Nat'l Public Lands Day - North Conasauga River Trail

Celebrate National Public Lands Day by giving back to one of North Georgia's most beautiful wilderness areas!

Join us on Saturday, September 26, as we return to the Conasauga River Trail for a rewarding day of trail maintenance in the heart of the Cohutta Wilderness. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest volunteer event dedicated to public lands, making it the perfect opportunity to help care for the trails we all enjoy.

Our work will focus on continuing to clear downed trees, lopping back encroaching branches, and removing other obstacles that have accumulated along this popular trail.
Every volunteer makes a difference, helping ensure that hikers can safely enjoy this spectacular wilderness for years to come.

The day will include approximately 6 to 7 miles of moderate hiking, with several river crossings along the way. The Conasauga River Trail is known for its beautiful streams, scenic forest, and numerous opportunities to splash through cool mountain water as we work our way along the trail corridor.

Whether you're a longtime volunteer or joining your first trail-clearing event, you'll find a welcoming group of outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for protecting and preserving our public lands.

As always, we'll wrap up the day with our traditional trailhead tailgate. Bring a lawn chair, a favorite snack to share if you'd like, and enjoy some well-earned fellowship after a productive day in the wilderness.

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!

👉 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!

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 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 trailhead

34°54'07.2"N 84°38'36.4"W
34.902008, -84.643430