Cochran and Sope Creek Double Header

Please arrive 15-20 minutes early for introductions and a bit of stretching.  We will keep social distancing in mind in the parking lot and when going up hills.  Generally being outdoors swirls away and dilutes any chance of transmission of this tough, tough virus. Please respect each participant's space and comfort level.

We'll start from the flatlands with a brisk warm-up along the Chattahoochee, turn into the winding woods trails at the toe of the hill, then work our way up to the family cemetary, past the mill ruins, and then back down to the river. We'll keep up a steady pace, with some breaks, to see how many miles we can comfortably cover in 3 hours, potentially up to 8, depending on group pacing. No one gets left behind!  I've given plenty of time to adjust for the heat, and we may finish early, or not!

The pace will be above beginner level, at a steady effort, with some heavy breathing on the hills. 

This is a well maintained trail with generally good footing, so most comfortable exercise shoes with decent traction should suffice. We may get on trails shared with mountain bikers and travel toward their direction, so you need to be ready to step aside. Typically you will have plenty of notice, and they are respectful.

I'm afraid there will be no snow on the mill ruins. :-(  It will likely be hot and humid, so be ready to stay cool. We will be mostly in the shade, with some sun in Cochran Shoals.

Moderate rain is OK; heavy rain or lightening cancels.

As always, you earn Karma Points for picking up at least one piece of litter, or making a Nature Observation. If you feel compelled to be a litterpikker, wear gloves or bring a hygienic device.

Address: 1956 Eugene Gunby Rd, Marietta, GA 30067

From I-285 W, take exit 22 for New Northside Dr toward Northside Dr/Powers Ferry Rd. Turn RIGHT, onto New Northside Dr. Continue onto Interstate N Pkwy for about 0.8 mile and the parking entry is on the RIGHT,  AFTER you cross the Chattahoochee River.

From I-285 E, take exit 22 for New Northside Dr toward Northside Dr/Powers Ferry Rd. Turn LEFT onto New Northside Dr. Continue onto Interstate N Pkwy for about 0.8 mile and the parking entry is on the RIGHT,   AFTER you cross the Chattahoochee River.

From I-75 N, take exit 258 onto Cumberland Blvd SE.  Follow it UNDER I-285, and take an immediate RIGHT onto Interstate N Parkway. Follow that about 1 mile, and turn LEFT on Eugene Gunby Rd BEFORE you cross the Chattahoochee.

From I-75 S, take Windy Hill Rd SE, exit 260. Go LEFT on Windy Hill Rd SE. Go RIGHT at Powers Ferry Rd. Just before you cross 285, turn LEFT on Interstate N Pkwy. Follow that about 1/4 mile, and turn LEFT on Eugene Gunby Rd BEFORE you cross the Chattahoochee.