Saturday Morning at Island Ford- Lollipop and More

Please join me for a Saturday morning hike at Island Ford. THis hike will be a bit slower than my normal pace.  Want to spend more time looking at nature instead of looking at my feet in order not to trip.

We will cover approx. 5 1/2 miles in 2 1/2 hours.  The pace will be leisurely to moderate (but not super fast) with a couple very short water breaks.   The Island Ford trails have a few moderate climbs, but nothing too strenuous.

We will meet and start the hike promptly at 8:00 a.m. (sorry, we cannot wait for latecomers) from the first parking lot (Lollipop parking lot).   We will complete the Lollipop Loop, then head towards the river and hike along the  banks of the Chattahoochee  and then up some trails away from the river.

WATER - is a must.  

Bathrooms are available at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center but they won't be open when we arrive - enter park entrance and go about one mile until the road ends.  Arrive early if you need to purchase 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 at 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.