No Excuses Hike at Island Ford Early Thursday Morning

Want an easy warm-up hike before the fast one later this morning?   Are you a beginning hiker who can't handle a fast pace or strenuous hills?  This is the hike for you. It will be REALLY easy. . .  a comfortable pace and several stops along the way. If you're new to Island Ford, you'll love the scenic views of the river and the rock caves. There are usually scores of geese on the river, and if we're lucky, we might even see a heron.  More experienced hikers are welcome, but please be mindful of the spirit of the event, and don't plan to push the pace.

We'll start at the Visitor's Center parking lot, which is way down the road after you pass through the entrance - - about a 3/4 mile drive.  Just keep going on the main road until it dead ends in the parking lot with the big Visitor's Center building. It's farther than you think it should be, so just keep driving.  (Be careful to maintain the 25 mph speed or less, as park rangers keep an eye on cars and will issue a $150 citation for speeding!) There are restrooms in the Visitor's Center, and you can purchase your $40 annual pass there, too.

Let's keep the number of dogs limited to three people with their pets. If three individuals with dogs are already signed up, please do not add yours. If you do bring your dog, it should be able to  interact well with other dogs and people. Additionally, the Chattahoochee NRA requires that owners keep their dogs on a leash and clean up after their pets on the trails. Please plan to abide by the park rules, as violations reflect negatively on the AOC. 

Be reminded that this area requires a $3 (cash) parking pass if you don't already own an annual pass. These $3 passes can be purchased at the parking lot, though it is highly recommended that you save a year's hassle and the annual pass.  We will start the hike promptly at 8:30.  Arrive a few minutes early to pay for your parking pass, use the restroom, and check in.  

1978 Island Ford Parkway

Sandy Springs, GA 30350

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 gate, you have about  3/4 mile drive down the road to the Visitor's Center.  Just keep driving and you'll get there - - it's a long way!

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

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

You can cancel your registration yourself up to 8:30 am before the hike.  After that, please call or text Joyce to cancel: 404-788-4089