Long Cane Ranger District on the Sumter National Forest closes campgrounds and restrooms
Release Date: Mar 24, 2020
Edgefield, SC – March 24, 2020 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Long Cane Ranger District located on the Sumter National Forest will implement the following changes immediately for the health and safety of visitors and staff.
- The Forks Area Trail System (FATS) will remain open, and the bathroom is closed.
- The Parsons Mountain and Cedar Springs OHV trails will re-open from the seasonal winter closure on March 27, if trail conditions are dry. The bathrooms will remain closed. Please call the hotline number for current trail open/closed status: (803) 561-4025.
- Lick Fork Lake and Parsons Mountain Recreation Area are seasonally closed until May 1, and will remain closed.
- Fell Camp is closed.
- Shooting ranges will remain open, and we ask users to place all trash in the trash bins for removal. We thank you.
"Although we are taking these actions at our developed sites, the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests have over 630,000 acres that offer dispersed recreation such as hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and any other activities to enjoy the great outdoors this spring," according to Rick Lint, Forest Supervisor. "Remember to follow public health guidelines such as social distancing while you recreate in National Forests."
We will continue to make changes to provide for the safety of the public and our employees. As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority. We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice for cleaning per CDC guidelines and to promote social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to contact the ranger district office with additional questions: Long Cane Ranger District Office: 810 Buncombe Street, Edgefield, SC 29824, Phone: (803) 637-5396.
The Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part or all of the campgrounds to ensure social distancing, you will receive a full refund for your reservation. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.
# # #
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Alerts & Warnings
- Enoree Ranger District conducting prescribed burn March 29
- Francis Marion Ranger District is burning today
- Enoree Ranger District (Sumter National Forest) Recreation Site Openings
- Long Cane district office reopening in new location
- Check the Call Before You Haul hotline before riding our OHV trails
- FSR 374 (Hunting Fork Rd) closed
- America the Beautiful passes unavailable at Supervisor's & Long Cane offices
- Damaged bridges along the Enoree Passage of Palmetto Trail; exercise caution
- Please be aware of open well hazards on Sumter National Forest
- Enoree Ranger District Rifle Range Cleaning Schedule