Afternoon Fast Hike at Island Ford - Sat, Mar 22 2014

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Afternoon Fast Hike at Island Ford


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Sandy Springs, GA   Hike: Afternoon Fast Hike at Island Ford   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 22 2014  3:30 pm >> Sat, Mar 22 2014 5:30 pm
Registration Opens: Sun, Mar 16 2014 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Mar 22 2014 3:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:5.5 Miles
Pace:Fast
Trip Leader(s):
Joyce T.
Libby G
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

We'll take this hike at a pretty fast pace, therefore, it is NOT a hike for beginners or for folks who can't maintain a fast pace for 2 hours (with few stops).  We'll start at the lollipop loop, pass through the parking lot, and continue into the woods for the rest of the hike.  If we're lucky (?) the newly opened "stairway to heaven" will be available.  These stairs are numerous and rather steep, taking us up to a high ridge from the river.  This trail has been closed for years, but on a recent hike, we found it open. If we can hike on it, we will.

We'll meet at the TOP parking lot, which is immediately on your left past the front entrance to Island Ford.  There are no restroom facilities at this parking lot.  If you need to use a restroom before the hike, give yourself enough time to drive the 3/4 mile road to the Visitor's Center and back - - at least 10 extra minutes.

We'll start the hike promptly at 3:30 pm.  Arrive at least 5 minutes early to meet everyone before we start out and/or to purchase a $3 parking ticket if you don't own an annual pass. (Passes are sold for $25 at the Visitor's Center), this would be a good opportunity to purchase one.

Since we'll be going at a fast pace, we're not inviting dogs along on this hike.  The trails are sometimes narrow with lots of roots, so dogs can become a tripping hazard.


Required Items to Bring:

Hiking Shoes, Water
$3.00 cash or your annual pass 

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

Insect repellant and sun screen.

Bring an epi-pen if you're allergic to yellow-jacket stings.


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

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.

Drive all the way down the road to the big Visitor's Center building - - about 1/2 mile from the entrance.

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


Notes:

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

Don't forget to bring $3 cash for a parking ticket;  change is not available.

Trails can be muddy if there has been recent rain.  Be sure to have shoes with good tread that you don't mind getting dirty.  Waterproof shoes help, too!


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


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

You can cancel your registration yourself up to 3:00 pm before the hike.   After that, please call or text Joyce to cancel:  404-788-4089