questions about the chatooga river trail in GA

**stevebo** · 07-02-2013, 05:59

Hey guys, just a few questions about the chatooga river trail. (I've lived in GA for 24 years, and have never hiked it!) 1. which trail heads are safe to park at over night or several days? 2. Any good places to swim? 3. Any suggestions for a easy 2 or 3 day hike? 4. any permits required for backpacking? Any thing else I need to know? Thanks for the info!

**Woodsy** · 07-02-2013, 06:59

I do not have much experience with the Chattooga River (backpacked it once, and rafted it once too) but I recently had a conversation with a friend who frequents this area a lot. He suggested to me that I park at Burrells Ford and hike upstream 2-3 miles to find some nice campsites along the river. Also, he said that the trail runs close by the river from Burrels Ford to Ellicot Rock.

From my quick weekend backpacking experience there 2-3 years ago, there was a nice campsite where the foothills trail intersects the Chattooga River trail. There is a nice and cold swimming hole with your own personal waterfall at camp too!

I hope this helps some. I'm sure there are some people on this forum that know more about this area than I do. Enjoy!

**stevebo** · 07-02-2013, 07:25

Thanks----------thats just the intel I needed!

**old4hats** · 07-02-2013, 07:25

stevebo, from the bridge at Burrel's Ford, it is about 1.7 miles up to where the East Fork river merges in. There is a huge area very suitable for hanging there. Across the foot bridge over the East Fork is a fork in the trail, to the right you will go toward the fish hatchery, and to the left toward Endicot Rock. Several side trails opportunities in that area. One thing for sure, you won't worry about water.

**stevebo** · 07-02-2013, 08:47

So, is the trail well marked? Also, any idea if there is a half way decent down loadable map available? Any problems with trail heads/car breakins?

**old4hats** · 07-02-2013, 09:11

I don't know of any maps, though there probably are some available. I have parked near the bridge at Burrel's Ford two times for two or three nights and have had no problem, nor have I heard of others having problems, so it seems safe enough. The signage on the trails is old and hard to read on some of it, but the trails get enough use that they are pretty clean. If you go up there you will be in some beautiful country and will want to go back.

**southmark** · 07-02-2013, 09:28

I hiked it from Burrel's Ford to Hwy 76 March two years ago. It was a good hike. The trail was well marked and easy to follow. Plenty of places to camp/hang. Left a car at the Burrel's Ford campground parking lot and a car at the Hwy 76 FS parking lot.

**Woodsy** · 07-02-2013, 09:55

Originally Posted by stevebo

So, is the trail well marked? Also, any idea if there is a half way decent down loadable map available? Any problems with trail heads/car breakins?

I think I have some, if not all, the chattooga trail on a .gpx file. At the very least, you could use some software (garmin or other) to view my file and print your own map. I can locate that file when I get home, if interested.

**stevebo** · 07-02-2013, 10:34

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I think I have some, if not all, the chattooga trail on a .gpx file. At the very least, you could use some software (garmin or other) to view my file and print your own map. I can locate that file when I get home, if interested.

Sounds great! Thanks! Really appreciate all the advice! (usually go to the Cohuttas in the summer, but I've been there a gazillion times--wanted to try something new!)

**old4hats** · 07-02-2013, 11:19

Originally Posted by stevebo

Sounds great! Thanks! Really appreciate all the advice! (usually go to the Cohuttas in the summer, but I've been there a gazillion times--wanted to try something new!)

I have never hiked or camped in the Cohutta's, sure would like to share a camp fire and a few cups of coffee while listening to you relate some of those trips.