Saturday Morning at Island Ford (Beginners Hike)

Please join me for an early morning hike at Island Ford.  We will be parking at the first parking lot (just inside the entrance to the park on the left).  Take a slow leisurely hike down towards the river, hike the trail along the river to the visitor's center, circle the pond and then back to our cars.

This is a great hike for those new to the club, new to hiking or to just for those that want to relax with a slow gentle hike, enjoy nature and being at beautiful Island Ford Park.

Geese and other waterfowl are usually abundant along the river.  There are some beautiful rock formations along the trails too!  Hopefully we will see some turtles sunning themselves as we loop around the pond.

We will cover just about four miles in 2 hours. The pace will be leisurely with a couple very short water breaks.  The Island Ford trails have a few moderate climbs, but nothing too strenuous.

We will meet and start the hike promptly at 8:00 am (sorry, we cannot wait for latecomers) 

Water is a must - Please don't arrive without your water bottle.

Bathrooms will not be available at the start of the hike as the visitor center does not open until 9:00 a.m. please plan accordingly

There is a $3.00 daily parking fee at Island Ford unless you have an annual pass.  If you need to purchase a day parking pass you can do so at the kiosk as you enter the parking lot.  Annual passes can be purchased after the hike at the visitor center for $30.

There have been vehicle break-ins - please leave all valuables at home

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 - this will be our meeting spot.  If you see a pond on your right you have just passed the middle parking lot.  If you need to purchase a day parking pass continue straight to the kiosk near the visitor center parking lot and purchase your pass for $3.00.  Arrive early to allow yourself time to purchase your parking pass and return to the middle parking lot.