Developmental - Cochran Shoals - Interstate North

Welcome to my new series of hikes called “Developmental Hikes.”  These hikes are designed to allow you to develop your hiking skills so that with time, you can do more difficult hikes. Unlike my "Stop and Smell the Roses” hikes which are leisurely events, these will be posted at a moderate difficulty level yet conducted in a way as to push your ability as much as possible to the next difficulty level. 

The pace for these hikes will be designed to challenge you to pick up your speed and gain strength as you navigate sometimes challenging trails.  The venues chosen will allow for the skills being developed. These hikes are for those of you that want to push your ability to do more advanced events, or for those of you who used to do more difficult hikes and want to work yourself back to your previous ability level.   

Please note:  This series of hikes is NOT for intermediate or advanced hikers who have been doing D4+ events.  They are designed for less experienced hikers who want to build strength and speed.  Please choose a different event if you are already a very fit D4+ hiker to allow room on the event for members who need the development. 

One last thing:  if the hike is for developing a hiker to go from a D3 to a D4 and you have done only D1 and D2 hikes – the hike is NOT for you either. They will likely prove to be too challenging, and I do not want to hold up the group to wait for you. I will vet members to ensure we get members of the same ability level on the hike.

Hike Plan: We will meet at the Interstate North Parking Lot; restrooms are located here. After introductions we will follow the gravel road to the trail continuing to the Columns Drive Parking Lot and continue to follow the trail back to it meets the main road again. We will do a second loop in a counterclockwise direction and return to the parking lot. Total distance 5 miles for both loops and parking lot. At 2.5 mph the hike will take 2 hours 40 minutes. We will attempt a pace of 3.0 mph for 2 hours.

The Swampy Area

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.

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.

There is a $5.00 per day parking fee for use of the NRA.