Forest Service
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
1755 Cleveland Hwy
Gainesville, GA 30501
Location: Bull Mountain off FSR 28-1 and FSR 77
Social Media: @ChattOconeeNF
Public Information: (470) 208-2839
Lumpkin County Sheriff:
Dial 911 for emergencies
Office: (706) 864-0414
6/22/2018 4:30 PM
Announcements
* Parking space is limited. Obey all posted signs. Roadside parking on designated routes must allow adequate access for through traffic. Do not block gates. Illegally parked cars will be towed.
* Strong winds and lightning are expected today. Lookout for hazard trees that may fall unexpectedly. Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions.
* Trail users can cause long-term damage to wet trails. These conditions contribute to increased erosion and sedimentation to streams hurting endangered wildlife and polluting drinking water. Help protect trails by staying off them when they are vulnerable to damage.
* Only motorized vehicles that are licensed and legal for use on public highways in the state of Georgia may be operated on Forest Service roads. Motorized vehicles are NOT allowed on trails or closed roads unless posted.
* Some trails are restricted for a certain type of use. Motorcycles, bicycles, equestrians and others should be sure they remain on designated trails marked specifically for their use. All trails are open to hikers. Trail users should be aware of increased pedestrian use and exercise proper trail etiquette in sharing trails.
* The Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System remains open to public use. These trails are NOT open to motorcycles or other motorized vehicles.
* Leave what you find. Do not touch cultural or historic artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects for others to enjoy. It is illegal to cut, dig, pull up, or otherwise remove any protected species from any public land in the state of Georgia without written permission.
FAQs
What resource impacts may occur?
Possible resource impacts include: compacted soil, water quality degradation, sanitation issues, disturbance to sensitive archaeological sites, disruptions to threatened and endangered plant and animal species, and fire danger.
When does the National Gathering begin?
There will be a continual build-up of Rainbow Family members reaching 2,000-10,000 people by July 4.
When does the gathering end?
The gathering peaks on July 4. After that, there is a drastic reduction in attendance. However, there is a group of gathering attendees that stay to clean up and rehabilitate the site. There may be other people as well that remain for a couple weeks.
How does a large group, potentially 2,000 to 10,000 people, live in the woods?
As soon as Rainbow Family members select a site, they set up a welcome area, camping and social areas, parking and shuttle areas, health care areas, and several outdoor kitchens. They develop water sources and dig trench latrines. There is no fee for attendance, but they collect donations for food and other necessary items for distribution. They designate special areas for group gatherings, families with children, men, women, and partygoers, to name a few. Attendees are advised to bring their own camping gear. Family members use campfires exclusively to cook on.
Safety Tip for Visitors
Wild animals, including bats, raccoons, and skunks can carry rabies. All wild animals can be upset by human presence and can unexpectedly become aggressive, but rabid animals are often unusually aggressive. Do not give them a reason or an opportunity to attack. Always keep your distance. Wildlife experts recommend keeping at least 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards from other large animals. Animals with rabies also frequently lose their fear of humans and may seem uncharacteristically approachable. Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated.
You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of your pets. Pets should be discouraged from interacting with wild animals. If you or your pet are bitten by a wild animal and you suspect may have rabies, first, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water. Gather as much information about the animal as possible. Contact a doctor as soon as possible and notify your local public health unit or the state health department as well as local law enforcement.
#KnowBeforeYouGo what to look for and how to respond. Learn more about Outdoor Safety including how to identify and stay safe around wild animals.
bit.ly/ChattahoocheeOutdoorSafety
