Fall Creek Falls Clean Up Efforts Continue After Storms

Fall Creek Falls State Park continuing clean-up efforts after straight-line winds and severe storms knocked down more than 1,000 trees and 25 power poles.

Park Manager Sarah Leedy said at this time most sites are open including the Visitor’s Center, the Nature Center, campsites and a few trails. She said they expect the Scenic Loop and the overlook to be closed for at least two more weeks.

“We had so many trees down and they were still hanging high in the other trees that were standing and it just an unsafe condition in there,” Leedy said. “But the good news is that we have an emergency contract in place and we have tree service in there right now cutting down the other stuff out from over the tops of the roadways.”

Leedy said they ask for patience from visitors as they work through the clean-up. She said the number of trees knocked down could effectively change the ecosystem on the scenic loop. Leedy said visitors can expect to see some debris on the sides of the roadway as efforts continue.

Leedy said the plan is to open the scenic loop and the Fall Creek Falls overlook in stages as progress is made.

“So that when it’s safe to do so and we can open to where people can drive to the overlook parking and park, they may have to turn back around and drive right back out for a week or two while we finish getting the rest of the scenic loop open as well as the Piney Falls overlook.”

Leedy said if you were meant to have any event or have any questions about the park, you can call and they can direct you however you need.

“We have a very passionate and enthusiastic team here that really is going to work as hard as they can to make the park look as good as it can as soon as possible,” Leedy said.