Cohuttas / Jack’s River via Rice Camp Trail

This is a moderate backpacking trip that follows the Rice Camp Trail to Jack's River.  One way is approximately 4 - 4 1/2 miles.  The camp site is situated along the banks of the Jack's River. 

The trail crosses the Rice Camp Creek approximately ten times; these are typically shallow and can be crossed in your regular hiking boots.  Trekking poles are highly recommended however, as the rocks are slippery.

Hiking pace is about 2 1/2 mph.  We'll be stopping at all trail intersections, gaps, and road crossings to "collect" the group as we hike and not get stretched out too much (for safety reasons).

Access to the parking requires about a 40 minute drive along gravel roads THERE ARE TWO VEHICLE FORDS [CROSSINGS] OF THE CONASAUGA RIVER, so appropriate cars/SUVs/trucks are recommended.

We should be starting the hike around 11am.  We'll eat lunch around 12:30 along the trail, or preferably at camp.  There are not a lot of camp sites, so we will want to arrive as soon as we can.  We may need to spread out or bunch up.   At camp we'll set up our tents, gather fire wood, relax and enjoy the gorgeous sceney and each others' company.  

On Saturday afternoon, we can take an optional hike to the spectacular Jack River Falls, this is approximately a two mile round trip hike from the camp site.  Swim if you like.  You will have to cross the Jack's River (the water is knee - thigh high) so water shoes are recommended for this shorter trek.  You may want to carry some items in a small pack/pouch, including camera, bee sting remedy and water.  

On Sunday morning, we will take our time enjoying breakfast, the morning sun hopefully, and will plan to start hiking out by 10:30 or 11:00.

Rice Camp Trial info:  http://www.brownsguides.com/blog/rice-camp-hiking-trail/

From the GA 52-US 411 intersection in 
Chatsworth, travel US 411 North approximately 13.4 miles, past Eton toward Tennga, to the community 
of Cisco. In Cisco, turn right onto the paved road immediately before the Cisco Baptist Church, also on the right. Once part 
of GA 2, this road is now known as Old GA 2. This road is also FS 16. 
Continue on FS 16 (the pavement ends; stay to the right at the fork; pass 
Hopewell Church; cross the Conasauga River) for approximately 7.9 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.  (The road dead-ends at the trailhead.)

This trip will not be cancelled due to weather unless the prediction is for A LOT of rain.  Be prepared for cold temperatures.  I'll send out a weather report prior to the trip.