The 37,030 acre Cohutta Wilderness has 94 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. There are 15 trails spanning the wilderness ranging from ridgeline trails to trails in the valley crisscrossing rivers. In comparison, the Appalachian Trail in Georgia is 76.4 miles and requires extensive logistical preparations.
The Cohutta Wilderness continues into Tennessee where it becomes the Big Frog Wilderness. The contiguous wilderness encompasses 45,018 acres and 127 hiking miles spanning two states. Elevations range from a high of 4,224 feet atop Big Frog Mountain(Hemp Top Trail) to an elevation of 978 feet at the Alaculsy Valley Trailhead of the Jacks River Trail.
The Cohutta Wilderness is defined by its two watersheds and their namesake rivers that travel across its land. The two watersheds are divided by Cohutta Mountain rising as high as 4149 feet at Cowpen Mountain where Old Hwy 2 traversed the ridge which is now the East Cowpen Trail.
All the rainfall to the west of Cohutta Mountain flows eventually into the Conasauga River. The headwaters of the Conasauga River begin in the wilderness. It is one of the few footpaths in the Southeast that offers a hiker the opportunity to begin at its headwaters. The river gradually becomes bigger as more tributaries flow into it as the trail follows it to the northwest.
All the rainfall to the east of Cohutta Mountain flows eventually into the Jacks River. The headwaters of the Jacks River begins about 7 miles outside the wilderness so once its trail joins the river, it is flowing nicely. The Jacks River is just majestic and its trail spans the wilderness from its Dally Gap Trailhead near Blue Ridge, GA to its northwest trailhead right across the Tennessee state line in the Alaculsy Valley. This one trail has 42 river crossings. And not to be outdone the Conasauga River Trail has a respectable 38 river crossings.
It is mandatory to have a hiking pole on the Conasauga and Jacks River Trail due to all the river crossings. Some of the crossings are over solid rock and a hiking pole is essential in keeping your balance plus it makes the hike much more enjoyable.
The Cohutta Wilderness is also home to 2 of the most spectacular waterfalls in Georgia. The most popular is Jacks River Falls an 80-foot waterfall with smaller rolling falls flowing into it. The whitewater is epic after sustained rainfall.
Panther Creek Falls is located on Panther Creek Trail which is an interior trail in the western part of the wilderness. Its 70-foot waterfall is located in the heart of the wilderness. After sustained rainfall, this puny creek falls turns into a roaring whitewater cascade proven by the image above. The campsite on top of the falls is unrivaled in the State of Georgia for its tranquility and view from Sunset Bluff. If you want a wilderness camping experience then come here.
The Cohutta Wilderness has multiple ridgeline trails such as Hemp Top Trail in the north that offer breathtaking winter views on top of Big Frog Mountain. At 4,224 feet tall, there is no higher point west of Big Frog Mountain until you cross the Mississippi River. Near the peak there is the ability to stand and look to the left and view deep into Georgia and to the right and view deep into the Tennessee Valley on top of the geographic Blue Ridge and Tennessee Valley Divide.
The Cohutta Wilderness in Georgia is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest which has a combined area of 750,145 acres. There are numerous excellent trails immediately adjacent to the wilderness that are part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest. Emery Creek Trail is a river trail in its lower section with two 40 foot waterfalls and becomes a mountain trail in its upper section. Iron Mountain Trail continues into Tennessee and the Cherokee National Forest.
Fort Mountain State Park is located within 15 miles of the Cohutta Wilderness and has the decided advantage that access to the trails is via a paved road. If you want to see a black bear come here. Credible reports of a Mountain Lion sighting also. Bear Spray will repel both. Carry it. In the State Park you need a concealed-carry permit to hike with a firearm. You must sign in at the office to hike the horse and bike trails. Fort Mountain State Park has 50 miles of trails. And numerous opportunities to create your own Loop Trails.
Pinhoti Trail is a 335 mile trail that begins in Alabama and ends in the Chattahoochee National Forest near the Cohutta Wilderness. It junctions with the Benton MacKaye Trail which joins the Appalachian Trail. This website covers the last 34 miles.
The eastern hemlock(Tsuga canadensis) is found throughout the Cohutta Wilderness. The forest changes in character immediately when you enter a section of them. There are hemlocks over 300 hundred years old and easily towering over 150 feet. Older than the United States. The Cohutta Wilderness is the farthest south this species thrives which requires shade, a cool humid climate, and precipitation over 29 inches – Wikipedia.
As for wildlife in the area, one of its occupants is on this page. Besides the elusive trout in the rivers, the forest is home to many deer, turkey, boar, raccoons, bobcats, and yes snakes. The two poisonous ones are the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. And some say the cougar is back. Just be aware of your surroundings.
Quoting R.Yorke Edwards “Once you take the danger out of the wilderness, the wilderness will not be made safe. Rather, the safety will have destroyed the wilderness.”