Clear East Cowpen Starting at Three Forks Trailhead

This month, we're heading to Three Forks Trailhead to work the East Cowpen Trail — and there's no better time to be there than early October.

Join the Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers (aka Team Conasauga on Facebook) as we hike along the East Cowpen ridgeline, clearing downed trees, lopping back encroaching branches, and removing other obstacles that block the trail. We'll be using crosscut saws, hand saws, and loppers to help keep this popular route open and enjoyable for hikers. Plan for up to 7 miles of moderate hiking combined with rewarding, hands-on trail work.

October is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Cohuttas. The hardwood forests should be near peak fall color, with ridges painted in shades of gold, orange, scarlet, and crimson. As the trail follows the crest of the ridge, volunteers will enjoy long-range views across the surrounding mountains and valleys—some of the finest scenery found anywhere in North Georgia.

There's something special about working a trail during the fall season. Cool temperatures, colorful forests, sweeping vistas, and good company make for a memorable day in the wilderness. And every tree removed and branch cleared helps ensure that hikers and backpackers can safely enjoy these trails throughout the busy autumn hiking season.
As always, we'll finish the day with our traditional trailhead tailgate, sharing food, stories, and fellowship after a productive day in the woods.

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.