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 (3)
See all- Nat'l Public Lands Day! Clearing Hickory Creek Trail (off FSR 630)Hickory Creek Trailhead, Crandall, GA
Join us this early fall as we honor National Public Lands Day with a day of purpose and camaraderie in the beautiful Cohutta Wilderness. We'll be working together to clear Hickory Creek Trail of downed trees and limbs — an essential part of keeping our trails open and accessible.
Fall is a perfect time to be in the woods — with cooler temps, thinning brush, and wide-open views, it’s a whole new experience on the trail, even better when shared with a friendly group of wilderness lovers who care deeply about this special place.
As always, we’ll wrap up the day with our signature post-work tailgate — bring your favorite snack or something to share!
No experience necessary — just a good attitude, sturdy boots, and a willingness to get a little dirty for a good cause.
Please meet at the Hickory Creek Trailhead at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 27. Plan on 6 to 7 miles (round-trip) of moderate hiking, returning to the trailhead about 4 pm.
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 are 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 Hickory Creek Trailhead:
## Directions:
From Atlanta:
Take I-75 N to Exit #293 (Hwy 411, Chatsworth/White)
Go north on Hwy 411 through Chatsworth
From the Hardee's in Chatsworth, continue on Hwy 411 north about 5.9 miles
Just past where the 4-lane turns into a 2-lane, turn right on Grassy St
Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the T-intersection
Go about 200 feet and turn left onto Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 (sign for Lake Conasauga)
Go about 9 miles on Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 to the intersection with FS 17
Go straight across the intersection, following the Hickory Creek Trail sign
Continue 0.2 miles to the end of the road, which is the parking lot and trailhead.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)
Go straight across GA 225 onto Halls Chapel Rd
Go 4.1 miles on Halls Chapel Rd until the T-intersection with Hwy 411
Turn right and go south 2.2 miles on Hwy 411, then turn left on Grassy St
Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the T-intersection
Go about 200 feet and turn left onto Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 (sign for Lake Conasauga)
Go about 9 miles on Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 to the intersection with FS 17
Go straight across the intersection, following the Hickory Creek Trail sign. Continue 0.2 miles to the end of the road, which is the parking lot and trailhead.GPS Coordinates: 34.901980, -84.643600
If you plan to join us, RSVP on Meetup or with Robert Edmondson – raehiker@gmail.com 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 get in touch with Robert Edmondson at the email above, sign up on Meetup www.meetup.com/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 - Clearing Hickory Creek Trail (off FSR 630)Hickory Creek Trailhead, Crandall, GA
Spend a meaningful day in the mountains this fall as we return to the Cohutta Wilderness for another hands-on effort to keep our trails open and inviting. We’ll be tackling Hickory Creek Trail, clearing away fallen trees and limbs to restore safe passage for hikers and backpackers alike.
October is a magical time in the forest — cooler temps, thinning underbrush, and sweeping ridge views transform the trail into something spectacular. It’s even better when shared with a welcoming crew of folks who care as deeply about these public lands as you do.
And of course, we’ll end the day with our signature post-work tailgate.
Bring your favorite snack or something to share — we always eat well!No experience needed — just sturdy boots, gloves, and a love for the woods.
👉 RSVP or learn more via Team Conasauga on FacebookPlease meet at the Hickory Creek Trailhead at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 4th. Plan on 6 to 7 miles (round-trip) of moderate hiking, returning to the trailhead about 4 pm.
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 are 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 Hickory Creek Trailhead:
## Directions:
From Atlanta:
Take I-75 N to Exit #293 (Hwy 411, Chatsworth/White)
Go north on Hwy 411 through Chatsworth
From the Hardee's in Chatsworth, continue on Hwy 411 north about 5.9 miles
Just past where the 4-lane turns into a 2-lane, turn right on Grassy St
Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the T-intersection
Go about 200 feet and turn left onto Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 (sign for Lake Conasauga)
Go about 9 miles on Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 to the intersection with FS 17
Go straight across the intersection, following the Hickory Creek Trail sign
Continue 0.2 miles to the end of the road, which is the parking lot and trailhead.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)
Go straight across GA 225 onto Halls Chapel Rd
Go 4.1 miles on Halls Chapel Rd until the T-intersection with Hwy 411
Turn right and go south 2.2 miles on Hwy 411, then turn left on Grassy St
Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the T-intersection
Go about 200 feet and turn left onto Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 (sign for Lake Conasauga)
Go about 9 miles on Mill Creek Rd/FS 630 to the intersection with FS 17
Go straight across the intersection, following the Hickory Creek Trail sign. Continue 0.2 miles to the end of the road, which is the parking lot and trailhead.GPS Coordinates: 34.901980, -84.643600
If you plan to join us, RSVP on Meetup or with Robert Edmondson – raehiker@gmail.com 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 get in touch with Robert Edmondson at the email above, sign up on Meetup www.meetup.com/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 - Trail Clearing Hickory Creek Trail (Meet at Rice Camp Trailhead)Rice Camp Trailhead, Cisco, GA
Trail Clearing of Hickory Creek Trail (Meeting at Rice Camp Trailhead)
With the leaves down and the air crisp, November is one of the best times to be in the Cohutta Wilderness. The canopy opens up to reveal unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains, hollows, and creeks — sights you rarely get during the rest of the year.
Join us on Saturday, November 1, for a rewarding day of trail clearing on the Hickory Creek Trail. We'll be removing downed trees and limbs to keep this rugged trail open and ready for winter explorers.
As always, we’ll wrap up with our signature post-work tailgate — bring your favorite snack or something to share!
No experience needed — just sturdy boots, gloves, and a love for the woods.
👉 RSVP or learn more via Team Conasauga on Facebook
Please meet at the Rice Camp Trailhead parking area (both Hickory Creek and Rice Camp trails share this same lot) at 9:00 am. Plan on 5 to 7 miles (round-trip) of moderate hiking, returning to the trailhead about 4 pm.
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 it depends on when it last rained. If you're not comfortable driving across these, please let Robert know (email below), and we'll coordinate a meeting nearby and arrange for you to be shuttled to the event.
Email Robert Edmondson – raehiker@gmail.com 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 are 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, RSVP on Meetup or with Robert Edmondson – raehiker@gmail.com 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 get in touch with Robert Edmondson at the email above, sign up on Meetup www.meetup.com/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
