CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 1: Orrs Ferry (+Settles Bridge) - Tue, Mar 19 2024

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CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 1: Orrs Ferry (+Settles Bridge)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Suwanee, GA   Hike: CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 1: Orrs Ferry (+Settles Bridge)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Mar 19 2024  3:00 pm >> Tue, Mar 19 2024 6:00 pm
Registration Opens: Sun, Mar 17 2024 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Mar 19 2024 2:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Distance:6.7 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Of course we all enjoy the many Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) Units, around metro ATL.  This three part series will visit a some hidden gems of the park system, Orrs Ferry, Suwanee Creek....and McGinnis Ferrry.

It turns out they are each "hidden in plain sight".  They can be found on various official maps, but somehow they've largely flown under the radar, as far as past AOC events have gone.

But Orrs Ferry is the one we will focus on today, and it is a small sized park, nestled between the GA20 bridge and the Settles Bridge unit.  There's not that much to it, but it does include our scenic lunch spot of Fish Weir Shoals. and it is just fun to visit a rarely visited spot, with beautiful river views.

This event actually traverses through three different parks.  It begins and ends in Settles Bridge Park, a Gwinnett County Park, but most of the time is spent in CRNRA Settles Bridge, and of course our main destination, Orrs Ferry.

The total distance is about 6.7 miles and most of the route is flat, but there is some hilly terrain at the beginning and end.  But should be about 550' of total ascent.  Because most of the trail is flat, we will be moving at a moderate pace and will try to finish in about 3 hours.

I led a very similar hike here, about 7 years ago, but haven't been back since. But hopefully nothing too dramatic has changed.  The weather forecast is currently looking great, with highs in the upper 50s and plenty of sun, so should be a beautiful day to be out there.


Required Items to Bring:
  • water
  • food
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • camera

How to Get There:
Event Directions:
Latitude, Longitude:   34.09544958521021, -84.09360408782959
 
Settles Bridge Park
380 Johnson Rd
Suwanee,  GA  30024
770.978.5270
 
Traveling north on I-85, take exit 111 and turn left (NW) onto Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.  Proceed 6.1 miles and turn left on Johnson Road.  After about a mile, you will see the Settles Bridge Park sign on your right. 

Note:  There is also the Chatt NRA Settles Bridge park farther down the road, so do not get confused and go there instead. If you are driving on a gravel road, then you are not at the right one.  


Notes:

Free parking, and there are restrooms at the trailhead.


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Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.