Cohutta Falls Loop :: 24 miles

Join us on this wonderful trip to Cohutta Wilderness to see its magnificent waterfalls: Panther Creek and Jacks River Falls.

The length of this trip is 24 miles and combined altitude gain is 7100 ft, so this trip is rated STRENUOUS +

There are numerous water crossings, but they should not be a problem during summer months; bring your water shoes if you feel like it.

It is not an easy drive to the trailhead as most of the last 20 miles is steep dirt /gravel roads, but it is a beautiful drive in and it sets the stage nicely for the hike.

We will park at Three Forks Mountain, take East Cowpen Trail to Panther Creek, Hickory Creek, Rice Camp, Jacks River, Hickory Ridge trails, back to East Cowpen Trail and to parking lot.

Please, plan accordingly: headlamps, extra layers of clothes and extra food is highly recommended. We have done our best to research and plan the trip, but be prepared for surprises ( read: "bushwhacking", "unexpected water crossings", etc. ;-)

This is definitely not a "sightseeing" hike, we will hardly have any stops, but the waterfalls are magnificent at any time of year.

We are planning to leave Academy parking lot at 7:00, start hiking at 9:00 or so and return back to Academy at around 8 or 9pm.

Everyone is welcome to join, but you have to realistically evaluate your own fitness level; we will not leave anyone behind on the trail, though chances are you will not enjoy the hike if you overestimate your abilities: while this is not a trail running, this is not a leisurely walk in a park.