of information concerning Chattahoochee River history than National Park Service Ranger Jerry Hightower. And I thank Chris Hughes, formerly with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, for supplying me with its Historic Resource Study.
Researching Georgia battlefields was a highlight of working on this project, and two great sources of knowledge were Rebecca Karcher and Jim Staub, former park rangers at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Also, a big round of applause to all the people working to educate the public about Georgia’s natural resources, such as Sandy Straw, former naturalist with the Len Foote Hike Inn. And another round to organizations such as the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club and its volunteers, who put in all the hard hours to maintain trails and ensure that we can have quality experiences outdoors.
Thanks to Kris Wagner of Trimble Outdoors and to James Dziezynski and Brian Beffort for showing me the ropes on documenting trails. Also, thanks to Giff Beaton for contributing his birding expertise.
Finally, thanks to Molly, Tanya, and the team at Wilderness Press for giving me this opportunity and showing great patience.
Contents
COMFORT, SAFETY, AND ETIQUETTE
Highlights, Driving Directions, and Facilities
Cohutta Wilderness: East Cowpen, Hickory Ridge, and Rough Ridge Loop
Cohutta Wilderness: Beech Bottom Trail and Jacks River Falls
Cohutta Wilderness: Hemp Top Trail
Cohutta Wilderness: Penitentiary Branch Trail
Cohutta Wilderness: Jacks River Trail
Benton MacKaye Trail: Dyer Gap to Watson Gap
Cloudland Canyon State Park: Overlook, West Rim, and Waterfalls Trails
Cloudland Canyon State Park: Sitton’s Gulch Trail
Chickamauga Battlefield Memorial Trail
