Tennessee Valley Wild Ones Members Hike
to Jacks Fork of the Conasauga River 

Our hike will explore the Cohutta Wilderness a remote, mostly-untamed forest that straddles the Georgia-Tennessee border. At 37,000 acres, the Cohutta is the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River, bisected by two major trout streams, Jacks River and Conasauga River The forest is dense, green and lush, carpeting the wilderness’ rolling mountains and deep river valleys. Wildflowers explode into bloom in late spring. The wilderness is rich with wildlife.

Our group will motorcade the Sina Branch Road to the trailhead, stopping at excellent wildflower sites and seeing trillium, bloodroot and other spring wildflowers.  We will walk about a mile in and a mile out to the Jacks Fork of the Conagauga River.  This hike is of moderate difficulty.  At noon we will stop for lunch at a picnic area with restrooms.  After lunch we will hike the Conasauga River (aquatic ferns) about a mile in and out, on more level ground.

Our hike will be led by Leon Bates.  Leon worked as a U.S. Forest Service forester, TVA Botanist and Urban Forester; he is an avid hiker, naturalist and photographer. Leon leads hikes at the Smoky Mountain Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage and with the Cherokee Hiking Club.  His knowledge of plants and connection to the land will enrich this event.

We will meet in Ocoee TN at 9:00 am and return by approximately 5:30 pm.  Departure location and directions will be emailed to you, once your registration is completed.

Please wear comfortable hiking shoes/books and bring a hiking stick.  Also, bring a sack lunch and drinking water.

This event is reserved for current members of the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones. 
One additional family member is permitted.