Cohutta Waterfalls Loop

I have been getting a little stir crazy as a new dad and need to get out into the wilderness and figured I would offer this up for a small group. I will not be moving as fast as usual but it still will not be a slow pace as we only have so much day light.  This loop hits the two main waterfalls(Jacks River and Panther Creek Falls) without going through quite as many river crossings as some other Cohutta options. With that being said it does go through one of the toughest Jacks River crossings.

The plan is to start at the Rice Camp Trailhead and loop around using the Hickory Creek, Conasauga River, Panther Creek, East Cowpen, Hickory Ridge, Jacks River and Rice Camp trails. I have hiked all of these trails before but never this exact loop or driven to this trail head which is why the event is marked as exploratory. You should expect to get wet potentially up to your waist at the two Jacks River crossings but most of the numerous other crossing should be about shin to knee deep. Based on online maps I expect the route to be between 19 and 20 miles with just under 4000 feet of elevation gain. I am marking this as a D6 due to the distance, water crossings, and the steep boulder field near Panther Creek Falls

Many people like hiking poles for the river crossings but they are not required and I do not personally bring them. Additionally know that we will not be stopping at every crossing to change shoes and you should be able to walk in wet shoes.

From the GA 52-US 411 intersection in 
Chatsworth, travel US 411 North approximately 13.4 miles, past Eton toward Tennga, to the community 
of Cisco. In Cisco, turn right onto the paved road immediately before the Cisco Baptist Church, also on the right. Once part 
of GA 2, this road is now known as Old GA 2. This road is also FS 16. 
Continue on FS 16 (the pavement ends; stay to the right at the fork; pass 
Hopewell Church; cross the Conasauga River) for approximately 7.9

miles, then turn right onto FS 51. Proceed about 4.8 miles} making two 
fords. The fords may require a utility vehicle in wet weather. You will 
find the Rice Camp trailhead, bulletin board, and parking area on the left. As you approach, Rice Camp Trail is to the left and East Cowpen 
Trail is straight ahead into the wilderness.

I plan on driving and having the small group of 4 all in one car.