The fire began Saturday in the forest near the Dawson, Gilmer, Fannin and Lumpkin County lines. Forest Service spokeswoman Judy Toppins said in a written statement a large response team was mobilized which included the local U.S. Forest Service Type 3 Incident Management Team and crews from a neighboring national forest. Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Lumpkin County Fire Department personnel assisted in the response.
The Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain and its approach from Amicalola Falls State Park has now reopened. Also, all temporary closures have been lifted for the Appalachian Trail approach trail from its crossing on Forest Road 28-2 at Nimblewill Gap to the Springer Mountain trailhead parking area on Forest Road 42. In addition, Forest Road 46 between Nimblewill Gap and High Shoals Church Road is now open.
The wildfire did not affect any structures, including the Black Mountain trail shelter, and was not a threat to Amicalola Falls State Park or the Len Foote Hike Inn.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
An aerial view of Nimblewill Gap on November 29, 2012, as firefighters managed to contain the fire/Photo courtesy Valencia Morris, US Forest Service
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