Anyone been to Cohutta Wildeness lately?

**jbiddle** · 06-13-2011, 12:29

We are going for a 1 nighter, going to start on Chestnut Lead Trail and head up to the Conasauga River.

Anyone know how high the water is in Conasauga currently? It's been dry so I wasn't sure if it would be flowing.

On a side note, anyone been to the Sipsey wilderness in Alabama recently? wondering what it's water level is like.

**skippy** · 06-14-2011, 06:58

let us know how the Cohutta trip went....I have been thinking of planning a trip within the next few weeks....as for the Sipsey, it is always has low water flow in the summer.

**lazyboy** · 06-14-2011, 07:45

The Connasauga River never dries up. It wil be flowing nicely, at the Chestmut Lead trail. You can cross without going above your waist. Make sure you hang your food because you will be in bear country. This is my favorite spot east of the Mississippi.

**jbiddle** · 06-14-2011, 12:52

Originally Posted by skippy

let us know how the Cohutta trip went....I have been thinking of planning a trip within the next few weeks....

I'll be sure and report back!

**jbiddle** · 06-14-2011, 12:53

Originally Posted by lazyboy

The Connasauga River never dries up. It wil be flowing nicely, at the Chestmut Lead trail. You can cross without going above your waist. Make sure you hang your food because you will be in bear country. This is my favorite spot east of the Mississippi.

I can't wait to get out there, this is my first time to Cohutta. Any interesting landmarks or POI in that area that you recommend looking for?

**lazyboy** · 06-15-2011, 08:22

You will be close to Panther Creek falls. A steep climb but worth it. There is a good spot at the top where you can stand under the falls for a good shower. If you don't have a map look for the one posted at the trail head.

**lazyboy** · 06-15-2011, 08:32

Opps, I got my trails mixed up, you won't be close to Panther Creeks Falls, Chestnut lead trail is near the headwaters of the Conasauga, very beautifull, lots of rapids. I sent you a message, hope it works as I have trouble with wnding messages thru the forum.

KP · 06-16-2011, 15:13

I don't know what your intended milage is but in reality it's not unthinkable to make it to Panther Creek Falls once you reach the Conasauga. Chestnut Lead Trail is less than 2 miles long and it's only moderately difficult going and coming. The biggest issues are the number of times that you will need to ford the Conasauga once you've committed. I don't know exactly how many but probably somewhere in the dozen or so mark before you reach the Panther Creek Trail intersection. Oh and the climb up to the falls will get your heart pumping.
If you decide not to hike all the way to the falls it's easy enough to find a number of established places to camp along the river.

Enjoy it! So far the Cohutta Wilderness is my favorite place to backpack.