Gahuti Backcountry Trail

Gahuti Trail at Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth has it all, creeks, waterfall, large trees, long views, undulating terrain. The hike has over 1700 feet of elevation gain. The trail name is "Mother Mountain" in the Cherokee language and the mountain itself has historical significance both pre-Columbian and after.

We will stay together as a group throughout the hike. The pace will be about 2.7 mph. It might be warm so bring about 2 liters to drink and something to eat.   We will stop and take a break and snack at a beautiful waterfall.  Plan on being 10 minutes early at the trailhead to review itinerary and introductions. The hike will begin promptly at 8:45 am.

The Gahuti Trail follows orange blazes. The trail carves through the contours of several deep-cut channel valleys with steady climbs and descents along the way. There are a couple of short spurs we will take, one to the ancient stone wall and one to Goldmine Creek Waterfall. There are also amazing views at the Cool Springs Overlook. 

There is no organized carpool for this event. Feel free to contact other hikers and organize a carpool on your own.

I will send a reminder email out and we will be in contact before the trailhead.   There was not good cell reception the last time I was there.  

Note: The coordinates are 34.77868,-84.70563.  Once you are on Old Fort road there is a park office with restooms on your right. We will meet near the end of Old Fort Rd. Drive to the end of Old Fort Road. There are restooms there too, but they might be locked. There is a parking there where the road makes a small loop. Don't park there. Go back the way you came, less than a mile, on the left, there's a smaller parking lot in the woods. We will meet there, at "Cool Springs Overlook and Gahuti Trailhead Parking".