Cohutta Wilderness backpacking - Rice Camp Trail

At 1740', we will start the 3.9 mile hike to our campsite. The first couple miles is relatively flat, following small streams, and often some sections are a bit muddy. Then it gradually ascends following an old logging road. The last mile follows dry ridges, with a succession of ups and downs, which aren't that difficult for fit people, but it could be tough for some carrying a backpack, hence the D4 rating.

There's a final drop down through the rhododendrons to Jacks river at 1350'. It's a bit steep and some people have taken a fall here, but luckily nobody seriously hurt. Just wounded pride. We'll find a camping spot close to where the trail meets Jacks river.

Day hike option: (dependant on water crossing and time availability after gathering wood, eating lunch and setting up camp). Jacks River 
Falls is one ford and 1.2 miles to the right, east and 
upstream, on the Jacks River Trail. This crossing is usually over my knees in depth, and I'm tall, so if you want to do this, prepare for a wet crossing.

Tree climb option: I know a very large hemlock tree on a ridge about 200' above our camp, which offers a superb view over the Jack's river canyon. Great place to watch the sunset!

Music option: If you are a musician and can carry your instrument into camp, please let us know and we'll exchange ideas so we can hopefully synch up. If we can't synch up, we'll let you do some solo's too! We can always use singers, so if you enjoy singing in front of people, also let us know so we can exchange a song list.

Please only attempt this trip if you're in good physical condition, and can backpack in the mountains at a 2mph pace. We don't want too many people constantly waiting for slower hikers that aren't in good condition. Conversely, if you have a surplus of energy, I expect you to use it for the benefit of the team. It's not meant to be a competition, but a comaraderie building, nature loving experience, allowing all of us to absorb what only the wilderness can provide.

This is beautiful country, and this trip is meant to enjoy the view and breathe deeply while flushing the city air out of your system. If you want to race, or feel that pump, that's fine, but don't go past forks without waiting, and don't expect the sweep to push the slower hikers beyond their capacity. If you feel the need, do some push-ups or hand stands, or even better start gathering burnable firewood, clean out the fire pit, do something constructive with your energy. Once the chores are done, you can climb trees, or swim in the river.

Over the years, there has been many bear sightings in the Cohutta's, so be prepared to protect your food. And I don't mean using your food bag as a pillow.

The next morning, we'll hike the 3.9 miles back the way we came. Be forewarned, if you rush back to the parking lot, there will be a strong hiker sweeping behind the slowest hiker, and there will be time designated for the sweeper to stretch before driving home.

From the GA 52-US 411 intersection in 
Chatsworth, travel US 411 North approximately 13.4 miles, past Eton toward Tennga, to the community 
of Cisco. In Cisco, turn right onto the paved road immediately before the Cisco Baptist Church, also on the right. Once part 
of GA 2, this road is now known as Old GA 2. This road is also FS 16. 
Continue on FS 16 (the pavement ends; stay to the right at the fork; pass 
Hopewell Church; cross the Conasauga River) for approximately 7.9

miles, then turn right onto FS 51. Proceed about 4.8 miles} making two 
fords. The fords may require a utility vehicle in wet weather. You will 
find the Rice Camp trailhead, bulletin board, and parking area on the left. As you approach, Rice Camp Trail is to the left and East Cowpen 
Trail is straight ahead into the wilderness.