Island Ford, Upper Lot Cruise*

It's Thursday, so that means it's time for your hike - - but you didn't get on Joyce and Carol's event because your computer was too slow, or you forgot to sign up. Now you have a second chance to get your fix on a legit AOC event, Thursday morning meandering through these trails with friends, old and new.  We are hiking in the same unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, but starting from the upper parking lot trailhead. This is a separate event from the "Semi-Fitness Hike".

We will start off towards the north section of the park and the "lollipop loop", followed by a variety of trails in the south section.

Island Ford is exemplary of the beautiful trails along the Chattahoochee, and the Visitor Center and Headquarters for the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area parks.  There are lots of small beech trees here with a few big sentinels, and in the late fall their golden leaves stand out as they cling through the winter.

The format of this hike is the same as the Hewlett Pond Trailhead: it is a semi-fitness hike, so we ramp up the speed as much as possible to get a good workout.  Please be aware that we'll be pushing ourselves so that we can get in close to 5.5 miles. We'll be taking just a few water breaks, so hydrate well before the hike. As we pass the other group, we can high five, and move along.

This is NOT a beginner's hike because the brisk pace over uneven terrain presents significant challenges that require moderate speed and endurance. It's also NOT a hard core sprint, so don't be intimidated. Please be sure you're ready to push yourself a little before you tackle this one. If you don't have an AOC record of suitable hikes such as longer "D2's", we'll be contacting you to ascertain your fitness level  We don't want to slow down the group to wait for people who can't keep up the pace, nor do we want to push you beyond your limits. Our goal is safe AND fun events.  

BE SURE YOU HYDRATE WELL THE DAY BEFORE THE HIKE and bring water/electrolyte drinks to the hike. Adequate fluids are essential.

We'll start at the UPPER parking lot as you first enter the park.   This lot is the first lot on the left.  

We'll start the hike promptly at 10:30 am.   Arrive 10-15 minutes early to meet everyone before we start, and/or to purchase a $5 parking pass if you don't own an annual pass. If you 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 OUT OF SIGHT WHILE HIKING.  CAR BREAK-INS HAVE OCCURRED IN ALL OF THE CRNRA AREAS.

Please - - only bring trail-friendly and fit dogs. Must be leashed.  If they get tired out, you might end up like this:

8800 Roberts Drive, 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 .1 mile until you see the parking lot on the left.  

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

For folks who are interested, we plan to eat lunch together after the hike at the nearby North River Tavern, where the Thursday special is burgers for $6.95. It's very close to the park - - about a 5 minute drive.  

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

If you have questions about gear, fitness or Nature, feel free to ask your trusty Trip Leader.  If he doesn't know, he'll look into it!

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 in time to meet your fellow hikers before we start.

Don't forget to bring $5 cash for a parking ticket;  change is not available. (An annual pass can be purchased at the Visitor Center for $40. Lifetime passes are available to seniors over 62.)

*This event meets AOC guidelines by starting at a different trailhead from other events, and two AOC groups will not hike together or congregate on site. The event has been reviewed by the AOC leadership team. Thanks to Joyce for coordinating this event so they are complementary.   

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.