Hickory Ridge Trail

Hickory Ridge Trail is one of the quiet interior spurs of the Cohutta Wilderness — a 3.5-mile ridgeline descent that begins high on Cohutta Mountain and stair-steps its way down to the Jacks River. Accessed most commonly from East Cowpen Trail, hikers climb 2.7 miles along the old Georgia Highway 2 roadbed to reach the signed junction at 3,180 feet. From there, Hickory Ridge turns left and immediately leaves behind the wide, road-like tread of East Cowpen for a narrower, more intimate ridge path. The ridge behaves like a long, uneven staircase — descending in distinct drops and benches. The first half-mile contains the most pronounced descent, after which the terrain moderates into a rhythm of gentle crests and shallow saddles. Unlike some spurs in the wilderness, Hickory Ridge remains largely committed to the spine itself rather than contouring the slopes. You walk on the bone of the mountain. The forest here is classic upper-slope Appalachian hardwood: mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), chestnut oak (Quercus montana), red maple (Acer rubrum), and scattered white pine (Pinus strobus). In spring, mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) flowers along the ridge shoulders. In winter, leaf-off reveals expansive views across the wilderness. To the northwest, Rough Ridge rises steep and abrupt.

 

To the west, Ken Mountain sits lower and rounded. Straight ahead — unmistakable — is Big Frog Mountain (4,219 ft), the highest peak in the combined Big Frog–Cohutta Wilderness. On clear winter days, the ridgelines layer themselves in blue-gray folds extending deep into Tennessee. Approximately one mile in, a well-positioned ridgetop campsite offers a rare alternative to riverbank camping. Here the air moves differently. Nights are quieter, wind passing through oak crowns rather than echoing off water. As the trail approaches its final half mile, the descent steepens again. The ridge narrows and the forest shifts toward a moister assemblage — tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and sweet birch (Betula lenta) increasing as the trail drops toward the Jacks River corridor. The sound of moving water begins faintly, then steadily. In the final 0.3 miles, the trail performs a subtle disappearing act. It bends right, contouring along a rocky outcrop above the river. This exposed stretch requires careful footing. The rock is often slick, particularly after rain. Along shaded seeps near the descent, the northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) may be found beneath decaying logs and stone. At the base of the outcrop, Hickory Ridge fords the Jacks River diagonally at a broad gravel bar crossing.

 

This ford can be straightforward in low water but becomes forceful and hazardous after sustained rainfall. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. The Beech Bottom–Jacks River junction lies approximately 50 yards downstream to the left. From here, hikers may return via East Cowpen for a 12.6-mile out-and-back, or create a loop by continuing downstream on Jacks River Trail, passing Jacks River Falls and eventually connecting with Rice Camp Trail back to the FS51 trailhead complex. That loop measures approximately 11.5 miles and includes additional river crossings. During cold weather or after heavy rain, river conditions can become dangerous and are not advised. Hickory Ridge offers something increasingly rare in the Cohuttas: solitude above the river corridors, winter panoramas, and the sensation of walking the high architecture of the land itself.