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, USJuly may be heating up across Georgia, but the Cohuttas remain one of the best places to beat the summer heat. Join us on Saturday, July 11, as we head into the wilderness for a rewarding day of trail work along beautiful Hickory Creek Trail.
We'll be spending the day clearing brush, trimming back encroaching saplings, and opening the trail corridor to ensure a clear and enjoyable path for hikers. This section of trail winds through shaded forests and alongside a cool mountain stream, with a refreshing river crossing that helps make a summer day in the Cohuttas feel a world away from the heat down below.
It's a great opportunity to enjoy the wilderness while helping preserve access to one of North Georgia's most beautiful trail systems. Beyond the trail work itself, it's a chance to spend a day with great people who care about these wild places. There's something deeply satisfying about improving a trail for fellow hikers, sharing stories along the way, and knowing you've left the wilderness a little better than you found it.
And as always, we'll wrap up the day with our legendary post-work tailgate—good food, good company, and plenty of trail stories to share.
No experience needed! 👉 RSVP or learn more via Team Conasauga on Facebook
Please meet at the Hickory Creek Trailhead at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 11th. 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.If you plan to join us, RSVP on Meetup or with Robert Edmondson – raehiker@gmail.com so that we can plan accordingly!
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
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/co2 attendees
Past events
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