Nat'l Public Lands Day! Clearing Hickory Creek Trail (off FSR 630)

Join us this early fall as we honor National Public Lands Day with a day of purpose and camaraderie in the beautiful Cohutta Wilderness. We'll be working together to clear Hickory Creek Trail of downed trees and limbs — an essential part of keeping our trails open and accessible.

Fall is a perfect time to be in the woods — with cooler temps, thinning brush, and wide-open views, it’s a whole new experience on the trail, even better when shared with a friendly group of wilderness lovers who care deeply about this special place.

As always, we’ll wrap up the day with our signature post-work tailgate — bring your favorite snack or something to share!

No experience necessary — just a good attitude, sturdy boots, and a willingness to get a little dirty for a good cause.

Please meet at the Hickory Creek Trailhead at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 27. 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 a family-friendly, alcohol- and drug-free setting.

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/co