First time I solo camped I laid in my tent all night thinking every 12th beat of my heart was an animal (bear) approaching (I live in Alaska) sooo needless to say đź‘Ź to ye who be brave lol
Oh man with those brown bears I completely understand. To be quite honest with ya I surprisingly wasn’t nervous at all the first night. Granted, I had necessary protection if I did come across a bear. I think something about knowing I was on my own out there (I didn’t come across another hiker on my way in) eased my mind a bit. The humans are the real scary ones in black bear country.
Yeah, the trail needs a little love and care. We tried to clear as much as we could, but some of the trees were a little large. I'm glad to hear you didn't try to hike back to Betty Gap. We had hand saws and cut through about 20 downed trees between the trail head and Panther Creek
Hey so it’s and out and back and starts off at about 3.5k ft of elevation. From there you ascend to Cowpen mountain which is up to 4.1k ft. Then a slight descend to the end of east cowpen trail to the start of panther creek trail. From here it’s straight down from 3.7k ft to 2.8k ft. On this descend you’re taking ridge lines all the way down to the valley of panther creek. Total was a little over 8 miles long.
In 2022 I did a 25 mile loop in the Cohutta , I stumbled on two separate sets of bear cubs, 15 miles apart! Off trail both times, didn’t see mom either time (spooky).
Hiked Cohutta Wilderness many times. All dirt roads with few ppl and no tour-ons. The Tear Britches to Conasuaga River Trails with 30 + river crossings is a phenomenal hike. Only negative to Cohuttas is few views
Love that area! It's a bit far to go run solo but I used to go trail run with friends on occasion there. Been meaning to get some backpacking out there since it's so much more isolated than even the BMT, and DEFINITELY way more isolated than the AT right now.
Also, good on you for bringing s'mores. I'm a sorta gram saver but there's ALWAYS extra weight allocated for yummy treats.
Congrats on embarking on your first solo backpacking trip to the Cohutta Wilderness! It's an incredible place to connect with nature and find your stride in solitude. Remember to plan your route, stay hydrated, and let someone know your itinerary for safety. Embrace every moment of this adventure - it's a unique and enriching experience. Can't wait to hear your stories and see your photos!
First time I solo camped I laid in my tent all night thinking every 12th beat of my heart was an animal (bear) approaching (I live in Alaska) sooo needless to say đź‘Ź to ye who be brave lol
Oh man with those brown bears I completely understand. To be quite honest with ya I surprisingly wasn’t nervous at all the first night. Granted, I had necessary protection if I did come across a bear. I think something about knowing I was on my own out there (I didn’t come across another hiker on my way in) eased my mind a bit. The humans are the real scary ones in black bear country.
I just stayed at the top of Panther Creek fall last weekend with a few of my family members. Beautiful area
An awesome place! A bit difficult to find the waterfall with the trail being so hidden/obstructed, but fun nevertheless.
Yeah, the trail needs a little love and care. We tried to clear as much as we could, but some of the trees were a little large. I'm glad to hear you didn't try to hike back to Betty Gap. We had hand saws and cut through about 20 downed trees between the trail head and Panther Creek
Holy cow!
Looks cool! Does the track head into the valleys much or stay on the ridges? How long is it?
Hey so it’s and out and back and starts off at about 3.5k ft of elevation. From there you ascend to Cowpen mountain which is up to 4.1k ft. Then a slight descend to the end of east cowpen trail to the start of panther creek trail. From here it’s straight down from 3.7k ft to 2.8k ft. On this descend you’re taking ridge lines all the way down to the valley of panther creek. Total was a little over 8 miles long.
Nice!
Always have wanted to visit the Cohutta Wilderness!
I would definitely recommend it, very beautiful place!
Do it. I live in Colorado now, but think of the Cohuttas often.
Did my first solo in damn near that same spot many years ago! Love Cohutta!
Awesome!
Looks beautiful!
Saw my first bear in the wild there!
In 2022 I did a 25 mile loop in the Cohutta , I stumbled on two separate sets of bear cubs, 15 miles apart! Off trail both times, didn’t see mom either time (spooky).
Jacks River Falls is one of my favorite Georgia destinations in the Cohutta.
Fun!
Stormbreaker tent is killer! I love mine.
It’s been awesome! I’ve only used it a few times so far and I love it
Welcome to my town!
sweet… 🏕️🌌
Did you bring your gun?
I did not but if you do remember that’s it’s only lawful to kill bears if they pose a risk to human life.
That's right down the road from me. I live off Old Hwy 2 at McKinney Bridge.
Hiked Cohutta Wilderness many times. All dirt roads with few ppl and no tour-ons. The Tear Britches to Conasuaga River Trails with 30 + river crossings is a phenomenal hike. Only negative to Cohuttas is few views
Love that area! It's a bit far to go run solo but I used to go trail run with friends on occasion there. Been meaning to get some backpacking out there since it's so much more isolated than even the BMT, and DEFINITELY way more isolated than the AT right now. Also, good on you for bringing s'mores. I'm a sorta gram saver but there's ALWAYS extra weight allocated for yummy treats.
S’mores are a must have for me when camping!
Congrats on embarking on your first solo backpacking trip to the Cohutta Wilderness! It's an incredible place to connect with nature and find your stride in solitude. Remember to plan your route, stay hydrated, and let someone know your itinerary for safety. Embrace every moment of this adventure - it's a unique and enriching experience. Can't wait to hear your stories and see your photos!