Island Ford - Wednesday Evening

It's time to revisit Island Ford, one of the nicest of the CNRA parks. We'll be treated to beautiful forests as well as breathtaking views of the river.  We'll make this a moderately fast paced hike, but NOT a zoom-zoom speed.  It will be a nice workout pace.

For this hike, we'll park at the FIRST LOT on the LEFT as you enter the park.  The Visitor's Center closes at 5 pm, so there's no need to drive all the way to the main lot to park. So don't plan to use the restrooms - - they're not available.  (There are plenty of trees, though!)  As soon as you enter the gate off of Robert's Drive, be prepared to turn left into the lot!

We'll start with the lollipop loop, pass through the parking lot, and continue the hike down to the Visitor's Center.  For those needing to leave early, you're free to end the hike when we get to the cars as we pass through the lot.  

We'll rest from time to time if necessary; otherwise we'll use our time to move along. This is NOT a beginner's hike, as we'll be moving briskly and the trails are hilly -- so please don't sign up if you don't think you can keep up. We don't want anyone left behind, especially if you aren't familiar with the trails.

We'll allow 3 dogs on this event, so if you see 3 dogs already registered, you cannot bring yours.  The Chattahoochee NRA requires that owners keep their dogs on a leash and clean up after their pets on the trails. (Dogs off leash have been known to stir up yellow jackets, resulting in painful stings to both nearby hikers and the dogs themselves.)

This park requires a $3 parking fee.  If you don't have an annual pass, be sure to bring $3 cash.  (No change is available!)

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.

http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/islandford.htm

Trail Map - http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/2006IslandF ordB&W.pdf