Cohutta Wilderness Blog

The Cohutta Wilderness

We love this place and I want to take my childern and grandchildren there so please please pratice Leave No Trace Principals! (see links if you don't know what they are)

This land was intensivly logged until the 1920's (70% or so). The area has recovered remakably well. Now all that remains are, old road beds, cables, and the ocassional railroad ties.

It became a wilderness area in 1975 @ 36,977 acres it is the largest NFW in the southeast. (The Cohutta Wilderness ajoins the Big Frog Wilderness (8,055 acres) across the state line in TN.

The Cohutta Wilderness in GA is part of the larger 95,265 acre CWMA.

Highest Points: Big Frog Mountian 4,224(TN) East Cowpen (4,200 ish)
Major Rivers: The Conasauga River, and Jacks River. These 2 give you good reason to always carry sandals when in the Cohuttas.

The Benton MacKaye Trail is in and the Pinhoti Trail Borders the Wilderness

Friday, May 21, 2010

My Review of Trestles Trails Sleeping Bag (Regular)

Originally submitted at Rock Creek Outfitters

The Trestles Trail Sleeping Bag by Marmot is a super lightweight bag that can be used in the dog days of summer or used as a liner with a warm bag in the colder months.

Constructed with a layer of Micro DriClime lining that is super soft, and incredibly cozy on your skin and ...

Owned it for years

By jkayaker from Dalton, GA on 5/21/2010

Pros: Packs Small, Lightweight, Comfortable

Best Uses: Backpacking, Car Camping, Climbing

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I have owned this bag now for about 4 years. There is nothing better to sleep in in the summer, epecially the hot humid southern nights. I always stay cool and dry. I use this bag on ocassion during the winter as a liner. It packs small about the size of a nalgene bottle, and weighs very little.

(legalese)

Jacks River Falls

So we made a 2 night trip into the Jacks River Falls area via Beech Bottoms Trail. The weather was perfect despite one night of rain. This are has been recoving nicley after many years if abuse. But for some reason people still seem to want to camp in the closed off area. Any way here are some pics.....

Jumping into the top pool.

Beautiful Jacks River Falls in the morning.

A little sunshine after the rain!

At least the ole hammock was dry

Thursday, April 15, 2010

My Review of Snow Peak Trek 900 Titanium Cookset

Originally submitted at REI

Switch to the Snow Peak Trek 900 cookset and you'll shed a few pounds from your pack weight, making those long-distance endurance treks a bit easier.

What you see is what you get.....

By Jkayaker from Dalton, GA on 4/15/2010

Gift: No

Pros: Durable, Compact, Lightweight, Easy To Clean

Best Uses: Hiking, Backpacking, High Altitude

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I have owned and used the heck out of this cookset for 3 yrs now. My description says it all. It is a very simple no frills cook set. My MSR Pocket rocket and large can of fuel fit in there perfectly. It is a little slippey on the top of the Pocket Rocket, and the hadles do get a little warm so just wait about 30 seconds.. But those are minor problems. It is durable, I have burnt noodles onto the bottom and scrubbed them off with river rocks. It now has a nice petina from some campfire cooking. For the durability, weight, and price it can not be beat!

(legalese)

My Review of REI Flash 18 Pack

Originally submitted at REI

Versatility is the name of the game with the REI Flash 18. For use in your larger backpack or duffel, this lightweight daypack cleverly converts into a stuff sack simply by turning it inside out!

Expectations Exceded

By Jkayaker from Dalton,GA on 4/15/2010

Gift: No

Pros: Lightweight, Well built, Easy To Load, Large capacity

Best Uses: Hiking, Car Camping, Backpacking, Day trip

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

I bought this pack to go along with me on a 5 day trip to Cumberland Island GA. It far exceded my expectations on this trip. First it doubles as a stuff sack: it is perfect for your sleeping bag or your clothes. It is light weight and carrys well. The pull top closing system is simple, fast, and effective. This pack does not have and back padding, I did not find this to be a problem as I had my Camel Back to pad my back. I carried it all day on a 10 mile hike with a rain jacket, water filter, lunch, 1st aid kit, and Camel Back with no problem. By the end of the trip everyone was asking where to pick one up.

(legalese)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Cohutta Wilderness Forbes Magazine!

Check out the Cohutta Wilderness Area blurb in Forbes Magazine.

http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/05/america-wilderness-parks-lifestyle-travel-outdoors-camping-hiking_slide_7.html

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

My Review of OMEGA Anti-Microbial Reservoir

Originally submitted at Rock Creek Outfitters

The advanced design of CamelBak's OMEGA Reservoir makes accessing and cleaning your reservoir easier than ever. An "easy-grip" ergonomic handle allows you to fill to the brim. Simply screw down the secure cap and you're "ready to roll."

Better Than The old one

By Jkayaker from Dalton. GA on 3/10/2010

Pros: Good Quality, Easy to Use, Lightweight, Compact

Cons: Difficult to Use

Best Uses: Hydration Packs, Running, Water Bottles, Hiking/Camping

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

Bought this to upgrade from my older Camelback. It is tasteless and easy to clean. I found the top a little hard to open sometimes. But aside from that no wet back!

(legalese)