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. We are set up for donations arranged through AmazonSmile. 
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop at Amazon, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion (0.5%) of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. On your first visit to AmazonSmile you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. AmazonSmile will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make will result in a donation. We hope you"ll select Conasauga District Trail Volunteers as your charitable organization.

Upcoming events (4+)

Clear the trail - E Cowpen past Buckeye

Three Forks Trailhead

What

  • Clear East Cowpen past Buckeye Mtn
  • Deadfalls and lopping small branches
  • Shuttle to avoid long hike back
  • Spring wildflowers!
  • MANY years of overgrowth :(
  • Potluck afterwards!
  • ~7 miles one-way (shuttle arranged), [moderate to difficult] hiking

Where and when

  • Three Forks trailhead
  • Coordinates:[masked], [masked]
  • 9:00 AM, Saturday 4/1
  • Carpool available (email Robert at [masked])

What to bring

  • Safety whistle
  • Day pack with food and water
  • Long pants required, long sleeves recommended, work gloves
  • Layers appropriate for weather
  • Food for potluck (optional)
  • Hand saw (if you have one)
  • Waiver form (first-timers under 18 only: http://bit.ly/vol-waiver)

Want more info on the group?

  • Email Robert at [masked]
  • Check us out at www.facebook.com/teamconasauga
  • Look us up on the Forest Service site: www.fs.usda.gov/conf

DIRECTIONS:
From Atlanta, GA

  • Take I-75 to I-575 and turn left at US Hwy 76 West and cross the river to GA Hwy 52 East towards Ellijay
  • From the square in Ellijay, stay on Hwy 52 west for approximately 5 miles and turn right onto Gates Chapel Road.
  • Drive about 5.7 miles until pavement ends and turn right onto Forest Road 90
  • Go to the stop sign, then turn right onto Forest Road 68
  • Drive about 3.3 miles to the T-intersection with Forest Road 64 and turn right on FS 64
  • Drive about 4.4 miles and turn left at the sharp curve into the Three-Forks trailhead.

From Chatsworth, GA

  • From Chatsworth at the Hardee’s on Highway 411, travel on Highway 411 north approximately 3 miles to Eton, GA.
  • Turn right at the traffic light onto CCC Road.
  • Drive about 10.3 miles on CCC Road, which eventually turns into graveled Forest Road 18.
  • Turn left onto Forest Road 68 (following the signs to Lake Conasauga).
  • Drive about 5.7 miles to the T-intersection with Forest Road 64 and turn right on FS 64.
  • Drive about 4.4 miles and turn left at the sharp curve into the Three-Forks trailhead.

Clear the trail - Upper Conasauga

Cohutta Wilderness

What

  • Clear the Upper Conasauga River trail
  • Deadfalls and lopping small branches
  • Potluck afterwards!
  • [TBD] miles round-trip, [moderate to difficult] hiking

Where and when

  • [TBD] trailhead
  • 9:00 AM, Saturday 5/6
  • Carpool available (email Robert at [masked])

What to bring

  • Safety whistle
  • Day pack with food and water
  • Long pants required, long sleeves recommended
  • Food for potluck (optional)
  • Hand saw (if you have one)
  • Waiver form (first-timers under 18 only: http://bit.ly/vol-waiver)

Want more info on the group?

  • Email Robert at [masked]
  • Check us out at www.facebook.com/teamconasauga
  • Look us up on the Forest Service site: www.fs.usda.gov/conf

Directions
From Atlanta

  • [TBD]

From Chattanooga

  • [TBD]

Clear the trail - Cohutta Wilderness TBD

Cohutta Wilderness

What

  • Clear the [TBD] trail on National Trails Day!
  • Potluck afterwards!
  • [TBD] miles round-trip, [moderate] hiking

Where and when

  • [TBD] trailhead
  • 9:00 AM, Saturday 6/3
  • Carpool available (email Robert at [masked])

What to bring

  • Safety whistle
  • Day pack with food and water
  • Long pants required, long sleeves recommended
  • Food for potluck (optional)
  • Hand saw (if you have one)
  • Waiver form (first-timers under 18 only: http://bit.ly/vol-waiver)

Want more info on the group?

  • Email Robert at [masked]
  • Check us out at www.facebook.com/teamconasauga
  • Look us up on the Forest Service site: www.fs.usda.gov/conf

Directions
From Atlanta

  • [TBD]

From Chattanooga

  • [TBD]

Clear the trail - Beech Bottom

Beech Bottom Trailhead

What

  • Clear the Beech Bottom trail
  • Deadfalls and lopping small branches
  • Potluck afterwards!
  • [TBD] miles round-trip, [moderate] hiking

Where and when

  • Beech Bottom trailhead
  • 9:00 AM, Saturday 7/8
  • Carpool available (email Robert at [masked])

What to bring

  • Safety whistle
  • Day pack with food and water
  • Long pants required, long sleeves recommended
  • Food for potluck (optional)
  • Hand saw (if you have one)
  • Waiver form (first-timers under 18 only: http://bit.ly/vol-waiver)

Want more info on the group?

  • Email Robert at [masked]
  • Check us out at www.facebook.com/teamconasauga
  • Look us up on the Forest Service site: www.fs.usda.gov/conf

Directions
From Atlanta

  • [TBD]

From Chattanooga

  • [TBD]

Past events (91)

Clear the trail - Rough Ridge 2-day

Three Forks Trailhead