FAQ

Q: Are there bears?

A: Yup. There are bears.  While the likelihood of an encounter is low, caution must always be taken when in the backcountry. It is extremely important to practice proper food handling. Always properly hang food, keep the camp area clean and under no circumstances should food be taken into a tent.

Q: What about bathroom?

A: What about them? There aren’t any… so yeah… you have to go primitive. There is plenty of documentation on line and there are even books written on the subject (illustrated noless!)  

Here are some resources:

https://gizmodo.com/how-to-poop-in-the-woods-1599311733

https://www.amazon.com/How-Shit-Woods-3rd-Environmentally/dp/1580083633

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSXzgx1euqE

 

Ladies, there are plenty of resources about your particular needs as well.

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-with-your-period.html

https://www.cloudlineapparel.com/blogs/cloudline/5-tips-for-hiking-and-backpacking-during-your-period

 

Q: Are there snakes?

A: Of course there are snakes and there are venomous snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes are not uncommon in the North Georgia mountains and care must be taken at all times. Always watch your step and be aware of your surroundings.

 

Q: Are kids allowed?

A: Yes, ages 10 and up are allowed but under 15 must have a parent with them.

 

Q: Do i have to be in good shape?

A: That’s a tough one. The trail is considered ‘easy to moderate’ but the better shape you are in the more enjoyable the experience will be. You will be hiking long distances with the weight of a backpack.

 

Q: What equipment do i need?

A: Because this is a group outing some equipment will be shared; however, there are certain items that simply cannot be shared. Here is a list of minimum gear you must have. [LINK] but if you really want to get into backpacking i’d advise you to go ahead and begin filling out the rest of your gear as well.

 

Q: Will I have to eat twigs and berries?

A: Only if you want to. Backing meals can come in many forms and there is a lot of information on the web about them. For the sake of convenience I usually recommend going with some store bought meals like MountainHouse, raman and oatmeal packets.

 

Q: What about water?

A: As you build out your own gear you will need to invest in some sort of water purification system - filter or chemical. For this trip I will be bringing a couple of filters and will be able to supply the group with clean water.

 

Q: Will I have cellphone coverage?

A: No. There are very few spots in the Cohutta Wilderness Area with cell phone signal. We won’t be at any of them.