Thursday Afternoon Hike at Island Ford

Let's take it a little easier this afternoon, slowing down the pace to "moderate" and stopping occasionally to take in the views of the river as we pass by.  This would be a good hike for beginners who can do 5 miles with some hills but don't like to go fast.

We'll start at the VISITOR CENTER parking lot. This is the lot farthest from the entrance - - past the first lot, past the middle lot across from the pond, all the way to the end of the road - -  almost a mile!  There are bathrooms available, so leave early enough to allow time to use them before the hike. This location is also where you can buy an annual pass if you don't already have one.

We'll start the hike promptly at 2:30 pm.  Arrive at least 10 minutes early to meet everyone before we start, to use the restroom, and/or to purchase a $3 parking pass if you don't own an annual pass. 

BE SURE TO LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME OR AT LEAST WELL OUT OF SIGHT WHEN HIKING.  CAR BREAK-INS HAVE OCCURRED IN ALL OF THE CNRA AREAS.

No more than 3 dogs on the hike, so if 3 dogs are already listed, please do not add yours. If you bring your dog, it must be kept on leash at all times.  The reputation of the AOC is damaged when we break the leash law!  Please - - no aggressive dogs who might challenge other dogs or people on the hike.

This is an example of a suitable, non-aggressive dog!  :-)

1906 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA

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.

Once you enter the main gate, drive down the road about a mile until you dead end at the Visitor Center.

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. (AN annual pass can be purchased at the Visitor Center for $35.  If you're over 62, it's $10 for a lifetime pass.)

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!

Please cancel your registration yourself up to the time of the hike if you can't join us after all.  It puts an unnecessary burden on the trip leaders to ask them to delete your registration before the hike starts.