Cohutta Wilderness Loop (Panther Creek Falls, Conasauga River, and Bald Mountain) - Sun, Mar 17 2019

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Cohutta Wilderness Loop (Panther Creek Falls, Conasauga River, and Bald Mountain)


The Basics:
STATUS: Cancelled - Hide from Calendar
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cohutta Wilderness   Hike: Cohutta Wilderness Loop (Panther Creek Falls, Conasauga River, and Bald Mountain)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Mar 17 2019  7:30 am >> Sun, Mar 17 2019 8:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Mar 14 2019 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Mar 17 2019 7:00 am
Event Duration:12 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:13 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Eric P
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This hike has a little bit of everything that the Cohuttas have to offer. That is to say there will be 20+ water crossings, a waterfall, mountain views, and some soul crushing hills.  If that sounds like a good time this might be the perfect hike for you.

Here is an image with the rough plans for the trip: http://i.imgur.com/g5LnuMm.png 

 

We will begin the day at the Tearbritches Trailhead and walk roughly 1.5 miles back down the gravel road to the Chestnut lead trail head. We could have a short shuttle to avoid this but I actually prefer to leave it in so that people can get warmed up and all their gear how they want before hitting real trails. From there we will go 1.8 miles down hill to the Conasauga River Trail.

It is at this point that the trail starts to get really wet as we begin crossing the river over and over again. You will get wet and should expect shin to waist deep water at these crossings. This is highly dependent on how much it has rained in the days leading up to the trip.

*Most people like the added balance offered by hiking poles so they are recommend but not required. Additionally you will need footwear that you can hike in while they are wet. We will not be stopping at any river crossing to change/remove shoes. I like my trail runners and would NOT suggest using anything waterproof.

After traveling about 3 miles down the river we will make our way up the steep Panther Creek trail to the falls. It starts fairly gently but then becomes a steep boulder field as you travel the 1.5 miles to the falls. We will plan on stopping at the top for lunch as it has a great view of the mountains as seen in this hike's promo picture.

After lunch we will head back down the trail to the Conasauga river and take it to the Tearbritches Trail which will take us 3.4 miles back to the car. Roughly 3 of those miles are steep uphill with the trail gaining over 2000 feet of elevation as we make our way up Bald Mountain. The plan is to take a relaxed pace up this long climb, I'm fine if people want to go fast but they'll just end up waiting longer at the cars. There are no views to admire here but you will be very excited to be at the top after the long climb. From there it is only about a half mile steep descent back to the cars.

Car pool note: The last 10 or so miles to the trailhead are down gravel roads. The roads are generally in good shape and small cars have made it but it would probably be easier if people with people with higher clearance drive. I will definitely be driving but if we get over 4 people there will need to be an additional driver.


Required Items to Bring:

Yourself

Lunch/Snacks

Water

Clothes that can get wet

Change of clothes for the Car

Shoes that you can hike in while they are wet.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Change of shoes and socks

Bug Spray

Sun Screen


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Here are directions from the carpool to the event
http://goo.gl/mqrF9D

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):147Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $58.80 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:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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