Atlanta: Penitentiary Branch Trail
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Cohutta Wilderness, this 10.2-mile out-and-back features giant hardwood stands, waterfalls, and a remote mountain campsite.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 8.3
Waypoints
PBT001
Location: 34.9332160949707, -84.5189437866211
From Dally Gap, take the Hemp Top Trail and Penitentiary Branch Trail, traveling SW
PBT010
Location: 34.9570465087891, -84.5513687133789
Nice campsite next to Jacks River; retrace steps to trailhead
PBT002
Location: 34.9373054504394, -84.524528503418
To R of trail, opening in trees offers valley views to the E
PBT003
Location: 34.9402351379394, -84.5256881713867
Benton MacKaye Trail enters on the L; stay straight, continuing on the Hemp Top Trail
PBT004
Location: 34.9543952941894, -84.5227813720703
At Y, bear L onto Penitentiary Branch Trail
PBT005
Location: 34.9506874084473, -84.5325164794922
To L of trail are occasional views of weathered ridge to the SE
PBT006
Location: 34.9485893249512, -84.5398254394531
Steep descent to Jacks River
PBT007
Location: 34.9524765014648, -84.5436096191406
Ferns cover the forest floor; mountain laurel lines the trail
PBT008
Location: 34.9549446105957, -84.5480117797852
Large grove of old trees
PBT009
Location: 34.9557762145996, -84.544921875
Trail crosses creek; head SW on Penitentiary Branch Trail
