Day Hike: Bald Mtn. in the Cohuttas

Join us for another adventure in the Cohutta Wilderness. This hike will require a car shuttle once we get to the trailhead, but it's a short 1 1/2 miles from each trailhead.

We'll begin our day by hiking in on the Chestnut Lead Trail, which is an easy to moderate, 1.7 mile descent to the Conasauga River. We will cross the Conasauga River and continue hiking downstream (North) following the Conasauga River Trail. There will be 18 river crossings during this 3.5 mile stretch before we stop for a lunch break near Bray Field. The water will keep us cool and the crossings will be anywhere from mid-calf to knee deep depending on rainfall. Hiking poles or a hiking stick are required as it is for your own safety and enjoyment.

After lunch and from Bray Field, we will pick up the Tearbritches trail. This trail is strenuous!  It ascends very sharply in the first .2 of a mile and then gradually gains 2040 ft. in the next 2.7 miles before reaching the summit of Bald Mtn. at the 3 mile mark. It's a great workout because of the elevation gain, but I'm sorry to say there are no views from the top of the Bald this time of year. At the summit, we’ll be at approximately 4000 ft. in elevation before we will start our descent (.4 miles)to the Tearbritches Trail Head. We'll then shuttle a mile and a half back to the other cars.

Staying hydrated is important. :) I'll be bringing my water filter with me, so if anyone needs to refill.

Please Note:

Above picture is the start of the Tearbritches trail up Bald Mtn., Second pic is near the top and third pic is one of the river crossings (last year during drought).