and attract predators.
� Please make arrangements to use the restroom before or after your visit to the forest. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for our employees and for other visitors.
� If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods.
