Cooper Creek WMA and the Largest Tree in Georgia

The 1,240-acre Cooper Creek Scenic Area, which ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in elevation, is surrounded by more than 34,000 acres of the Cooper Creek Water Management Area and the slightly larger, overlapping Cooper Creek Wildlife Management Area. Cooper Creek, a cold mountain trout stream, runs approximately 2 miles down the center of the scenic area. There are stands of large hemlock and white pine, reaching 3 and 4 feet in diameter, along and its tributaries. Additionally, the largest tree in Georgia, a Tulip Poplar, measuring 18' 3" in circumference (almost 5' 9" in diameter) is located in the area. The trails in this wildlife management area offer nearly 11 miles of hiking.
 

Itinerary:

We will begin our hike on the east end of the Old Growth Forest Trail. This trail will lead us through some stands of very large hemlocks, white pines, and tulip poplars. At the end of this trail, we will continue on an un-named trail the rest of the way to the Coopers Creek Campground. We will then cross the road and hike the 1.6 mile Eyes On Wildlife Trail, which is a loop trail bringing us back to the campground. We will then go to the other side of the campground and locate the Yellow Mountain Trail. We will then hike the Yellow Mountain Trail, Cooper Creek Connector Trail, Mill Shoals Trail, Shope Trail, until we connect back into the Yellow Mountain Trail. We will then continue on the Yellow Mountain Trail to its end. At this point we will hike down a forest service road for a short distance and then make our way into the woods "off-trail." We will hike approximately ¼ mile through the woods, cross Cooper Creek, and then approximately another ¼ mile until we reach the Old Growth Forest Trail, which we will take back to our autos.
 

Disclosure:

Your TLs, who enjoy exploring new places as much as you, have not hiked all of these trails. We estimate the distance of this hike to be about 11 miles and have an ascent of 1500 feet. However, the distance and ascent could turn out to be more than this. Therefore, please have a sense of adventure and be in sufficient physical condition to hike a little extra mileage if we miss a turn somewhere. It is our understanding that some of these trails are well marked, some are not marked, and there will also be some off-trail hiking where we will use our outstanding orienteering skills. We have studied the guide books, trail descriptions, and maps and will have these materials in hand along with a GPS. Nevertheless, you should have a sense of adventure and be in good enough condition to walk a little further if we miss a turn.


This hike is rated a D5. If you have not had recent D4/D5 hiking experience your Trip Leaders will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you.