Hiking Or Backpacking At Cohutta Panther Creek Trail

Found northwest of Ellijay Georgia, this interior trail has to be taken from an entry access trail as this is situated within the Cohutta Wilderness that spans approximately 35,000 acres. This is an 87-mile trail system which can be accessed at the East Cowpen Trail on the eastern side, and the Conasauga River Trail on the western side. Geologists believe that Georgia�s Cohutta mountains are some of the oldest mountains around the world and were first inhabited by the Creek Indians. In 1720, this area was then later inhabited by Cherokee and considered these to e Mother Mountains of the Poles of the Earth. The Cherokee were forcibly driven out as Scottish-Irish farmers that worked the fields moved from North Carolina to the south. After the settlement of the Cherokee, the State of Georgia appropriated this area to the settlers in the Sixth Land Lottery. Human settlements have caused lumber in the area to deplete until the federal government purchased the land in 1937. To start the trail, find your way at the confluence of Panther Creek and Conasauga Rive on Cohutta Wilderness� western side. Approaching an old railroad bed, head east for the first mile until you will reach thickets of rhododendron. The path leads to cross some small creeks, thus expect the journey to be a bit wet yet refreshing. This portion of the trail keeps you in touch with nature and the peaceful surrounding. Make a moderate ascent alongside Panther Creek as it leaves the roadbed. google_ad_client = "pub-2311940475806896"; /* 300x250, created 1/6/11 */ google_ad_slot = "0098904308"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; The trail then becomes demanding as you approach a boulder field hike past Eastern Hemlocks. At 1.5 miles, you will reach the top of Panther Creek Falls. At this point across the Conasauga River Valley, it gives you a viewing area overlooking the spectacular beauty of the waterfalls and the wildlife inhabiting the ecosystem. Just a short distance down the trail, you will find campsites for a break or shelter. The trail then makes a moderate ascent after getting off from the falls and then makes a steep but abrupt climb a mile after. Emerging out of the cove, proceed to the eastern section at the East Cowpen Trail as you hike the falls from the west. Expect numerous wet-foot crossings on this Conasauga Trail route as you approach the Panther Creek Trail. The eastern alternate route to the falls which initially takes the East Cowpen Trail route leads to a drier footpath from the upper ridge.

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