Ga Pinhoti Trail - Tatum Lead/Rock Creek Lollipop Loop

This is not an A-list hike, but it has some good features and it’s easy to get to.  If you hike a lot and are tired of repeating the same trails over and over, this hike may allow you to experience some new terrain.

This hike is easy as D-5s go, but you do need to be in D-5 shape to do it.  That said, we will be going at a moderate pace, and gathering as a group at several points, so if you want to hike fast, this is not the hike for you. 

The Pinhoti Trail is a long trail that goes from the base of the Appalachians in Alabama to the Cohuttas in Georgia.  We will be doing part of Section 15 of the Georgia portion of that trail, but with a couple of side trails thrown in, in order to make a loop of it. 

This majority of this hike will be along the ridge top, with a descent down into a valley and an ascent with stream crossings back to the ridge top. 

Most of this hike will be along off road vehicle trails, some along gravel roads, with just a little bit along an actual hiking only trail.  That is where the Pinhoti goes, so that’s where we go. Almost all will be in the National Forest. 

Along the ORV portion of the hike, we may encounter some four wheelers and dirt bikes, but probably not many. 

There is a one mile stretch where we have three stream crossings that can’t be rock hopped, so I recommend switching to flip flops, water shoes or sandals for that mile. 

Our highest elevation is 2900 feet, our lowest is about 1500.

From the park and ride, go back to Chastain Rd. Take a left there and then right onto I 75 North.  Go 22 miles to Exit 293 for US 411 North.  Go north toward Chatsworth for 38 miles. 

In Chatsworth we will have a pit stop at Fast Food and Fuel on the right at 630 S Third Ave, Chatsworth 30705. 

After the pit stop continue north on US 411 for .6 of a mile and turn right on GA 52 East/E Fort St.  Our trailhead will then be 11.4 miles ahead on the right on GA 52 at the Gilmer County/Murray County line, which will be marked with a sign. 

The address for the trailhead per Google maps is 11589 Georgia 52, Chatsworth 30705. 

There is a pullover on the right at the trailhead where we can park probably up to five cars if needed.  There are places nearby where we could park more cars also if we have to.