Cohutta Wilderness Loop (Panther Creek Falls, Conasauga River, and Bald Mountain)

We will begin the day at the Tearbritches Trailhead and walk roughly 1.5 miles back down the gravel road to the Chestnut lead trail head. We could have a short shuttle to avoid this but I actually prefer to leave it in so that people can get warmed up and all their gear how they want before hitting real trails. From there we will go 1.8 miles down hill to the Conasauga River Trail.

It is at this point that the trail starts to get really wet as we begin crossing the river over and over again. You will get wet and should expect shin to waist deep water at these crossings. This is highly dependent on how much it has rained in the days leading up to the trip.

*Most people like the added balance offered by hiking poles so they are recommend but not required. Additionally you will need footwear that you can hike in while they are wet. We will not be stopping at any river crossing to change/remove shoes. I like my trail runners and would NOT suggest using anything waterproof.

After traveling about 3 miles down the river we will make our way up the steep Panther Creek trail to the falls. It starts fairly gently but then becomes a steep boulder field as you travel the 1.5 miles to the falls. We will plan on stopping at the top for lunch as it has a great view of the mountains as seen in this hike's promo picture.

After lunch we will head back down the trail to the Conasauga river and take it to the Tearbritches Trail which will take us 3.4 miles back to the car. Roughly 3 of those miles are steep uphill with the trail gaining over 2000 feet of elevation as we make our way up Bald Mountain. The plan is to take a relaxed pace up this long climb, I'm fine if people want to go fast but they'll just end up waiting longer at the cars. There are no views to admire here but you will be very excited to be at the top after the long climb. From there it is only about a half mile steep descent back to the cars.

Car pool note: The last 10 or so miles to the trailhead are down gravel roads. The roads are generally in good shape and small cars have made it but it would probably be easier if people with people with higher clearance drive. I will definitely be driving but if we get over 4 people there will need to be an additional driver.