Midday at Island Ford (Beginners Welcome)

Please join me for a midday hike at Island Ford, one of the CRNRA (Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area) parks. The first portion of this hike is geared towards those new to the club or new to hiking.  I would highly encourge attendance at Intro to Hiking just prior to the hike at Island Ford.  Intro to Hiking - will take place at the East Roswell library at 10:30 (coffee and donuts will be provided). Trena and Joyce will provide you with the ins and outs of hiking, what to expect, where to go, etc.  And they will be able to answer any questions you may have about this addictive activity.

Cut and past the below into your browser for more information about Intro to Hiking:

http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/details.asp?eventid=13211

The hike will be broken into two smaller hikes - a D1 immediately followed by a D2

First hike begins promptly at 12:30 - we will hike approx. 3 miles on the Lollipop Trail.  This portion of the hike will be done at a leisurely pace. Newcomers to the AOC and hiking are encouraged to attend and share with us the beauty of the trails at Island Ford. The three mile hike should take about one hour, twenty minutes to complete.  This three mile hike is rated as a D1 - slight elevation but we will take it slow and easy. We will take one water break at the point where we are closest to the river and stop a few minutes to enjoy the scenery.

Second hike begins immediately following the first - we will hike at a moderate to fast pace and complete about 3 additional miles on the trails at Island Ford - this portion should take about one hour

We will meet and start the hike promptly at 12:30 p.m. (sorry, we cannot wait for latecomers) from the first parking lot (Lollipop parking lot).  See directions below. 

please bring your water bottle - Water is a must.

Bathrooms are available at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center - enter park entrance and go about one mile until the road ends.  Arrive early if restrooms are needed or parking pass and then head back towards the park entrance to the first parking lot (it is right inside the front gate to the park)

There is a $3.00 daily parking fee at Island Ford unless you have an annual pass.  If you need to purchase a day parking pass you can do so at the kiosk as you enter the visitor center parking lot.  Annual passes can be purchased after the hike at the visitor center for $30.

There have been vehicle break-ins - please leave all valuables home

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 the parking lot is immediately on your left.    If you need to purchase a day parking pass (or use restrooms) continue straight to the kiosk near the visitor center parking lot and purchase your pass for $3.00.  Arrive early to allow yourself time to purchase your parking pass and return to the parking lot just inside the main gate.