Hi all you outdoor adventurers! Are you looking for a way to get away from the heat? If so, let's head up to the North Georgia Mountains, to the Conasauga River and do some snorkeling. That's right, snorkeling in the clear, crisp pools of this beautiful river. The snorkeling pools are located near the Cohutta Wilderness Area, one of the most scenic and beautiful areas in North Georgia. Biologist, Jim Herrig, from the Ocoee Whitewater Center will join us for snorkeling fun with an overview of the aquatic diversity in this beautiful river. We'll be snorkeling in 1/4 mile stretch of the river where over 45 species of fish have been documented. As the gentle currents carry us around the pools we may see some of these fish native to this area and then we will report our findings to Jim. This could help determine the health of our rivers. Jim will provide all equipment including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and a viewing box. We'll also be acquainted with snorkeling and help with wetsuit if needed. A private changing area will be provided.
All this snorkeling should help us work up quite an appetite. We'll plan for a picnic right after, eating on the banks of the river. Everyone can also bring something to share, chips and dip, great cookies, chocolate etc.
After picnicking we'll hit the Beech Bottom Trail, a short distance away for an easy 3 mile hike to the beautiful Jack's River Waterfalls. Along the way all you nature lovers will get to do a little migratory birding and enjoy the season's wildflowers. Bring your camera!
After splashing around in the pools of the waterfalls, we'll hit the Jack's River Trail and head back to where we started, ending a great day of snorkeling, picnicking and hiking in the Beautiful North Georgia mountains.
What to bring: plenty of water for the day, picnic lunch with something to share. wear your swimsuit, towel, water sandals with heel straps, lifejacket if needed. Sunscreen, change of clothes, lite hiking shoes and socks.
If bringing children under 12 please provide your own wetsuit and lifejacket. They are still charged full price, sorry.
Drive time is approximately 2 hours from Chattanooga. Directions will be posted later.
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If you miss us, follow Ladd Springs Rd until it splits; bear right up a gravel road and follow it roughly another 4.5 miles. You'll see a sign that says "pavement ends" -- start looking for Conasauga Trail 61 on your right. It will sneak up on you; the turn is a hairpin slightly downhill. If you come to some campsights on your right while on Ladd Springs you've missed it. Just FYI: there is no cell phone service up there. See you in the A.M.!
Hi everyone,
Sorry I have been incommunicado. I've been out of town and returned to a family crisis. Dante's email advice is solid: let's meet at the highway 411/313 (Ladd Springs Rd.) intersection at 10:30am. There is a derelict gas station on one side directly across from a Marathon Favorite Market. The address at the Favorite Market is 1339 Highway 411 Old Fort TN. I drive a grayish green Toyota Corolla and Gail from Atl. is in a Brown SUV.
HI! I'm very familiar with this trail having been there many times. It is an 11 mile hike with 22 crossings, some hip deep. If you'd like to know more about it email me at Gregg@Long.net. I also have directions to the Jacks River on my website at http://www.solon.long.net/directions/Directions_Jacks.htm
- Have Fun!
Please check your email for rendezvous point and directions.
Hi Yolanda,
I'm looking for the same info. Please let me know in case Alisan/other provides you some details.
Thanks
Alisan, when will we have directions or the exact location we are going to meet?
Anyone want to carpool?
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