Sunday Afternoon Stroll at Gold Branch

This will be a very moderate trek, circling the perimeter trail around the park.   This is NOT going to be a fast hike or anything close to it.  The views of the river and Bull Sluice Lake are always beautiful and never fail to lift spirits.   We will be near the shoreline for much of the hike, making for some very scenic views. We'll be sure to stop at the old jalopy- - a landmark of the park - -  for some photos. 

We will start the hike promptly at 1:00 pm, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to buy a parking pass and to meet your fellow hikers. The terrain is hilly with some rocky sections, but at our moderate pace, it should be manageable for folks who can handle the distance.  We'll take breaks for water as many times as needed.

We'll allow 3 members with dogs on the hike, so if three dog-people are already registered, please do not add yours.  Dogs should be able to keep up the pace and should be kept under control at all times. If you register to hike with us, it's with the assumption that you will obey the park rules and leash your dog. The reputation of the AOC depends upon members adhering to the park rules.

This is a unit of the CNRA, so a $3 parking fee is required (if you don't have an annual pass). Be sure to bring the correct amount in cash and arrive in time to purchase a day permit. 

There are no bathroom facilities at Gold Branch, so use a bathroom on the way or be prepared to use trees. (There's a MacDonald's on Lower Roswell Road just 100 yards from Johnson Ferry Road that's a convenient place to stop on your drive.)

Gold Branch is on Lower Roswell Road, between Johnson Ferry Road and Wileo Road.  The sign is now visible from the road since bushes have been trimmed during road expansion;  however, the park entrance is between residential subdivisions and is easy to miss if you're not watching for it.  If you're coming from Johnson Ferry Road, it's on the right, about 2 miles from Johnson Ferry.  If you're coming from Wileo, Atlanta Road, it's about 2 miles from the traffic light at Azalea Drive and Wileo.  If you're following Azalea Drive and turn left onto Wileo, be aware that Wileo becomes Lower Roswell Road when it passes through the roundabout.  Gold Branch is .6 miles further down Lower Roswell - - on your left.   Slow down as you get close!

 Here is the link providing detailed instructions:

http://www.np s.gov/chat/planyourvisit/goldbranch.htm  

The coordinates are 33.98237094  and -84.385314

$3 cash needed for the parking fee at this location.

Trail map available at
http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/Trail- Map-2006-Gold- Branch-B&W.pdf 

You can cancel yourself up to 10:30 am, the time of the hike.