Monday Morning at West Palisades from Akers Mill Road Entrance -

It's Labor Day, so the parks might be rather crowded.  We'll start a little earlier (9 am) to hopefully beat the majority of visitors.  And the Akers Mill parking lot is still one of the least used lots in our local CRNRA parks.  

West Palisades is one of the most beautiful CNRA units - - a cousin to East Palisades.  It offers scenic views of the Chattahoochee as well as wooded trails.  We'll hike at a moderate pace, and go 5 miles or so - - making this a good hike for people who want to exercise and enjoy a chance to socialize with others along the way.  Hopefully, we'll all be able to breathe for the duration of the hike . . . except up that one LONG hill!  Caution:  Beginners are warned that this is a challenging D2 hike;  it is NOT an easy trail . . .  especially for folks who have no recent hiking experience.  

NOTE:  This entrance to West Palisades is off of Akers Mill Road!   Look for the apartments with the huge water wheel out front on Akers Mill Road!  That's where you turn in.  There are no signs indicating the trailhead here, so just trust that you're in the right place. Drive past the apartments to the CRNRA brown sign on the left,  and drive the long, winding road to the very end, where we will be parking. 

There is a $5 parking fee at this location, unless you have an annual pass. Parking passes must be obtained online either in advance or on your smartphone & credit card at the parking lot.  Please allow time to purchase your pass before our 9 am start time.

Up to 3 dogs will be permitted on the hike, so if you already see 3 dogs registered, please do not bring another.  Dogs are required to stay on leash in all of the CNRA areas   As representatives of the AOC, we want all participants to obey the park rules.

Location:

1927 Akers Ridge Drive,  Atlanta GA 30339

Coordinates 33.891623, -84.444515

From eastbound Interstate 285
Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.
Right on Northside Drive to Powers Ferry Road.
Right approximately 1.5 miles to Akers Drive
Turn left at the wooden "Water Wheel"
Drive up the hill on Akers Drive passing apartment homes untill you see the brown CRNRA sign on the left at the drive to the parking lot. Turn left at the sign and drive through to the parking lot.  If you reach an apartment complex at the end of Akers Drive, you have gone too far. Backtrack to the CRNRA driveway

From westbound Interstate 285
Take exit 22, New Northside Drive, Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.
Straight to second traffic light.
Left on Northside Drive to Powers Ferry Road.
Right approximately 1.5 miles to Akers Drive
Turn Left at the wooden "Water Wheel."
Drive up the hill on Akers Drive passing apartment homes untill you see the brown CRNRA sign on the left at the drive to the parking lot. Turn left at the sign and drive through to the parking lot.  If you reach an apartment complex at the end of Akers Drive, you have gone too far. Backtrack to the CRNRA driveway

No bathrooms at the trailhead.

Park Map:  https://www.crnra.vip/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Palisades-Paces-Mill.pdf

Please do your own cancellations until the 9 am deadline.  If you need to cancel after that, call your trip leader at 404-788-4089.