First, sorry for the lack of updates and stream reports these last couple of weeks. It has been strange times in Tellico with not one, but two rain events that caused flooding and road damage in our area. We decided not to encourage folks to make the drive until we had solid information on alternate routes and a timeline for road repairs. So, here is the current state of things in the Tellico area:
1) The Cherohala Skyway (165) is still closed approx 1 mile east of town. Road crews are making repairs as of this week and tell us that the Skyway will be open to travel within the next two weeks.
2) River Rd (FS210) is closed from the Ranger Station east to North River Rd. Multiple rock slides and undercutting of the road has made River Rd unsafe for travel. The Forest Service has decided to keep this section closed until the Bald River Bridge project is complete, which should be sometime late next year.
3) North River Rd is open but pretty rough in a couple of places (pictured above). Ample clearance and 4WD is recommended. Once the Skyway reopens, this will be one of the main routes to the upper Tellico River and Green Cove
4) Wildcat Rd/Bald River Rd (FS126). Both Wildcat Rd and Bald River Rd weathered the storms pretty well. Again, ample clearance is recommended as both are unpaved forest service roads. Once the Skyway is reopened, access to upper Tellico via Wildcat Rd to FS 126 will be a viable route. Currently, you can access FS 126 by way of Smithfield Rd off of Hwy 68, south of Tellico Plains.
5) Hanging Dog Rd/Davis Creek Rd (NC). This is another route of unpaved forest roads from Murphy, NC that can get you to the upper Tellico. It is worth mentioning as we have heard that it is a decent route for anyone coming in from the south, including Chattanooga.
If you do decide to visit the Tellico River even with the increased travel time, please use extra caution on these backroads as they are receiving more traffic than usual.
Fishing report and Fall stocking information to follow in the next post.