Clearing Hickory Creek Trail (off FSR 630)

May in the Cohuttas is something special. The air is warm, the forest is fully alive, and wildflowers line the trail as everything turns that deep, vibrant green. It’s one of the best times of year to be out there — and we’ve got a great reason to go back.

After knocking out a number of larger blowdowns on Hickory Creek Trail, we’re heading back in to take care of the next layer: encroaching pine saplings and overgrowth that are starting to close in on the trail corridor.

Join the Conasauga District Trail Volunteers on Saturday, May 2 (9:00 am) at the Hickory Creek Trailhead (Mill Creek Road). We’ll hike down toward the Conasauga River, lopping back saplings and limbs to reopen the trail — then cross the river and continue the work on the other side.

This is a classic Cohutta day:

• 7–9 miles of moderate hiking
• Hands-on, satisfying trail work
• A fun river crossing to keep things interesting
• And a trail that will be noticeably better because of your effort

If you enjoy being out in the mountains when they’re at their most alive — and want to be part of keeping these trails open and accessible — this is a great one to join. Followed, of course, by our signature post-work tailgate and plenty of great food to go around.

Email Robert at RAEhiker@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to meet outside of the wilderness and carpool / caravan.

No experience needed — just sturdy boots, gloves, and a love for the woods.
👉 RSVP or learn more via Team Conasauga on Facebook

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 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/co