What better way to practice social distancing than by going outdoors? That was the mindset of many people this weekend as they flocked to the area’ parks and forests.

Whether it was enjoying the spring weather or escaping from household quarantine, people traveled to DuPont State Recreational Forest and parks around Henderson County this weekend.

“We did have a lot of crowds over the weekend,” said forest spokesperson Bruce MacDonald. “There was some congregation at points like waterfalls, parking lots, places like the kiosks and other informational areas.”

But the CDC’s recommendation of maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others to prevent the spread of coronavirus is recommended for both indoors or outdoors.

On Monday, nearly every municipality in the county placed restrictions on parks in areas where people congregate, such as playgrounds and dog parks.

Hendersonville was among those municipalities. Parks and greenway trails remain open, the city said, but playground equipment and pavilions are closed to the public. No more than 10 people are allowed in fenced areas of city parks and fields.

Fletcher Parks & Recreation also closed its dog park and playgrounds at Bill Moore Community Park and Kate’s Park Monday.

Mills River closed its dog park, playground basketball and tennis courts until further notice, while the walking trail, picnic shelter and park restrooms remain open for use.

On Friday, the village of Flat Rock closed the pavilion, playground shelter and playground at The Park at Flat Rock until the COVID-19 emergency has been declared over.

Parks managed by Henderson County remain open for use; however, the county advises on its website to be respectful of other users, keep groups small and provide others with appropriate social distancing.

On March 17 the county canceled all recreation programs and rentals and closed recreation facilities for 10 days.

Henderson County Parks and Recreation Director Carleen Dixon said they have been taking every precaution, cleaning high-use equipment. She said the biggest concern has been the playgrounds, which are being sanitized as much as possible.

Dixon said Parks and Recreation is a very connected community and other parks departments have been sharing information on what has been working for them.

As of Monday afternoon, DuPont remained open to the public, while visitors are urged to maintain social distancing and adjust recreational activities to minimize the need for assistance, according to the forest’s website.

DuPont’s public buildings, including the Aleen Steinberg Visitor Center and public bathroom facilities, are temporarily closed in an effort to encourage social distancing.

National forest campgrounds closed in North Carolina

The National Forests in North Carolina closed all campgrounds as of Monday, for the health and safety of visitors and staff.

The order includes all campgrounds within the Pisgah Ranger District, including North Mills River and Davidson River campgrounds. Campgrounds will be closed until at least May 15, at which point they will be re-evaluated.