National Public Lands Day - Clearing Horseshoe Bend Trail

There is no time better than the Cohutta Wilderness in the fall! Cooler weather and leaves changing make for a great backdrop for trail clearing with others who share your love of nature! Join the Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers (aka, Team Conasuaga on Facebook) on Saturday, September 23 — National Public Lands Day — from 9am-4pm, as we work to clear downed trees and scrub from Horseshoe Bend Trail. We will, of course, also hold our traditional post-event snack and sharables tailgate

Please meet at the Horseshoe Bend Trailhead (directions below) at 9am. Plan on 5 to 6 miles (roundtrip) of moderate hiking, returning to the trailhead about 4pm.

NOTE - There are two creek crossings along the final Forest Service road to the trailhead – normally fine for all cars but depends on when it last rained. If you do not feel comfortable driving across these, just let Michael know (email below) and we can coordinate meeting nearby and shuttling you to the event.

Email Michael Link at Linkmi01@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 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:

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;

In approximately 2 miles, there are two creek crossings, usually low enough for the average sedan with care. After crossing the 2nd creek ford, the Horseshoe Bend Trailhead is approximately 0.7 miles farther on the left.


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;

In approximately 2 miles, there are two creek crossings, usually low enough for the average sedan with care. After crossing the 2nd creek ford, the Horseshoe Bend Trailhead is approximately 0.7 miles farther on the left.