Cohutta Wilderness Trail Maintenance Work Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Jul 11, 2026; 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Georgia Chapter

Location: X92V+5W Hickory Creek Trailhead, Cisco, GA 30541, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Grant Brown
   sierrageorgiaoutings@gmail.com

Thank you for your interest in this upcoming project! We’ll be teaming up with the National Forest Service and Cohutta Trail Volunteers for a day of clearing fallen trees on the Hickory Creek Trail. 

This is hard work, but you are encouraged to work at your own pace and take breaks as often as you need. There are various types of tasks available, from using small shears to trim branches, using medium hand saws to cut small to medium limbs, or operating the large two-person saw to cut through very large tree trunks.  No experience required! The work is fascinating and rewarding. It's inspiring to see what an organized group of people can accomplish in a short amount of time, and simply being in these beautiful woods is truly uplifting as we clear trails for others to enjoy the forest.

The Challenge:
The Cohutta Wilderness Area took a hit during the 2017 drought.  Wildfires toppled numerous trees and strong winds since have added to the number of fallen trees and are blocking the once-popular trail. This dedicated work session aims to restore access for hikers.

The Plan:
Meeting Time for Kennesaw Carpool:  6:30 AM at Busby Park and Ride. I have space for four passengers in my vehicle.

The Drive:  We'll head north to Chatsworth, then venturing further into the deep forest to reach the Rice Camp Trailhead.  We will stop briefly for bathroom and take out at McDonalds.

There are two creek crossings in our vehicles and a slightly higher clearance vehicle is recommended although people do it in regular cars as well. 

Here's some media of the work and the fords [that's the technical name for crossing a creek in a vehicle].  On this day in August we actually had to clear the road from a fallen tree even on our way in.


Registration:
Sierra Club: Please continue and sign up here like normal.

Cohutta Trail Volunteers MeetUp site: While registration isn't required, head to their website here to familiarize yourself with the event details and to see photos of recent work.

The US Forest Service Waiver/Emergency Contact is also required: Complete this waiver form before arrival.  It's a PDF that you can fill out electronically on your computer, print, and bring along.  The ranger will collect it at the beginning. If you don't have a printer, you can email it to me and I can print it and bring it along for you.

If you have any questions or want to snag a ride, shoot me an email. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Thanks,

Grant
sierrageorgiaoutings@gmail.com

Level: Strenuous (7 miles in/out)

Cost: There is no use fee for this area. You will need to help your driver with gas money if you carpool.

Signup Instructions: You will register here with Sierra Club. You don't have to register with the Meetup Group. However, the US Forest Service has a form for you to complete as a waiver and emergency contact for them. It is available on the Cohutta Volunteers MeetUp site. Or, the ranger will have it at the trailhead.

Recommended Items: 3 liters of water, snacks, lunch, we will share some junk food after the hike out potluck style! People share things like chip and dip, sandwiches, desserts.

Signup Restrictions: The only restricted participants are those who feel the physical demands of the trip may be too challenging. Dogs are welcome, but owners must practice good management and bring a leash to use when necessary. Be aware we are working on trial which involved starting and stopping and trees being cut that are laying across the trial. This work environment is not suited well for dogs.

Additional Directions: The GPS coordinates for the trailhead are: 34.95041, -84.60531. FYI, Google Maps doesn't show the road going beyond Horseshoe Bend Camp although it does. Once you get to the end of the Google Map directions keep going another ten minutes until the road dead ends in the parking lot at Rice Camp. Also, you will see written directions on the Cohutta Volunteers MeetUp site.

Carpool: Participants are welcome to meet at the carpool location [Busbee Park n' Ride Kennesaw] and work out riding together. The forest service road has two water crossings and a slightly higher clearance vehicle is recommended like at least a small truck/SUV type. Sierra Club leaders are not allowed to coordinate this process. I can take two persons in my car if you let me know. One will need to sit in the middle of the truck bench seat though.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels

Cohutta Wilderness Trail Volunteers Event Page