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Cherokee National Forest Officials are scheduled to close two Appalachian Trail Shelters to ensure the health and safety of visitors on the Watauga Ranger District until further notice. These two shelters are degrading and pose a threat to campers using the facilities.

Roan High Knob AT Shelter is being closed for repairs due to several logs that have degraded over time and is causing the shelter to lean. Forest Officials will establish a 60-foot buffer around the shelter, allowing hikers and visitors to camp outside of the buffer.

Laurel Fork AT Shelter is closed for safety reasons due to possible structural damage.