Cohutta Wilderness Mountain Loop Hike. No Carpool!

We will begin at 3 Forks Trailhead (3,790 elevation ). Our hike will turn north on to East Cowpen Trail for around 4.5miles. We will reach the junction of Hickory Ridge Trail ( Buckeye Mountain (3,500 elevation) for our break. After break our trail will be descending north for around 3.6 miles to Beech Bottom and a river ford (Jack's River 2,200) for lunch and a cool down. When lunch is over we go southeast (Jacks River Trail) for a short distance on another River ford (Jack's River) to the Rough Ridge Trail. Leaving your water shoes on for another short distance we will ford Rough Creek: Should be a rock hop. When the boots are back on we will hike the Rough Ridge Trail out for around 7.4 miles back (we will have a good climb for the beginning 3 miles). We hike to the East Cowpen Trail turning left and then we will go around 0.7mile to 3 Forks trailhead to finishing the clockwise Loop! In summary, this 16 mile Loop will have 4 connecting Trails, 3 Fords, Possible blow downs, and narrowing unbeaten trails : Foot paths if you will. Rough Ridge is one of the least used trails in the Cohutta Wilderness. I'm looking for hikers who can adapt to these uncertain conditions. It's still summer so it will be hot. Be honest with yourself about whether you have the physical ability and desire to do this event. If you sign up and I do not know your hiking ability, I will contact you to find out if I believe you are a good candidate for this trip. I reserve the right to remove any member from this trip, who in my opinion, may not have the physical ability to keep up with the group. Total Mountain Travel is approximately 4,150.