Clear East Cowpen Starting at Three Forks Trailhead

March Trail Work - East Cowpen Trail
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

With FS Road 64 back open, we have the perfect excuse to shift off the west side of the wilderness and explore a different corner of the Cohuttas. This month, we’re heading to Three Forks Trailhead to work the East Cowpen Trail — and early spring is one of the best times to be there.

Join the Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers (aka Team Conasuaga on Facebook) as we hike up East Cowpen to clear downed trees and overhanging limbs using cross-cut and hand saws, along with loppers. Plan for up to 7 miles of moderate hiking paired with steady, hands-on trail work.

March in the Cohuttas is a quiet turning point. The air feels lighter. Fresh green begins edging into the forest. Wildflowers push through the leaf litter. Birdsong returns. It’s a season of renewal — and our work now helps shape the trail experience for hikers and backpackers in the busy months ahead.

Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or have been thinking about joining us, this is a great opportunity to see a different stretch of trail, learn traditional hand tools, and spend a meaningful day with people who care deeply about these public lands.

Have questions or want to coordinate a carpool? Email Robert at RAEhiker@gmailcom

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What to Bring

• Enough food and water for the day (including a light lunch) and a backpack to carry your supplies
• Work gloves and a safety whistle
• Sturdy boots and appropriate layers
• Long pants are required
• Long-sleeve shirts are recommended (thorns and natural hazards are common)
• A snack or drink to share at our post-work tailgate
• A lawn chair, if you’d like to relax afterward

Trail-clearing tools and safety gear (including hard hats and protective eyewear) will be provided.

Directions

From Chatsworth:

1. From the Hardee’s on Highway 411, travel north on Hwy 411 approximately 3 miles to Eton, GA.
2. Turn right at the traffic light onto CCC Road.
3. Continue about 10.3 miles on CCC Road (which becomes gravel Forest Road 18).
4. Turn left onto Forest Road 68 (follow signs to Lake Conasauga).
5. Drive about 5.7 miles to the T-intersection with Forest Road 64 and turn right on FS 64.
6. Drive about 4.4 miles and turn left at the sharp curve into the Three Forks Trailhead.

From Ellijay:

1. From the square in Ellijay, take Hwy 52 west for approximately 5 miles, then turn right onto Gates Chapel Road.
2. Drive about 5.7 miles until pavement ends, then turn right onto Forest Road 90.
3. At the stop sign, turn right onto Forest Road 68.
4. Drive about 3.3 miles to the T-intersection with Forest Road 64 and turn right on FS 64.
5. Drive about 4.4 miles and turn left at the sharp curve into the Three Forks Trailhead.