Thursday Morning Hike at Island Ford

Whether you're one of the Thursday Island Ford regulars or a first timer for our Thursday hikes, you're welcome to join Trish and me on this Thursday morning event.   Please sign up as soon as registration opens, as this hike tends to fill up quickly, and we don't want you to end up on the waiting list.

The pace on this hike will be pretty fast so that we cover about 5.5+ miles in the time allotted.   We'll stop for short water breaks along the way, but it will be a good workout hike.  This is NOT a hike for beginners or for members who have done only slow-paced or low-ascent hikes!   The terrain is very hilly with lots of rocks and roots, and we push outselves for a good workout. 

The D2 rating dictates Gentle to Moderate elevation gain 400 to 1,000 feet, moderate pace; generally 4 - 6 miles.   [The elevation gain for this hike is well over 700', depending on the route.]  This hike is definitely a tough D2.  

We'll start at the MIDDLE parking lot. This lot is NOT the first lot on the left, nor is it the Visitor Center lot;  rather, it's the lot before you come to the pond, on the left side of the road. .  . about .6 miles from the entrance.  We've found that parking in this lot is always light, and it affords a variety of routes to hike.

We'll start the hike promptly at 10:30 am.  Arrive at least 5 minutes early to meet everyone before we start,  and/or to purchase a $3 parking ticket if you don't own an annual pass. If you think you might need to use the restroom before we start, give yourself an extra 15 minutes, as you'll have to drive to the Visitor Center and then drive back to the trailhead parking lot. 

BE SURE TO LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME OR AT LEAST WELL OUT OF SIGHT WHEN HIKING.  CAR BREAK-INS HAVE OCCURRED IN ALL OF THE CNRA AREAS.

No more than 3 dogs on the hike, so if 3 dogs are already listed, please do not add yours. If you bring your dog, it must be kept on leash at all times.  The reputation of the AOC is damaged when we break the leash law!  Please - - no aggressive dogs who might challenge other dogs or people on the hike.

This is an example of a suitable, non-aggressive dog!  :-)

If folks are interested, we can plan to eat lunch together after the hike at the nearby North River Tavern, where the Thursday special is burgers for $5.95. It's very close to the park - - about a 5 minute drive.   8879 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350  Or we may head to Samad Grill, the Mediterranean Grill if folks want to change it up before the holidays.  We can take a vote on the day of the hike!

1906 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA

From northbound US 19 and GA 400
- Take exit #6 (Northridge Road).
- Coming off the exit, stay in the right lane, cross over GA 400, and turn right onto Dunwoody Place.
- Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive.
- Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

From southbound US 19 and GA 400
- Take exit #6 (Northridge Road)
- Continue straight ahead at the traffic light onto Dunwoody Place.
- Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive.
- Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

Once you enter the main gate, drive down the road about .6 miles until you see the parking lot on the left, above road level.  There will be a pond on your right if you drive past the lot.

Trail Map - http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/TrailMapIslandFord.pdf.  

North River Tavern:  8879 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350  (Optional lunch site)

Samad Grill:  8897 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (Other optional lunch site)

Restroom facility is available down the road at the Visitor Center.  Allow an extra 15 minutes to use the bathroom so that you can get back to the middle lot on time.

Don't forget to bring $3 cash for a parking ticket;  change is not available. (AN annual pass can be purchased at the Visitor Center for $35.  If you're over 62, it's $10 for a lifetime pass.)

Trails can be muddy if there has been recent rain.  Be sure to have shoes with good tread that you don't mind getting dirty.  Waterproof shoes help, too!

Please cancel your registration yourself up to the time of the hike if you can't join us after all.  It puts an unnecessary burden on the trip leaders to ask them to delete your registration before the hike starts.