Cohutta Wilderness backpacking - Rice Camp Trail

After nine Rice Camp Branch crossings and 1.9 
miles of nearly level terrain, the path turns left away 
from the stream and ascends moderate and more 
gradual upgrades on an old roadbed until it opens 
into a white oak flat, once the site of a logging camp 
and sawmill. At mile 2.7 the trail makes a short, 
sharp drop to a muddy rivulet. Look for the smooth, 
light-gray bark of the last few large beech trees still 
standing beside the small stream.

The remainder of Rice Camp traverses a succession of low, dry ridges through a predominantly oak- 
pine forest. The resulting ups and downs are easy or 
moderate. The land beside the trail often slopes away 
gradually on small spur ridges or falls away suddenly 
into moist ravines on either side of the ridge top.

The wilderness path descends through a belt of 
rosebay rhododendron and eastern hemlock to 1,350 
feet, where it ends at the orange-blazed Jacks River 
Trail above a normally shallow tributary.

Exploratory 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.

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!

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.

That said, 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, especially in winter conditions with shorter days.

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.

This is beautiful country, and my trips are meant to enjoy the view and breathe deeply while flushing the city air out of my 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 and you'll be fine. And if you don't know yoga, I highly recommend it.

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.