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, USMay in the Cohuttas is something special. The air is warm, the forest is fully alive, and wildflowers line the trail as everything turns that deep, vibrant green. It’s one of the best times of year to be out there — and we’ve got a great reason to go back.
After knocking out a number of larger blowdowns on Hickory Creek Trail, we’re heading back in to take care of the next layer: encroaching pine saplings and overgrowth that are starting to close in on the trail corridor.
Join the Conasauga District Trail Volunteers on Saturday, May 2 (9:00 am) at the Hickory Creek Trailhead (Mill Creek Road). We’ll hike down toward the Conasauga River, lopping back saplings and limbs to reopen the trail — then cross the river and continue the work on the other side.
This is a classic Cohutta day:
- 7–9 miles of moderate hiking
- Hands-on, satisfying trail work
- A fun river crossing to keep things interesting
- And a trail that will be noticeably better because of your effort
If you enjoy being out in the mountains when they’re at their most alive — and want to be part of keeping these trails open and accessible — this is a great one to join. Followed, of course, by our signature post-work tailgate and plenty of great food to go around.
Email Robert at RAEhiker@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to meet outside of the wilderness and carpool / caravan.
No experience needed — just sturdy boots, gloves, and a love for the woods.
👉 RSVP or learn more via Team Conasauga on FacebookWhat 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/co6 attendees
National Trails Day - Panther Creek Trail via Hickory Creek
Hickory Creek Trailhead, Mill Creek Road, Crandall, GA, USJune 6th is National Trails Day! What better way to celebrate than volunteering in the Cohuttas, when everything feels alive — deep green canopy, warm air, and the steady sound of moving water. Join us Saturday, June 6 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) for a rewarding day on a stretch of trail that hasn’t seen much attention in a while.
We’ll meet at the Hickory Creek Trailhead (Mill Creek), hike down to the Conasauga River, cross over (and back) where it becomes Panther Creek Trail, and get to work clearing blowdowns, lopping overgrowth, and opening the corridor.
Expect 7–9 miles of moderate hiking, a fun river crossing, and the kind of hands-on effort where you can see the trail come back to life behind you. Good work, good people, and a meaningful impact on a part of the Cohutta Wilderness that needs it.
No experience needed — just sturdy boots, gloves, and a love for the woods.
👉 RSVP or learn more via Team Conasauga on FacebookEmail Robert at RAEhiker@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to meet outside of the wilderness
and carpool / caravan.Please meet at the Hickory Creek Trailhead at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 6th. 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/co4 attendees
Past events
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