Scenic Hike at Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens, Ga ! - Sat, May 11 2013

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Scenic Hike at Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens, Ga !


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: 205 Old Commerce Rd. Athens, GA 30607   Hike: Scenic Hike at Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens, Ga !  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, May 11 2013  12:30 pm >> Sat, May 11 2013 2:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 11:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Apr 23 2013 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, May 11 2013 8:00 am
Event Duration:2 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Distance:4 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Joyce T.
Mark F
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Sandy Creek Nature Center is a bit far from Atlanta, but it's worth the drive!  The trails are for hikers only, so it's a peaceful place to enjoy nature.   The setting is gorgeous.  I haven't been there in months, so it's time to revisit the place . . this time with Tony C. joining me as co-lead.  Tony is very special to me. He is the person in the AOC who is responsible for encouraging me to become a trip leader, and he was my mentor throughout the process.  He gave me the confidence to believe I could actually do a decent job leading hikes, and he taught me well.  He has always been very supportive of my event postings  - - and he enjoys the many photos I post on Facebook!  I'm really excited to be hiking with him at this lovely place.

In the past, we've done several D4's at this location, adding 8 miles of trails to the 4 we will be covering that go to Sandy Creek Park.  Today, we're cutting out the long Cook's Trail and instead hiking along several beautiful trails throughout the nature center.  These trails are not flat, but they aren't too steep. They're easy on the feet - - not much in the way of rocks or roots.   If we take them at a moderate pace, they shouldn't be difficult - - as long as the distance (4 miles) doesn't present a challenge for you. Some of the highlights of the area are a circa 1815 log house, several wildlife observation areas, and the remains of an old brickwork factory.

After the hike, those who wish can drive into Athens to enjoy an early dinner/late lunch at a local Chinese buffet - - the China Star.  Those who have eaten there after our past hikes have really enjoyed the food. The price is reasonable.  We'll have to decide who stays for dinner and who returns to the Park n' Ride when we form the carpools.  

We'll finish the hike by 2:30 PM.  Allow time for dinner (an hour and a half at most) and the 1 hour drive back to Indian Trail when you plan your day.  We should be back at the carpool no later than 5:00 PM.  (Those leaving Athens after the hike should get back by by 3:30 PM.)

If carpooling, plan to arrive at Indian Trail Park and Ride no later than 11:05 AM!  We will leave PROMPLTY by 11:15 AM so as to get to the Sandy Creek Nature Center by 12:30 PM.  That will also allow us time to introduce ourselves and decide upon grouping for the carpool.  I f you're running late, you'll have to make the drive to Athens alone - - so be sure to copy the directions and have them with you.


Required Items to Bring:

Plenty of water 

Cash for your carpool driver and money for dinner if you choose to eat at the Chinese buffet.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

No parking fees!  

Hiking poles are totally up to you, but unnecessary on most of the trails.

Bring your camera if you like photos.  Lots of opportunities.

Sunscreen, insect spray


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

GPS COORDINATES:  

33.987857, -83.382091

Directions from I-85 at 285:

Go North on I-85 from 285 for 9.4 miles

Take Exit 106 - - Merge onto GA 316 East toward Lawrenceville/Athens.  Go 39.7 miles

Take the US-78 E/GA-10 Loop S ramp to  US-29 S/Lexington/Hartwell/University of Georgia.  Go .03 miles

Merge onto  GA-10 Loop E/US-29 N/US-78 E

Continue to follow GA-10 Loop E/US-29 N for 9.1 miles

Merge onto GA-10 Loop N/US-129 N/NW U.S. 441 N via the ramp to  Commerce/Jefferson  for 1.5 miles
 
Take exit  12 to merge onto NW U.S. 441 N/Commerce Rd toward Commerce for .9 miles
 
Turn left onto  Nature Center Rd for .2 miles to arrive at 
 
205 Old Commerce Rd
Athens, GA 30607
 
 
CHINA STAR SUPER-BUFFET
3567 Atlanta Highway  Athens, GA 30606
(706) 316-3382

 
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):110Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 11:15 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $44.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

CHINA STAR SUPER BUFFET

3567 Atlanta Highway  Athens, GA 30606
(706) 316-3382

Please keep Joyce's  phone number with you in case you need to call:  404-788-4089


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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