Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 37307

Cohutta Wilderness Hike
Saturday, April 10, 2010

 

Hike Report: Mutations and Washouts and Flying Squirrels, Oh My!

In a last-minute change to the originally scheduled Wolf Ridge hike, the longer April 10 outing was moved to the Cohuttas. (This to avoid the damaged FS 221 road.) On one of the prettiest days of the year, we had crystal-clear views of the emerging multi-hued forest canopy from Cowpen Mountain and the top of Panther Creek Falls. Water was seasonally high, the falls rushing, and river crossings cold but not too deep. 

Unusual findings included a mutant 4-leaved trillium (quadrillium?) complete with a square flower (not 3/6-sided), and a friendly flying squirrel. For any who have not been across the Conasauga River at Panther Creek lately, recent floods have greatly rearranged the area. 

Sheila Bailey easily made the transition to longer hikes on this trip, her first over 14 miles. (Congratulations to another hiker who tries the longer distance, and enjoys it.) Randy Morris also went, along with leaders Bill and Diana Ristom. Total distance: 14.5 miles (loop from Rice Camp TH), Total climbing: 4450', Low/High points: 1709'/4104' (high near peak of Cowpen Mt.)

Submitted by Diana and Bill Ristom

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