Cumberland Trail 5 of 5 - North Chickamauga Creek

The Cumberland Trail is one of my favorite trails and is full of gorges, waterfalls, rivers, boulders and more! Join me as I hike 2 new sections and 3 old favorites.

Part I - North Soddy Creek Gorge

Part II - Possum Creek

Part III - Rock Creek Gorge

Part IV - Laurel Snow

Part V - North Chickamauga

Part V: North Chickamauga Creek

This section is filled with difficult terrain, waterfalls, gorges, rapids, creek crossings and awesome vistas.

If you are looking for a hike on an iconic trail with tons of cool stuff to see, this is your hike! We will be stopping at all points of interest for picture taking and high hilarity. This is an out and back hike.

We will be starting at Montlake Trailhead and head north. We will head to the Boston Branch Overlook followed by a steep descent to the Stenenson Branch Falls. After the falls we will hike along the bottom of the Cooper Creek Gorge where we can see waterfalls, plunge pools and steep cliffs. We ascend out of the gorge and shortly reach the Panther Branch Overlook. Here we will stop for lunch and enjoy the best views of the day. After lunch, we will go a little further to the old Jeep Road where we will turn around and retrace our steps to complete our out and back adventure.

We will be fording one creek with water levels expected to be ankle-waist deep, you should bring water shoes for the crossing or be prepared to hike with wet feet.

We will be coming across several really cool swimming holes and are sure to jump in at least once.

This is a 14 mile hike with 3500 feet of ascent. Some of the terrain is steep and difficult, the hardest ascent of the hike occurs at the 10 mile point. Don't be fooled by the fairly pedestrian numbers for this hike. It is REALLY difficult. This hike earns its' D6 rating due to the extremely steep and rocky terrain.

You must have recent D5/D6 experience, be comfortable with a pace on the fast side of moderate and be prepared for difficult terrain to participate in this event.

There are no bathrooms at the trail head.

When signing up please note what fitness level you have maintained throughout the lock down. I reserve the right to move members to the wait list.

 The carpool has been eliminated from this event due to our friendly virus. If you want to caravan to the event, feel free to meet at the Acworth Park and Ride at 6:50. No ride sharing or carpooling will be supported by the AOC for this event.

No masks will be required for this event. We will try to social distance during the event. If you are not comfortable with these arrangements, please choose a different event.  No complaints will be accepted.

If you choose to caravan, please meet at the Acworth Park and Ride at 6:50.  

We will meet at the trailhead at 8:30 EASTERN.

Trailhead Location