| Checking out the Blue Ridge Mountains simply should | | | | mountain area. There are two major rivers in the |
| be a must for any backpacker. When it comes to | | | | Wilderness, the Jacks and the Conasauga, and both |
| these mountains, the Cohutta wilderness is one of the | | | | can get quite raging and full during times of rain. |
| best areas. | | | | Caution is warranted when hiking along these two |
| Backpackers and the Cohutta Wilderness | | | | rivers, as when they are raging it is impossible to cross |
| If you've planned a trip to Georgia, there are a few | | | | them safely. |
| sites that must be visited. The beautiful shoreline and | | | | Experiencing the Cohutta Wilderness means you'll get |
| the graceful cities of Atlanta and Savannah should be | | | | wet. Even during a dry season, it is impossible to stay |
| on your list, but if you're into the great outdoors the | | | | completely dry. Be sure to bring extra socks and |
| Blue Ridge Mountains can't be beat. Whether you | | | | shoes when hiking here. This area is also mountainous |
| enjoy camping, hiking, hunting or fishing, there will be a | | | | and can become dangerous after dark, so hiking here |
| spot that will suit you in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For | | | | should be done with awareness and caution. |
| the best time hiking, however, the Cohutta Wilderness | | | | You can camp anywhere in the Cohutta Wilderness, |
| within the mountains can't be beat. | | | | as long as you're not on a trail or at a trailhead. Horses |
| The Cohutta Wilderness is a 36,997 acre area of | | | | are allowed on some, but not all, of the trails here. |
| wilderness that was originally owned and worked by | | | | Taking wildlife or plants from the Cohutta Wilderness is |
| private timber companies. In 1975, the area was added | | | | prohibited - the specially balanced ecosystem of the |
| to the National Wilderness Preservation System by an | | | | wilderness area depends on no interference from |
| act of Congress; and is now the largest National | | | | man. If you agree to abide by the regulations of this |
| Forest Wilderness in the southeast. As it is under the | | | | area, backpacking in the Cohutta Wilderness can be |
| protection of the United States government, the | | | | fun and exciting. |
| Cohutta Wilderness prohibits anything that might | | | | As with any hike, be sure to notify someone of the |
| endanger the welfare of the land, foliage or animals | | | | trail you're going to take and when to expect you |
| within the boundaries. Therefore, no mechanized | | | | home, in case of any emergencies. Also take a trail |
| vehicles may be driven within the Wilderness area. | | | | map with you, and be prepared with supplies and |
| Trekking in the Cohutta Wilderness means that you | | | | emergency needs. Being prepared for your trek can |
| can hike over 95 miles of trails within this beautiful | | | | make it even more fun. |