Franklin State Forest adding temporary restrictions

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Starting this weekend, changes are coming to the Franklin State Forest.

Authorities are instituting temporary restrictions for 120 days because of the damage caused by off-road vehicles.

They say starting March 11, visitors may only use the forest for hiking and hunting. TDF plans to end the restrictions on July 8, 2023.

Portions of the forest are in Marion County.

The state forester said, “the damage witnessed at Franklin State Forest from off-road vehicle use in non-designated areas is setting us back, and we intend to correct that.”

There will also be no off-road vehicle driving, biking, horseback riding or camping allowed during this assessment period.