The goal of these changes is to improve visitor experiences through site and trail upgrades paid for by the collected fees. These fee changes are only proposed. After public comments are received, the Forest Service will assess the comments and concerns and then present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) at a future date. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

The proposed fee changes the Forest Service seeks comment on include: Cheoah River Paddle Pass — new $10 annual pass option (existing $2 daily pass remains unchanged) Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls,  Whiteside Mountain — increase from $3 to $5/vehicle per day, increase from $15 to $30 for annual pass, Uwharrie Hunt Camp — increase from $5 to $15 per night. The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes by July 2, 2024.

For more information visit fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/recfeeproposals. To provide comments about these fee proposals for the RRAC to consider, comment online at our Recreation Fee Proposal Mapping Tool or contact Logan Free at 828.257.4256, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by mail to ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals, 160A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801.