BEECH BOTTOM TRAIL to JACKS RIVER FALLS
Length: Approx 4.5 miles one way
This is a long dayhike, but the trail is easy in both directions, and the views of the falls are worth the hike. The trailhead is best accessed from Hwy 411. Turn right onto Old Hwy 2 at Cisco, Ga., and follow this road as it becomes Forest Service Rd 16. Continue on this road as it crosses the bridge over Jacks River into Tennessee. Take a right just past the bridge onto Forest Service Road 221,  pass Jacks River Trailhead, then turn hard right onto Forest Service Rd 62. Follow this road about 4.5 miles to the trailhead on the right, and parking on the left. The Beech Bottom Trail is the easiest way to see the Jacks River Falls without having to cross the river, and it leads to what most will say is the most scenic part of the entire Cohutta Wilderness area.

After the trail junction with the Jacks River Trail, turn North (right) and continue approx one half mile to the falls area. This area has recieved heavy use over the years which had led to its closure to camping. Please see information posted at the trailhead regarding camping in the Jacks River Falls area. 

CONASAUGA RIVER HEADWATERS and BIG TREES
Length: Approx 1.3 miles one way                                             
This is a moderate trail in both directions. It starts at an upper elevation, dropping fairly steeply for the first half, then leveling out for the remainder. The trailhead at Betty Gap is best accessed by Hwy 52 west of Ellijay to Gates Chapel Rd. Then, Forest Service Rd 90, right turn on Forest Service Rd 68 to the top of Potatopatch Mountain. Turn right onto Forest Service Rd 64 leading to Betty Gap and trailhead. This hike leads through the collecting streams leading to Conasauga River. Near the end of this hike is encountered the first of many river crossings (see Conasauga River Hike in Cohutta Overnight Hikes) which is easy, usually rock hopping, due to being at the head of the river. The river crossings become increasingly difficult as one continues hiking downstream. Just after the first crossing, the Chestnut Lead Trail enters from the left across the river, then the trail comes to a second, more formidable crossing. This is the turn around point for this hike. At this point the river has some nice boulders and deeper pools fun for splashing and scrambling. The Conasauga River Trail continues to follow the river downstream with dozens of crossings.

Another nice feature of this hike are a couple of state record size trees found on the left side of the trail as one hikes downhill towards the river, about one mile into the hike. The first noticable tree is a state record Hemlock, then, backtracking about a hundred or so feet uptrail, a state record Black Gum (also known as Black Tupelo). Another near record size tree, a giant Tulip Popular (the Gennett Poplar), can be found 3/4 mile down nearby Bear Creek Trail. This trailhead is found at the end of Forest Service Rd 241, (well signed as Bear Creek Campground) which turns off Gates Chapel Rd., prior to Forest Service Rd 90.

HICKORY CREEK TRAIL to CONASAUGA RIVER/BRAY FIELD
Length: Approx 3 miles one way
This is an easy trail heading towards the river and Bray Field; Moderate hike for the return. This hike begins at Hickory Creek's southern trailhead, best accessed by Hwy 52 west of Ellijay to Gates Chapel Rd. Then, Forest Service Rd 90 to Forest Service Rd 68 to the top of Potatopatch Mountain, turn left, remaining on Forest Service Rd 68. This leads to a right turn on Forest Service Rd 17, leading to the trailhead. The trail leads down the valley to the Conasauga River to meet the Conasauga River Trail, sharing the same path as it turns to the right, upstream. The Conasauga River Trail to the left has a surprisingly (and usually) easy river ford, considering this point is well downstream. This direction of the Conasauga River Trail, however, comes to one of the most challenging, and sometimes dangerous, crossings soon after. The river does offer rushing water, big boulders, and deep pools at this point, fun for scrambling, splashing, and wading.

Continuing on the Hickory Creek Trail upstream from the intersection, the trail continues approx 1.3 miles by the river, past old beaver ponds, to Bray Field (an old family farm, railroad switch, and logging camp) and the turnaround for this hike. This section of combined trail is one of the longest stretches of river trail in the wilderness without a crossing. It is possible to continue this hike upstream for another approx .5 mile, past the Panther Creek Trail intersection, before encountering another river crossing.  The Hickory Creek Trail, at Bray Field,  continues across the river, leading to its northern trailhead.

EAST COWPEN/PANTHER CREEK TRAILS to PANTHER CREEK FALLS
Legnth: Approx 4.3 miles one way
This is a long, but easy dayhike with a single, relatively short moderate segment where the trail drops from ridge to the falls. This hike begins on the East Cowpen Trail, at its Three Forks Mountain trailhead. This trailhead is best accessed by Hwy 52 west of Ellijay to Gates Chapel Rd. Then, Forest Service Rd 90, right turn on Forest Service Rd 68, to the top of Potatopatch Mountain. Turn right onto Forest Service Rd 64 leading past Betty Gap, to the East Cowpen Trailhead.

This hike follows East Cowpen Trail, straight past the Rough Ridge Trail, to the Panther Creek Trail on the left at mile 2.3. Follow Panther Creek Trail down off the ridge, gentle grade at first, becoming more steep as it drops to the falls at mile 4.3. The arrival at the top of the falls rewards the hiker with a year-round, sweeping view of the surrounding mountains, rare in the Cohutta Wilderness. This area, with its exposed boulders and high bluffs, is fun to explore, but use caution. A slip from atop the falls or bluffs can lead to a long fall. Camping is available in this area, and this hike is a short route to the falls. For a longer backpack trip to this area see the Panther Creek Falls Loop in the Cohutta Overnight section. 

FOR COMPLETE TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS, GUIDE BOOKS, AND MAPS PLEASE STOP BY THE SHOP!