Press Release

Walls of Jericho Tract Opening to Public August 27

August 19, 2004

The long-awaited opening of the Walls of Jericho area is set for August 27, 2004, according to the State Lands Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Gates to the property will open at 8 a.m.

The Walls of Jericho Tract, acquired by the Forever Wild Program in February, consists of 12,510 acres of mountainous and wooded terrain. Features include caves, springs, and rocky bluffs as well as portions of the headwaters of the Paintrock River.

Approximately 10 miles of trails have been built to provide access to the Walls of Jericho and waterfalls area. The horse trail is 8.3 miles and the hiking trail is 2.2 miles. Parking is available at each of the two trail heads. Primitive camping is allowed in designated camping areas, including the parking area for the horse trail.

The tract is adjacent to the Skyline-Martin Wildlife Management Area and will be open for hunting activities during the 2004-2005 season, according to the WMA schedule.