AtlantaOutdoorClub
sponsor
Print-Friendly Version
Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)
Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar


REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 4: McGinnis Ferry (+ Shakerag Park)




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Johns Creek, GA   Hike: CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 4: McGinnis Ferry (+ Shakerag Park)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Mar 23 2025  3:00 pm >> Sun, Mar 23 2025 5:30 pm
Registration Opens: Fri, Mar 21 2025 12:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Mar 23 2025 5:00 pm
Event Duration:Approx 2 1/2 hrs
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Distance:5.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Of course many of us enjoy the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) units, around metro ATL. However there are a few that are relatively obscure, but well worth checking out and exploring. It turns out they are each "hidden in plain sight". They can be found on various official maps, but somehow they've largely flown under the radar, as far as past AOC events have gone.

The McGinnis Ferry unit is actually shown quite clearly here: https://npplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CHATParkMap.pdf.  It's interesting that the information sign does show a trail system, but I cannot find it online. Perhaps there were some developed and maintained trails many years ago, but all that remain are just some faint foot paths that fade in and out. So while much of this part is off trail, it is fairly easy and flat hiking terrain. 

To make it more interesting and adventurous (plus free parking), we will actually start off in nearby Shakerag Park. We hike about a mile, until we cross into the federal land that is essentially the McGinnis Ferry unit.

The one very notable exception to the easy terrain is that we have to traverse a drainage ditch that is about about 12' deep.  I have done this a few times, and it is not that difficult, but not super easy either. But anyone can use my trekking poles and microspikes for that part, if they like.

After this, we are mostly off trail but in fairly open terrain, so no fighting through briars, or similar for the "bushwhacking".  It's a nice walk to the McGinnis Ferry Boat Ramp and we can take a lunch break there, and then head back. (Or if you didn't want to do the hike back, could actually get a short uber ride from there).

The total distance is about 5.5 miles and there's only around 150' of total ascent, so overall it's a light D2 and some decent exercise.


Required Items to Bring:

Walking shoes or boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Trail snacks

Camera

Water

Trekking poles (for the ditch traverse)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

34°02'46.8"N 84°07'31.4"W

Shakerag Park  10945 Rogers Cir, Johns Creek, GA 30097

If by some chance all the parking is full, you can park next door at River Trail Middle School and and walk over.  We will meet by the main sign, at the park entrance.

Notes:

Parking is free, and there are bathrooms at the trailhead, at Shakerag Park.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.