Hickory Ridge brush-out and limb clearing, part II

Note: this event has been rescheduled from December 14. New date, same details.

After hitting the Hickory Ridge Trail hard in November, we realized that this trail needs a LOT of work. Join the CDTV on the Hickory Ridge Trail, once again, as we work to clear limbs and cut back the thicker weeds that don’t die down over the winter. We will meet at 9:00 am at the Rice Camp Trailhead. Plan on around 8 to 9 miles round trip, hiking, on a moderate-to-difficult terrain. We will hike up the East Cowpen Trail to the Hickory Ridge Trail, then work downhill before cutting over to the Rice Camp Trail to head out. If you have a hand saw, please bring that with you. Email Robert at RAEhiker@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to carpool/caravan.

What to Bring:

Most importantly is a good attitude and a willingness to learn! Bring work gloves, a hard hat (if you have one), enough food and water for the day, and a backpack to carry your supplies/food. Sturdy boots and appropriate clothing layers are required for the task at hand (long pants are required). Tools and safety gear such as hard hats and protective eyewear will be provided. If you plan to stay for the food and fellowship after the work is complete, please bring a dish to share and place settings for yourself and your party members.

Directions:

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, but the road has been worked on and is passable for an average sedan with care.

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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, but the road has been worked on and is passable for an average sedan with care.