Clear Horseshoe Bend Trail in the Cohutta Wilderness

We put a solid dent in this trail a couple of years ago—now it’s time to get back out there and finish the job. February in the Cohuttas is a rare sweet spot: winter is loosening its grip, the air is crisp and clear, and with the leaves still down, you can see for miles across ridges and valleys. It’s a powerful time to be in the wilderness.

Join the Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers (aka Team Conasuaga on Facebook) on Saturday, February 7, from 9 am–4 pm as we return to Horseshoe Bend Trail, a section we haven’t visited in a while and one that’s ready for attention—downed trees, encroaching brush, and a chance to reclaim a beautiful stretch of trail together.

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

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

Email Robert at RAEhiker@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to meet outside 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 layers of clothing 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:

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 are directional signs 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 2/225 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 are directional signs 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.