Local backpackers David Daniels, Owen Holbrook and Bob Rahn, from left, make their way across the Jacks River Trail. They recently backpacked the 16.7-mile trail in the Cohutta Wilderness in North Georgia. with 40 river crossings included.Backpacking always has challenges. After all, everything that is needed has to be carried, and the balance between necessity and weight is a tough one.
When backpacking the Jacks River Trail in the Cohutta Wilderness in northern Georgia, at least one more challenge is added: crossing the river 40 times in the 16.7 miles between the Dally Gap and Alaculsy Valley trailheads.
Depending on recent rainfall, the river can be hazardous to cross, but backpackers usually can ford the cold water if they use hiking poles and are careful to plant their feet on the slippery rocks.
Most backpackers on the Jacks River Trail will opt to start at Dally Gap, as the elevation at that end is 2,578 feet and Alaculsy is just below 1,000 feet.
Much of the trail follows the rail bed cut by the Conasauga Lumber Company. Starting in 1915, the area was a major source of timber harvesting for 15 years. Cable and old train parts can be seen as one hikes the trail.