5 COHUTTA WILDERNESS: Jacks River Trail

      Distance 14.2 miles, out-and-back (or 12.7-mile loop if returning via Penitentiary Branch Trail)

      Hiking Time 4–5 hours

      Difficulty Easy to moderate

      Elevation +/–1,140' (+2,690'/–1,850' if returning via Penitentiary Branch)

      Trail Use Backpacking

      Best Times Spring, summer, and fall

      Agency Chattahoochee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District

      Recommended Map National Geographic Trails Illustrated Springer and Cohutta Mountains Chattahoochee National Forest

      HIGHLIGHTS A massive amount of timber was pulled from the Cohutta Wilderness in the 1900s, with four logging camps employing 300 to 400 men. The effort grew so intense that when logging began along Jacks River in 1929, a railway was built to carry out the lumber. By the late 1930s, the tracks were removed, and now all that remains are a few stone supports and scattered scraps of wood and metal. What thrives now is the popular Jacks River Trail, which follows the old rail bed through magnificent forest of hemlocks, oaks, hickories, and ferns. The trip outlined below includes 7.1 miles of the Jacks River Trail, though the path totals 16.7 miles on its journey across the wilderness. This can certainly be done as a long day hike, but ample areas for camping lie along the way.

      DIRECTIONS From Atlanta, take I-75 north to I-575/GA 5. Travel north on I-575/GA Highway 5 to East Ellijay, and then continue north on GA 5/US 76 to Blue Ridge. At the intersection near Walmart and The Home Depot, turn left and travel north on GA 5 for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto Old State Route 2 and drive 10.5 miles to Watson Gap. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 22 and go 3.3 miles to the parking area for the Dally Gap and Jacks River Trailhead.

      FACILITIES/TRAILHEAD There are no facilities at the Dally Gap Trailhead for the Jacks River Trail. Water is plentiful, but be sure to treat water from all streams and the river. Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness area, and along the way you’ll find attractive spots for camping beside the river and in stands of hemlocks. This is bear territory, so hang your food at night, and give your itinerary to a friend or ranger, especially if you hike solo.

      Dally Gap is the trailhead for the Jacks River Trail and Hemp Top Trail. The Jacks River Trail is to the left (Waypoint 1). Follow the wide, shaded path that drops easily through hemlocks, hardwoods, and mountain laurel, which blooms white in spring. The path, with green blazes, runs parallel to the Bear Branch stream, out of view but still a thrumming, distant white noise. At 1.9 miles, Bear Branch flows into Jacks River, which you’ll skirt, moving northwest, rolling through low-hanging rhododendrons.

      Jacks River begins as a burbling stream and gradually swells as the water cuts through steeper terrain and flows into a ravine. After walking a couple of miles on the trail, you can begin to look for wide areas of flat ground along the riverbank to serve as campsites. At 2.3 miles (Waypoint 2), the trail crosses Jacks River—it’s wise to use a trekking pole for balance here, because the rocks in the stream are very slick.

      At 2.7 miles (Waypoint 3), look right for an excellent camping spot in the shade of hemlocks. With space for two or three tents, this wide clear section of the bank lies above a large pool; yards downstream, a cascade is just the right size for a water back massage.

      Jacks River

      As you continue, you’ll ascend to traverse the bluff above the stream, then make a short, steep descent to a second river crossing at 2.9 miles. Compared with the previous crossing spot, the channel here is narrower and the water flows fast, so you might want to steady yourself with trekking poles. Once you’re across, scramble up the short, steep bank and begin a gradual descent. At times, the river far below is a loud yet welcome companion, and small breaks in the trees reveal whitewater crashing through the ravine.

      Dropping back to the riverbank, the trail runs level, and at 3.4 miles a benchlike boulder provides a good place to rest and enjoys a small set of falls. At 4.3 miles (Waypoint 4), the trail once again crosses Jacks River. From here, you begin to cross the river umpteen times (you’ll probably lose count), until you reach the Penitentiary Branch Trail intersection. At each crossing, look sharp to see the green blazes on the opposite bank. In addition to trekking poles, you might want to pack water shoes for the many crossings to help keep your hiking shoes dry. Because your feet will be dunked frequently, think about traveling in warm weather.

      The trail stays mostly flat as it follows the winding path of the river, and at mile 7.1 the trail intersects the river (Waypoint 5). Across the water, the Jacks River Trail intersects the Penitentiary Branch Trail. Cross here to take the Penitentiary Branch and Hemp Top Trails back to the trailhead (see Trip 4), or just retrace your steps on the Jacks River Trail to return.

      WAYPOINTS

      1. N34º 56.013' W84º 31.139'

      2. N34º 55.214' W84º 32.463'

      3. N34º 55.419' W84º 32.419'

      4. N34º 55.508' W84º 32.617'

      5. N34º 57.399' W84º 33.082'

      6 BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL: Dyer Gap to Watson Gap

      Distance 9 miles, out-and-back

      Hiking Time 4–5 hours

      Difficulty Easy to moderate

      Elevation +1,580'/–1,585'

      Trail Use Backpacking and horseback riding

      Best Times Winter, spring, and fall

      Agency Benton MacKaye Trail Association and U.S. Forest Service, Cohutta Ranger District

      Recommended Maps USGS 7.5-minute Dyer Gap and Hemp Top GA-TN and National Geographic Trails Illustrated Springer and Cohutta Mountains Chattahoochee National Forest

      HIGHLIGHTS If you’re looking for an easy introduction to the Benton MacKaye Trail, Section 9 (running from Dyer Gap to Watson Gap) is a good starting point. The highest elevation for this section is 2,960 feet, while the lowest elevation is about 2,500 feet, so there are no extended, difficult climbs. Plus, this is one of the shortest sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail, and with an early start you can do an out-and-back trip in a day without a struggle.

      From the western side of the Blue Ridge, the trail quickly drops to the South Fork of Jacks River and runs parallel to the stream. At 2.2 miles, in Rich Cove, the Benton MacKaye Trail splits from the South Fork Trail and turns east, leaving the river to ascend an old logging road. At 3.8 miles, you’ll leave the old logging road and climb to the crest of Blue Ridge. From the top of a knob, you’ll make a gradual descent through large oaks to end at Watson Gap.

      DIRECTIONS Parking is available at Dyer Gap as well as Watson Gap. To reach these areas from Atlanta, take I-75 north to I-575. Travel north on I-575 to where it becomes US 76. Take US 76 east to the

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