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Cohutta Wilderness - Cowpen Mountain and Panther Creek Falls




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cohutta Wilderness, near Cisco, GA   Hike: Cohutta Wilderness - Cowpen Mountain and Panther Creek Falls  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 7 2015  8:00 am >> Sat, Mar 7 2015 7:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Mar 2 2015 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Mar 6 2015 12:00 pm
Event Duration:11 Hours (includes stopping for dinner)
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced (Exploratory)
Distance:18 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Thomas W.
Jared S
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:
** NOTE - This event has been modified to a D6 and was originally a D5.  The route to the trailhead was blocked due to a fallen tree, so the total distance hiked ended up totalling 17.7 miles, instead of 15 miles **
 
At 4151' feet above sea level, Cowpen Mountain is the tallest in the Cohutta Wilderness and the 9th tallest in GA (depending on criteria). We will climb up Cowpen Mountain and also visit Panther Falls.
 
We will begin our hike at the East Cowpen Road parking where Hickory Creek Trail and East Cowpen Trail intersect. We will hike heading south along East Cowpen Trail for about 4 miles enjoying winter views from the ridge and a relatively gentle elevation profile. We will turn right onto Panther Creek Trail, hike 1.75 miles to our lunch spot, the top of Panther Creek Waterfalls. The view from the top of the falls should be worth the steep ascent back to the main trail. Ascending 1000 ft over 1.75 miles, we will get back on East Cowpen Trail, heading south again. After 1.25 miles we will turn right, hiking 1/4 mi off-trail to reach the summit of Cowpen Mountain (stay to the left to avoid the blackberry brier patch). Without much of a view, we won't stay long. We will backtrack north to the East Cowpen Trail, then 5.25 miles to the cars.
 
We will likely stop for dinner on the way back to the carpool location. Make plans accordingly if you do not wish to join us.
 
Distance: ~ 15 miles
Elevation gain: ~3500 ft
 
Remember, we will be hiking off-trail for about 1/2 mile in and around some briers. Long pants, long sleeves and gloves will greatly increase your enjoyment.
 
The Cohutta Wilderness has a hiking limit of 12 people.
 
You need to be in good hiking condition to complete this solid D5. Your TL's reserve the right to contact members about their hiking abilities prior to the trip.
 
Finally, the trailhead access is via dirt roads so keep the new car at home.

Required Items to Bring:
- 2-3 Liters of Water or sports drink 
- Lunch and trail snacks
- Good hiking shoes/boots
- Gloves for briers
- Emergency rain gear
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
- Small towel and change of socks (in case we get wet around the water falls)
- Change of clothes/socks/shoes for ride home

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Directions to the Traihead will be given at carpool. Because of the back road nature of the Cohutta's we can't recommend meeting us at the trailhead.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):180Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $72.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

Will this event occur rain or shine? We will still hike if there is a slight chance of light rain.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

Please share gas expenses with carpool drivers.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.