Cohutta Wilderness Area

Almost 70 square miles of North Georgia wilderness is surrounded by a drive many refer to as the Cohutta Loop. For the outdoor enthusiast, this is heaven. The drive provides access to the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi, abounds with walking trails and wildlife, and features occasional campgrounds as it follows the perimeter of the wilderness.

To call this road a loop is misleading, for there is no road across the northern end of this federal land. The Forest Service considers the loop a ragtag of roads that it refers to by number. Along the way the road offers babbling creeks nearby, climbing steadily to spectacular vistas along the southern and southwestern end of the wilderness.

You will find a number of hiking trails including the Beech Bottom and Jack's River Trail. Several designated camping areas and scenic view drives, the Lake Conasauga Recreational Area, with camping and a picnic area.

Amicalola Falls Trail
An excellent challenging trail that is lightly used, Mountaintown follows old roads and the creek to Forest Service Road 64 at the top of Rich's Knob.

Beginning near the calm waters and flat land at the bottom of a ridge in the Cohutta Wilderness, Mountaintown Creek trail follows the creek upstream as it meanders north. The path crosses this creek and Crenshaw Branch on a number of occasions. Most are easy even in the spring when the creek can be higher than normal.

Mountaintown was a Cherokee village along the banks of a pristine creek. It was one of the larger Upper Towns villages. The first two miles of the trail are essentially flat.

When the creek splits at the start of the third mile, the trail takes on an entirely different personality. Now it begins the ascent to Rich Knob. The trail rises constantly with only occasional level portions. At times, especially near the top, the trail is steep. The creeks that the trail parallels turn into cascades and falls near the top of the mountain.

How to get there

Copper Hill, McCaysville - Take Highway 68 North to State Road 251, which dead-ends at Tumbling Creek Road. Turn left. This is the start of the Cohutta Loop.

From Colwell - Stay on Old Highway 2. At the Cohutta Wilderness sign, follow the road to the left.

From Blue Ridge - Take Highway 52 (U.S. 76) to Forest Service Road 68 and follow Lake Conasauga signs.

There are over 450 miles of trails, more than 1,600 miles of "road," and 2,200 miles of rivers and streams within the boundaries of the Chattahoochee National Forest. It is the southern extreme for many northern species. Much of the beauty of North Georgia is tucked away just a short walk from a major road. Some of the more popular natural attractions within its boundaries are:

• Anna Ruby Falls
• Chattooga River Chattooga River Trip Report
• Appalachian Trail
• Headwaters of many major rivers including the Chattahoochee
• Swing Bridge (Blue Ridge)

 
Rich Mountain Wilderness Area
Located between Blue Ridge and Cherry Log this Wilderness area offers a number of well marked hiking & biking trails through he forest where you will find creeks & waterfalls. The old growth forest is home to a variety of wildlife indigenous to this area.