North Georgia camping ?

[ol mike]

Anybody do much camping up in the cohutta wilderness or in that area?

Tell me about it.--------Mike

[victorcharlie]

I spend a fair amount of time in the Cherokee.....mostly the TN side, but the wife and I hiked the Beech Bottom trail to Jack's River falls last Tuesday........beautiful in the Cohutta's.........

[ol mike]

victorcharlie ,

Can you tell me about hunting in the area ?

If i were to go into a common area for hiking would i run into mostly hikers ?
Meaning alot of hikers don't like hunters not that i care that much.
What is the terrain like off the trails ? Impossibly steep ?
Have you ever hunted in the area? Thanks -Mike

[victorcharlie]

victorcharlie ,

Can you tell me about hunting in the area ?

If i were to go into a common area for hiking would i run into mostly hikers ?
Meaning alot of hikers don't like hunters not that i care that much.
What is the terrain like off the trails ? Impossibly steep ?
Have you ever hunted in the area? Thanks -Mike

Yes, I've hunted in the area just north on the Tennessee side.  I have bought quad-angle maps of the region.  There are some long flat bottoms, and many logging roads that arn't hiking trails that make good routes to walk and hunt.  These logging roads are gated and normally stay closed. 

Most of the area is steep.  Steep enough in most places that sturdy boots with plenty of ankle support are needed.  That said, there are hardwood mountain tops that are not to tough to get through.   In most places the range will be short as the woods limit the possibility of a shot much over about 40 yards.   The roterdimdrims (spelling) thickets are tough to see in and hard to get through.  The wildlife is "wilder" than wildlife found in more urban areas and will flee at the smell of a human.

It's a beautifully rugged area....I love being up there......

I suggest a 1:63000 National Geographic trails map of the Southern Cherokee/ Cohutta's.....it's a high level map and show all the major trails, roads, and logging roads.........get the topo for more specific detail.

[ol mike]

victorcharlie ,

You're a huge help ! thanks bro !

I have a 1:250,000 map i'll get the more detailed one you speak of.

One more question where would you park if you were coming from the south end ?
Is dally gap good?

[victorcharlie]

I never come in from the south, but work with several guy who live in GA and hike and hunt the Cohutta regularly.  I'll check with them.

I've talked to them about this before and know they hunt hogs mostly on the southern end.  I see more hog sign in GA than I do in TN.  What game do you want to hunt?

I wound up face down in Big Creek a few weeks back.  My backpack didn't get wet so I was able to get dry.....  I suggest that should you venture far from your vehicle you be prepared to spend the night should you sprain an ankle or get turned around.......there are places that are deep and dark......

This time of year the weather can change fast.......

[ol mike]

victorcharlie ,

Again thanks for taking the time to help me w/ this info..
Face down in big creek ! when i read that i had the strange human urge to laugh.I'm sure it wasn't funny though.
My plan is just to get out and do some hunting -mainly predator [coyote] and maybe a squirrel or two.
I took up reading at 24 hour campfire in the backpack hunting section ,I've rounded up about all the lightweight camping stuff i need now it's time to use it.Your advice to be ready to spend the night -is the plan ,actually 2-3 if things go well.
My equipment list is -equinox ultralite tarp ,rei down bag ,big agnes insul pad ,titanium alcohol stove and mug ,fire kit ,first-aid kit ,eberlestock x-1 pack etc.-etc..So all this and some food and i'll have my life on my back.
If you'd like to meet up -even for a day let me know i've killed quite a few coyotes -calling is alot of fun.
I used to live in kennesaw ,ga. and am planning to move there again or to colorado -75% chance colo.If you ever need any info from out that way let me know.--Mike

[RBishop]

Where do you get the maps that you guys mentioned?

[victorcharlie]

RBishop......The National Geographic trails map and the quad angle topo maps are available at any of the Cherokee National forest ranger stations.  I got mine at the headquarters office at 2800 north Ocoee st.....Cleveland TN.  If you stop by the topo maps are $6.00 the trails map was $10.50 if I remember correctly.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/maps2003/

The office locations and phone numbers are located at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/contact2003/index.shtml

Ol Mike.....the guys park at about 3 locations on the east side of Cohutta.......they tell me the end of Cow pen road is a good place to park......I'm starting a new job on the second of Jan.....still going to work part time at my other job at least until the probationary period of 90 days expires on the new job........I would love to have someone to hike and scout the area with......but don't see having much time until around the first of april or so.......My wife usually goes with me when not hunting....but hey, the more the merrier.......

[ol mike]

victorcharlie ,

I'm going to plug you onto my buddy list -might get up w/you if n. ga. is my choice to move to.
Thanks for the invite on a spring hiking trip-- very friendly of you -.
Providing i make it up there i'll let you know how it went.
Best of luck w/the new job in january ,new jobs can be a little stressful.
Thanks on the map plugs and have a happy new year.--Mike

[victorcharlie]

I typed East side of Cohutta, but they come in from the west side.......sorry....