Two weeks after Zeta, repairs continue at Yonah Preserve in White County

Two weeks ago, the remnants of Hurricane Zeta tracked across North Georgia, leaving behind damage that taking a good bit of time to clean up. 

In White County, where specialized debris removal crews have been hired for clean up, officials said one of the hardest-hit areas in the county was Yonah Preserve recreation area north of Cleveland.

White County Manager Jason Cobb said on Tuesday that the power has been restored at the trailhead facility; however he says the trails themselves have extensive damage.

"We have several trees down, some of them are actually uprooted, they’re not just fallen down.  So we have damage to the actual trails themselves because of all the roots, leaves, limbs everywhere. So it’s going to take a little time to get some of those things straightened up,” said Cobb.

The estimate for complete repairs is two to three weeks, according to Cobb, but he said a number of groups are volunteering their time for the clean-up.

"We’ll have a combination of some of our crews, but also the group SORBA, they’ll be out there. They really help us out a lot and make sure the trails are rideable and easy access for everyone, so they’re going to be helping us out a lot, Cobb said.

Due to the extensive damage and the danger, Cobb said trails will remain closed to the public until further notice.