Jacks River Trail: The Complete Guide

The Crown Jewel of the Cohutta

There is no trail quite like the Jacks River Trail in the eastern United States. Over its 16.7-mile length, the trail crosses the Jacks River 42 times — not on bridges, but ford-style, wading through a wild mountain stream that ranges from ankle-deep riffles to thigh-deep pools depending on the season and recent rainfall. It is demanding, wet, and utterly spectacular.

The Jacks River drains the heart of the Cohutta Wilderness, flowing northeast through a deep gorge before crossing into Tennessee and joining the Conasauga River. The trail follows the river for most of its length, alternating between the narrow floodplain and the steep valley walls, passing through old-growth hemlock groves, past cascading side streams, and beneath some of the largest trees remaining in the Southern Appalachians.

Trail Statistics

Getting There

Southern Trailhead — Dally Gap
From Ellijay, Georgia, take GA-52 east approximately 12 miles to Old Hwy 2 (Forest Road 18). Turn left and follow FR 18 north for about 10 miles to the Dally Gap trailhead. The road is unpaved but generally passable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. High-clearance recommended after rain.

Northern Trailhead — Alaculsy Valley
From Chatsworth, Georgia, take US-411 north into Tennessee, then turn onto Alaculsy Valley Road and follow it to the trailhead at the wilderness boundary. This approach adds approximately 45 minutes of driving but allows a one-way shuttle hike.

Shuttle logistics: Most hikers who do the full point-to-point arrange a car shuttle between the two trailheads, which are about 1.5 hours apart by road. Alternatively, the trail can be done as an out-and-back from either end, though the full length in a single day is a significant undertaking.

The 42 Crossings

The stream crossings are what define the Jacks River experience — and what make it genuinely dangerous in high water. Here is what you need to know:

In summer and fall (August–November): Most crossings are ankle to knee deep and easily managed with trekking poles and water shoes or sandals. This is the recommended season for the trail.

In spring (March–May): Water levels are typically high from snowmelt and spring rains. Many crossings become thigh-deep or deeper, and the current can be strong enough to knock an unprepared hiker off their feet. Several crossings have claimed lives over the years. Do not attempt the trail in high water conditions unless you are an experienced backcountry traveler.

In winter (December–February): The crossings are cold — genuinely cold — and the trail sees very little traffic. Experienced winter hikers find it beautiful and solitary, but hypothermia is a real risk if you slip.

Safety note: Check recent trail condition reports before your trip. The Cohutta Ranger District posts closure notices when the river is unsafe. When in doubt, turn back — the trail will still be there next weekend.

Highlights Along the Trail

The Hemlock Groves (Miles 2–5)

The lower section of the trail passes through some of the finest remaining eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forest in Georgia. These ancient trees — some exceeding 200 years of age — create a cathedral-like canopy over the river, their drooping branches filtering the light into a cool, green shade even on the hottest summer days.

The hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that has devastated hemlock populations across the Appalachians, has reached the Cohutta. The Forest Service has treated many trees with systemic insecticide, and the groves remain largely intact, but the long-term prognosis is uncertain. Appreciate them while they stand.

Jacks River Falls (Mile 7.8)

At roughly the midpoint of the trail, the Jacks River drops over a 10-foot ledge into a deep, clear pool — one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the Georgia mountains. The falls are a natural rest stop and turnaround point for hikers doing an out-and-back from Dally Gap.

The pool below the falls is excellent for swimming in summer. It is also a reliable spot for observing native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), which hold in the deep water below the plunge pool.

The Upper Gorge (Miles 10–14)

The upper section of the trail, above the falls, enters a narrower gorge where the valley walls close in and the trail becomes more demanding. The crossings here are more frequent and the footing more technical. This section sees fewer hikers and rewards those who push through with genuine wilderness solitude.

Camping

Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Cohutta Wilderness. There are several established camping areas along the Jacks River Trail, particularly near the falls and at the wider floodplain sections. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines: camp at least 200 feet from the water, use a camp stove rather than a fire when possible, and pack out all waste.

Bear activity is common along the Jacks River corridor. Hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the trunk, or use a bear canister. Do not leave food unattended at camp.

What to Bring

The Jacks River Trail demands more preparation than most Georgia hikes. In addition to standard day-hiking gear, bring:

• Water shoes or sandals for the crossings — wet boots make for a miserable 16 miles
• Trekking poles for stability in the crossings
• Dry bags for electronics, clothing, and food
• Extra socks — you will want dry feet at the end
• Offline maps downloaded before you leave cell range (Gaia GPS or CalTopo recommended)

The trail is marked but not heavily signed. A downloaded topo map is essential for navigating the upper section and identifying the correct crossing points.