TIKTOK LEADS TOURISTS TO BRIDGE

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. — State officials are trying to discourage large crowds from gathering at a popular spot near the north fork of the American River.

Several visitors travel hours just to get to Yankee Jim's Bridge, according to KCRA 3 News

"We saw it blow up on Tik Tok," said Cam Pizzoferrato of Elk Grove. "Obviously the view is gorgeous."

Tantilizing photos on social media lured people like Pizzoferrato to make the long drive and take in the beauty of the natural hot spot in Placer County.

"It's 100% a dangerous drive, but in my opinion, worth it, so if you're going to be careful, I recommend it," Pizzoferrato said.

There are only about 10 legal parking spots, so visitors have begun to park anywhere along the road, and the Placer County Sheriff's Office says that is a big problem.

"The number that we have from last weekend is 313 cars. That's about 301 illegally parked vehicles, and it's something we cannot tolerate for public safety," said California State Parks Superintendent Mike Howard.

Despite the numerous "no parking" signs posted on both sides of the road, drivers are still parking in those areas.

Beginning Friday morning, it's now illegal to park within 3.5 miles of the bridge, with a $71 fine.

Britney Winone of Auburn has been coming to bridge to go swimming since she was eight years old.

"If somebody got hurt while they were jumping off the bridge or something, then it's like how are the emergency (crews) going to come and save somebody if that was happening," Winone said.

The area has had fires in the past and getting emergency crews back there would be difficult, according to Cal Fire.

"There would be no way I could get a fire engine and ambulance or even a smaller utility vehicle down to this river because of the parking -- illegal parking -- that's going on the shoulders of the road," said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brian Eagan.

Keenan Main of Wheatland and his two friends drove an hour on Friday to get there.

"I think it kind of sucks, but at the end of the day, it's for everyone's safety, so they have the best intentions, you know," Main said.

Park rangers will start patrolling the area and issuing tickets. Cars blocking the road will be towed.