What we’re about
If you are interested in wilderness hiking, adventure, and giving back through volunteering, we are the group for you. Since 1990, Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers have answered the call as the sole maintainers of the nearly 100 miles of trails within the Cohutta Wilderness, the largest Forest Service wilderness in the southeast. In partnership with the Chattahoochee National Forest, we plan a monthly trail maintenance event somewhere in the Cohutta's. No experience is necessary. Besides the satisfaction that comes from giving back, you will learn little-known secrets of the Cohutta Wilderness from Forest Service rangers and seasoned volunteers. Join us for just one volunteer event and we think you'll get hooked on the adventure, camaraderie, and fun.
First-time volunteers under 18: please fill out a waiver form (http://bit.ly/vol-waiver) and bring it with you.
For river trails or workdays from the Rice Camp trailhead, please check the last 7 days’ rainfall to be sure you’re comfortable with the likely river/stream levels (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/uv/?site_no=02384500&PARAmeter_cd=00045)
Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers meetup group is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit corporation, incorporated as Conasauga District Trail Volunteers. We can and do accept tax-deductible donations for expenses such as safety equipment and trail tools.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Trail Clearing Upper Hickory Creek Trail (Meet at Rice Camp Trailhead)Rice Camp Trailhead, Cisco, GA
Trail Clearing Upper Hickory Creek Trail (Meeting at Rice Camp Trailhead)
Trail clearing in early-spring is a unique experience especially when you’re with a great group of folks who love the Cohutta Wilderness as much as you do (or will!). Join the Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers (aka, Team Conasuaga on Facebook) on Saturday, March 1 (9am-4pm) as we work to clear the upper end of Hickory Creek Trail (i.e., meeting at the Rice Camp Trailhead). We will, of course, also hold our traditional post-event snack and sharables tailgate afterwards.
Please meet the Rice Camp Trailhead (NOT the southern end of the Hickory Creek Trail) at 9:00 am. Plan on 6 to 7 miles (roundtrip) of moderate hiking, returning to the trailhead about 4pm.
Notes on Driving to Rice Camp Trailhead:
- Google Maps will get you almost there (it takes you to the Horseshoe Bend Trailhead) … keep going on that same road for about another 1.5 miles until it dead ends into the parking area for Rice Camp.
- There are two creek crossings along the road – normally fine for all cars but depends on when it last rained. If you do not feel comfortable driving across these, just let Robert know (email below) and we can coordinate meeting nearby and shuttling you to the event.
Email Robert Edmondson – [email protected] if you have any questions or want to meet outside of the wilderness and carpool / caravan.
What to Bring:
• Enough food and water for the day, including a light lunch and a backpack to carry your supplies/food
• Work gloves and a safety whistle
• Sturdy boots and appropriate clothing layers are required for the task at hand (long pants are required; long-sleeve shirts recommended given the potential for thorns or other natural hazards)
• Food, snacks or soft drinks to share with the group for our post-work tailgate back at the trailhead parking area – and a lawn chair if you would like, for relaxing!Other trail-clearing tools & safety gear such as hard hats & protective eyewear will be
provided.Directions to the Rice Camp Trailhead:
From Atlanta
· Take I-75 N to Exit #293 (Hwy 411, Chatsworth/White).
· Go north on Hwy 411 through Chatsworth.
· From Chatsworth (intersection of Hwy 76 & Hwy 411), travel north on Hwy 411 for 11.8 miles to Cisco.
· Turn right onto Old Hwy 2, at the Cisco Baptist Church, and go 7.8 miles.
· Turn right onto FS 51. There is a directional sign here for Rice Camp, East Cowpen, Hickory Creek, and Horseshoe Bend Trails.
· Travel 4.7 miles until the road ends at the trailhead. There are two creek crossings, usually low enough for the average sedan with care.From Chattanooga
· Take I-75 S to Exit 341 (GA 201, Tunnel Hill/Varnell).
· Turn left onto GA 201 N and go 4.7 miles to the intersection with GA 2 (just past the Dollar General).
· Go 12.2 miles until the intersection with GA 225 (at a stop sign). Turn left onto GA 2 / GA 225 N.
· In one mile, turn right onto GA 2. Go 2.3 miles to the intersection with US 411, at Cisco Baptist Church. Continue onto Old Hwy 2 and go 7.8 miles.
· Turn right onto FS 51. There is a directional sign here for Rice Camp, East Cowpen, Hickory Creek, and Horseshoe Bend Trails.
· Travel 4.7 miles until the road ends at the trailhead. There are two creek crossings, usually low enough for the average sedan with care.· GPS Coordinates: 34.9501680629135, -84.60509191349213
If you plan to join us, please RSVP on Meetup or with Robert Edmondson – [email protected] so that we can plan accordingly!
Please note that CDTV events are a family- friendly, alcohol, and drug-free setting.
Who Can Tell Me More?
If you would like more information about these events or are not currently on our mailing list please contact Robert Edmondson at the email above, sign up on Meetup 4142298.xyz/Cohutta-Wilderness-Trail-Volunteers , follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/teamconasauga, or look us up on the Chattahoochee National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/co
