DAHLONEGA, Ga., July 3, 2018 -
The U.S. Forest Service National Incident Management Team and staff from the Blue Ridge Ranger District thank all of the cooperating agencies, partners and local residents that helped make the response to the National Rainbow Family Gathering a success. Thank you for your support, dedication and friendliness.
You welcomed us into your community. For that we are grateful.
While we were in Lumpkin County, our priorities were to work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement, protect natural and cultural resources and respond to and enforce traffic laws on forest roads.
We were able to accomplish these priorities with the commitment of our partners at the local, state and federal levels including elected officials, police, emergency management and emergency medical services.
It has been our privilege to serve you the past three weeks.
Many organizations have made this gathering safe for all visitors to the Chattahoochee National Forest and Lumpkin County. These include Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, Appalachian Regional Drug Task Force, U.S. Army at Camp Frank Merrill, Lumpkin County Emergency Services, among other countless cooperators, partners, and volunteers.
We would like to thank the community for the generous donations to the team as well as those attending the gathering.
ROADS:
Several temporary closures and restrictions are in place in the Nimblewill area of Lumpkin County for public safety. Forest Service Road (FSR) 77 is closed because of traffic congestion at the Rainbow Family Gathering as well as safety concerns due to road conditions. FSR 28B was open for parking, but due to continued congestion and road deterioration, it is now closed. Overflow parking is available on FSR 42 from Coppermine Gap to Big Stamp Gap. Parking is currently only allowed on the south side of the road. FSR 77 is closed to motorized vehicles, but visitors can walk FSR 77 to access Back Gate (2.7 miles).
NO PARKING PERMITTED ON FSR 58.
Springer Mountain trailhead can be accessed using the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail beginning at Amicalola Falls State Park, or by Doublehead Gap Road to FSR 42. Long Creek Falls can be accessed from FSR 58 to the Three Forks trailhead.
PARKING:
Parking is available on FSR 42 from Coppermine Gap to Big Stamp Gap. Space is limited. Obey all posted signs. Roadside parking on designated routes should allow adequate access for through traffic. Do not block gates. Illegally parked cars will be towed.
WEATHER:
Exposure to high heat and humidity may cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for more information at
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Heavy rains can cause flash flooding and landslides. Be aware of your surroundings and conditions. Avoid low lying areas.
