CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Officials have been looking at changes that could make rescues less strenuous for volunteers in the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported the area, known as the Pocket Wilderness, has become a popular hiking and swimming destination within 20 miles of downtown Chattanooga. The uptick in popularity has created scenes like one after a June 7 rope-swing accident.
More than 60 volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel spent more than four hours transporting an injured woman out of the woods.
Mowbray volunteer fire chief Chris Weddington said 30 to 50 of the approximately 225 calls to the department each year come from Pocket Wilderness.
Cumberland Trail State Park manager Bobby Fulcher said officials have been planning to open a path to allow vehicular access to make it easier for rescues.
(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
