Small Group Hike: Jacks River Trail and Falls

Tired of huge groups then this small trip(4 people at carpool and up to 2 people meeting at event)* may be for you. The Cohutta Wilderness is one of my favorite spots in Georgia. Along the course of the hike we will have 20+ river fords and a waterfall. The route we take starting at Dally Gap and looping around with the Hemp Top, Penitentiary Branch and Jacks River Trails should be about 16 miles. I expect the moving pace to be moderately quick but not a fitness hike pace at around 3 mph on the easy parts but considerably slower on the slippery river crossings.

The first few miles are on wide and dry easy trails however once we reach the river you will get wet and should expect shin to waist deep water at these crossings, although the average crossing tends to be shin to knee deep.

*Most people really like the added balance offered by hiking poles so they are recommend but not required. Poles also come in handy on the one extended downhill section if you have bad knees. Additionally you will need footwear that you can hike in while they are wet. We will not be stopping at every river crossing to change/remove shoes. I like my trail runners but some people like to have water shoes such as keens or tevas. Please only wear something that you are used to hiking in.

Reasons you may like this hike:

1. Small group
2. Very scenic
3. Splashing through the river
4. Relatively cheap carpool(I'm driving and charging $15 split between the passengers. So it is at most $15 but could be as low as $5)

Reasons you may not like this hike:

1. Less people to talk to
2. Fear of getting wet
3. Don't like pretty places
4. Gone all day. It is likely we will get back between 7 and 8 but plan on being gone all day in case something out of the ordinary happens.

*Note: I will allow up to two people to meet at the event in addition to the 4 at the carpool. If you drive yourself you are expected to be at the trailhead and ready to hike by 8:15 am.