Jacks River Trail

Follows Jacks River

Jacks River Trail named after a Cherokee Indian, who for a small fee, would carry travelers across the river on his back. It is one of the premiere trails in the Cohutta Wilderness. It features old growth hemlocks, Jacks River Gorge and Jacks River Falls.

It is recommended to hike the trail from the southern Dally Gap to Alaculsy Valley in the north, as the trail is pretty much downhill in that direction.

The trail follows Jacks River and its tributaries downstream, with 42 fords, all told. 80-foot-high Jacks River Falls is located 9 miles into the hike. The trail ends at a bridge to the Alaculsy Valley.

The river fords can be hard after heavy rains, but no matter what you will get wet!

To the northwestern trailhead in Alaculsy Valley: From the GA 52-US 411 intersection in Chatsworth, travel US 411 North about 13.5 miles, past Eton towards Tennga, to the community of Cisco. In Cisco turn right onto the paved road immediately before Cisco Baptist Church. This road is known as Old Highway 2, also called FS 16. Continue on FS 16 following the pavement until it ends, stay right at the fork, continue pass Hopewell Church, cross Conasauga River, stay on FS where FS 51 veers right. Coss the suspension bridge over Jacks River into Tennessee, the parking lot is to the right.

To the southeastern trailhead at Daly Gap: From US 76-GA 5 intersection north of Blue Ridge, travel north on GA 5 towards McCaysville for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto Old GA 2, continue for 10.5 miles (pavement ends a 9 miles) to FS intersection at Watson Gap, make hard right onto FS 22 for 3.6 miles to trailhead at Dally Gap.