Cohutta Wilderness backpacking - Rice Camp Trail

After nine Rice Camp Branch crossings and 1.9 
miles of nearly level terrain, the path turns left away 
from the stream and ascends moderate and more 
gradual upgrades on an old roadbed until it opens 
into a white oak flat, once the site of a logging camp 
and sawmill. At mile 2.7 the trail makes a short, 
sharp drop to a muddy rivulet. Look for the smooth, 
light-gray bark of the last few large beech trees still 
standing beside the small stream.  These crossings typically have low levels of water, not requiring a change from your regular hiking boots.

The remainder of Rice Camp traverses a succession of low, dry ridges through a predominantly oak- 
pine forest. The resulting ups and downs are easy or 
moderate. The land beside the trail often slopes away 
gradually on small spur ridges or falls away suddenly 
into moist ravines on either side of the ridge top, where there are some very steep but short sections.

The wilderness path descends through a belt of 
rosebay rhododendron and eastern hemlock to 1,350 
feet, where it ends at the orange-blazed Jacks River 
Trail above a normally shallow tributary.

Exploratory option: (dependant on water crossing and time availability after gathering wood, eating lunch and setting up camp). Jacks River 
Falls is one ford and 1.2 miles to the right, east and 
upstream, on a very scenic portion of the Jacks River Trail.  Bring some river shoes for this crossing; it will likely be knee high.  If the day is sunny and in the mid 50's or above, we should be fine making this crossing.

The next morning, by 10:30am, we'll hike the 3.9 miles back the way we came.  I estimate that we'll be back at the Park-n-Ride in Kennesaw no later than 5pm, give or take.

Be forewarned, if you rush back to the parking lot, there will be a strong hiker sweeping behind the slowest hiker, and there will be time designated for the sweeper to stretch before driving home.  That said, please only attempt this trip if you're in good physical condition, and can backpack in the mountains at a 2mph pace.  If you want to race, or feel that pump, that's fine, but don't go past forks without waiting, and don't expect the sweep to push the slower hikers beyond their capacity. If you feel the need, do some push-ups or hand stands and you'll be fine. And if you don't know yoga, I highly recommend it.

Over the years, there has been many bear sightings in the Cohutta's, so be prepared to protect your food with a way to hang it bagged in a tree.

Note -- Thank you Michael Johnson for some of the details that I have used from a previous trip description.

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.