Cohutta Wilderness Backpacking - postponed

This event was originally scheduled for late November, but due to bad weather, was postponed.  

Join us for an enjoyable backpacking trip in the rugged Cohutta Wilderness.  We wil begin at the Rice Camp Trailhead.  We start on the Hickory Creek Trail, following it for approximately 6 miles to the Conasauga River.  This trail is rated moderate with little changes in elevation.  After two quick crossings of the Conasauga River, we'll take the Panther Creek Trail up the hill passing Panther Creek Falls.  This trail is rated moderate to strenuous and is rocky and rugged in some places.  Panther Creek Trail is 3.5 miles and will take us to East Cowpen Trail.  We'll plan on camping somewhere near the intersection of Panther Creek Trail and East Cowpen Trail.  There probably won't be a water source near our campsite, so plan on filling up on enough water at the top of the falls to make it through the rest of the trip.  

Plan on enjoying a nice evening by the campfire.  After a good breakfast, we'll break camp and hike out on the East Cowpen Trail.  It will be approximately 5 miles back to the trailhead.  

The drive in is on windy gravel forest service roads and there are 2 creeks that must be forded.  A SUV or other vehicle with moderately high clearance is required.  

Dogs are allowed, and both trip leaders will probably bring dogs.  They must be well behaved and under control, especially in camp.

We will plan on making a restroom break in Chatsworth.

From the intersection of GA52 and US411 in Chatsworth, go north on 411 for approx13.4 miles to the community of Cisco.  In Cisco, turn right on the paved road just before Cisco Baptist Church.  This is Old GA 2 / FS 16.  Stay on this road for approx 8 miles.  Then turn right on FS51.  Follow this for approx 4.8 miles to trailhead.  There will be two fords on this last section.