POLK COUNTY, N.C. (May 27, 2020) – Citing potential dangers to the health or welfare of the public, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has designated the waterfall and overlook portion of the Big Bradley Falls Trail at Green River Game Lands as a Temporary Restricted Zone until further notice. The main trail, which had been closed to the public due to social distancing concerns is now open.

Entry into the Temporary Restricted Zone will be prohibited without first obtaining written approval from the Commission, which can be requested by calling 919-707-0150 or sending an email to gamelands@ncwildlife.org. Anyone who accesses the area without prior written approval could be charged with a Class 3 Misdemeanor, which carries a fine of $25 and additional court costs.

There is currently no safe view of Big Bradley Falls from the trail. Since 2000, eight fatal accidents have occurred within the area that is now designated as a Temporary Restricted Zone. The Commission is investigating the feasibility of constructing a trail to the bottom of the falls to provide a safe viewing opportunity.     

For more information on the Commission’s game lands program, including an interactive game land map, visit ncwildlife.org/gamelands.