Wednesday Afternoon at Gold Branch

This will be a moderately brisk trek through the park, covering both the perimeter trail and several of the more challenging cross trails.   The hike is NOT a beginner hike because of the pace + terrain, but it should be okay for folks who have done a number of recent D2 hikes. 

We will start the hike promptly at 5:30, 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 short, steep ascents;   the cross trails offer longer hills. We will stop for water throughout the hike, but we'll try to keep a steady hiking pace in order to get a nice workout.

Gold Branch is an excellent trail to hike.  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 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 must 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 to the park if you're coming from Cobb County.)

If any folks are interested in having dinner after the hike, Tijuana Joe's is just 2 miles from the trailhead on the corner of Lower Roswell and Johnson Ferry Road.  We'll decide yay or nay on dinner after the hike. 

Gold Branch is on Lower Roswell Road, between Johnson Ferry Road and Wileo Road.  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 33.984355, -84.385246

$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 

Tijuana Joe's:  Mellow hangout with outdoor seating fixing up an array of Mexican classics, plus margaritas.  Address: Parkaire Landing Shopping Center, 690 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.  Check out the menu at http://www.viewmenu.com/tijuana-joes-3/menu?ref=google

You can cancel yourself up to 5:30 pm, the time of the hike.