Last Minute Hike at Gold Branch

I see where another Chattahoochee hike has a long wait list this day so I would like to offer the chance for folks to hike another section.  I have only hiked Gold Branch once and that was last year but I would say it has high marks in my book. 

I like the beautiful big water here behind the Morgan Falls dam so will plan on maximizing use of the riverside trail and see if we can catch peeks at waterfowl or maybe students rowing crew. 

In any case, the cooler temperatures next to the river and rolling riverside hills will be a pleasant change from the world of concrete. 

The plan is to hike down and along the river in the general direction of the dam and then double back when we hit 2.5 miles or one hour in order to make this hike a 5 mile or 2 hour roundtrip. 

A little of the hillside will have narrow, slanted, and rooty, traverses along the slopes so if you think you might need poles then you probably do need poles.

Our pace will be in the range of 2.5 miles per hour but could be a little slower or a little faster.

Normally, there is a $5 parking fee at this location (currently no fee) but there are no restrooms.  Do not leave your valubles visable in your car.

We will also look at interest in picking a lunch spot for afterward that has an area where we can sit outside with proper spacing.  Bring your soccer chair to make that happen and your mask in case we will need one for where we place the food order.

The mask is not required for the hike but feel free to wear one if you are more comfortable.  We will be sure to be careful about spacing during the hike.