Monday Morning at Gold Branch (Beginners Welcome)

Rejoice!  After today's morning hike, Trena will be returning to lead the Monday morning beginners hikes. I will happily offer support whenever I can.

This will be a moderate trek through the park, covering mainly the perimeter trail, though we might add one or two of the more challenging cross trails.  We will NOT hike at the Bull Sluice Lake area, as this section necessitates some rock scrambling, which might prove too challenging for beginners. The terrain on some sections of the trail have roots and rocks, so hiking poles are recommended for people who like to use them.

We will start the hike promptly at 10 am, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to buy a parking pass and to meet your fellow hikers. 

Gold Branch is an exciting trail to hike. 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 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 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's a traiil map:

https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/TrailMapGoldBranch.pdf

Coordinates:  33.98431, -84.38536

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

You can cancel your own registration up to 8 am, the time of the hike.