About us
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
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Clearing Hickory Creek Trail (off FSR 630)
Hickory Creek Trailhead, Mill Creek Road, Crandall, GA, USSpring is in full swing in the Cohuttas, and Hickory Creek Trail is calling. Join us on Saturday, April 4, as we head back into the wilderness for a high-energy day of trail work surrounded by wildflowers in bloom, fresh green growth, and the sound of rushing water.
We’ll be clearing fallen trees and limbs along Hickory Creek Trail, opening the way through one of the most playful stretches of trail in the area—complete with beautiful, splash-worthy creek crossings that make the work (and the reward) that much sweeter. It’s the kind of day that reminds you why this place matters: good work, good people, vibrant spring scenery, and the shared satisfaction of leaving the trail better than we found it—followed, of course, by our signature post-work tailgate and plenty of great food to go around.
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, April 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 family-friendly, alcohol- and drug-free.
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/co3 attendees
Panther Creek Trail (Starting at Three Forks Trailhead)
Location not specified yetAnyone who’s reached Panther Creek Falls from the top knows it offers one of the most rewarding views in the Cohuttas—standing above the falls, with water plunging away below you, is something special. On Saturday, April 4, join CDTV as we head down the East Cowpen Trail from the Three Forks Trailhead to the Panther Creek Trail junction, where we’ll get to work. Our focus will be clearing brush, branches, and fallen trees to keep this well-loved route open and easier to navigate as spring growth ramps up.
We’ll meet at 9:00 am at the Three Forks Trailhead and plan for approximately 6–7 miles round-trip over moderate terrain, combining steady hiking with meaningful hands-on trail work—all leading to one of the most iconic spots in the wilderness.
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 layers of clothing are required for the task at hand (long pants are required; long-sleeve shirts are recommended due to 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.
Email Robert at RAEhiker@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to meet outside of the wilderness and carpool/caravan.Directions:
From Chatsworth:-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.
From 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.
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Past events
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