Can we beat the darkness? Fitness Hike at Gold Branch

Now that leaves are back on the trees, we're still working on dialing in the best start time to give a fair shot of finishing in the light if the group is moving well.

Finish the day with a fast hike around the various trails of Gold Branch. This event will be a bit different than most as our goal is to finish before it gets dark. To accomplish this we will likely need to go a bit faster than the target pace of 3.5 mph. If we are moving well the group will finish in 82-87 minutes. The posted time of 90 minutes is to give some wiggle room if needed.

That is to say depending on how the group is moving we may or may not finish in the dark from week to week. You should plan to have a light of some kind with you in case we finish in the dark. Additionally the start time will change from week to week based on the current sunset time.

The route we take will be roughly 5 miles. There are some decent sized hills and rocky places along the water's edge that make this a bit trickier than many intown events.

Parking is $5 if you do not already have a pass(Chattahoochee or America the Beautiful). Info can be found here https ://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fees.htm . They no longer take cash and you will need internet on your phone to pay. 

If it is raining don't bother calling to see if it is still on. The answer is yes it is but depending on the conditions might be a different potentially shorter route. Finally we will be leaving on time and you should be there a few minutes early. If you are late we will not be waiting and the nature of the event makes it very difficult for you to catch up or find us

Gold Branch

5785 Lower Roswell Rd NE Marietta, GA 30068

33° 59' 6.14" N, 84° 23' 13.22" W

NOTE: The entrance is across from Ashforde Subdivision on Lower Roswell Rd.

Link to trail map:  

https://www.crnra.vip/wp- content/uploads/2019/05/Gold-Branch.pdf 

There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

Unfortunately like at many trailheads there have been issues with break-ins. If possible do not leave valuables in your car. If you must keep them in your car make sure they are out of sight before you get to the trailhead. Do not wait until you arrive to hide your stuff.