A torrential rainstorm caused by Tropical Storm Fred's remnants last week has made one of North Carolina's most beloved mountain waterfalls dangerous.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, Looking Glass Falls is crowned by a huge log jam in Pisgah National Forest.
How big? The forest service suggests a half-acre.
It's a substantial amount! officials wrote.
Officials say the cluster of trees and shrubs is located just above the drop of 60 feet. Officials discourage visitors from visiting the waterfall. Those who do so will be restricted to viewing it from afar on a viewing platform. Officials stated that swimming is not recommended at this time.
Experts predict that the giant knot will eventually reach the riverbanks and cause havoc.
Commenters on Facebook asked if the U.S. Forest Service could intervene before this happens. Evidently not.
It's a huge (log jam), and repairing it would require a lot of effort in a very precarious situation, the forest service stated Saturday.
We have many priorities right now, and Mother Nature will take care of them all. It is a remarkable proof of the power of moving water.
According to Ashevilletrails.com, Looking Glass Falls is a popular tourist attraction. The waterfall cascades from a tall, towering cliff and falls in one, spectacular, perfect drop.
Price Lake is gone
After Tropical Storm Fred's remnants dropped 8-12 inches of rain, the log jam was one of many potentially dangerous situations that were discovered. This caused catastrophic flooding. According to McClatchy News, four people were killed in Haywood County. An estimated 500 families were also displaced.
The National Park Service reports that Price Lake, Milepost 296.7, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is currently closed.
Officials stated that the dam which controlled the lake's water level was damaged by the storm and that the lake has since emptied. Fishing, boating and other activities are not allowed in the lake until further notice.
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According to the National Park Service, just over 12 miles (from US Route 276 and NC Route 215) of the Blue Ridge Parkway are still closed due to multiple landslides.
Last year, a bear attack claimed the life of a camper in Great Smoky Mountains. Park reveals.
At 12:30 a.m., a large bear attacked teen who was sleeping in hammock in Great Smoky Mountains
Officials report that a hiker died in a long fall at Linville Gorge Wilderness, NC mountains.
