Tuesday Morning at Gold Branch

This will be a brisk trek through the park, covering both the perimeter trail and several of the more challenging cross trails.  The pace will be pretty fast, so this is NOT a beginner hike.  (Look for my No-Excuses hikes that will be more suitable for newcomers.) 

We will start the hike promptly at 10:30 am;  please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to buy a parking pass, meet your fellow hikers, and pose for a group picture.  The terrain is hilly with some short, steep ascents.   The cross trails offer longer hills. We will stop as little as possible in order to keep a nice heartrate going.

Gold Branch is an excellent trail to hike.  The views of the river and Bull Sluice Lake are always beautiful and never fail to lift spirits.   We will be near the shoreline for much of the hike, making for some very scenic views. The trails have been cleaned up since the storms a few months ago, and the one steep "rope climb" section has been re-routed. It's a big improvement.

We'll allow 3 members with dogs on the hike, so if three dog-people are already registered, please do not add yours.  Dogs should be able to keep up the pace and should be kept under control at all times.  There is a leash law at this and all CNRA trails, with a $75 fine per dog if violated (and caught!).

This is a unit of the CNRA, so a $3 parking fee is required (if you don't have an annual pass). Be sure to bring the correct amount in cash and arrive in time to purchase a day permit. 

There are no bathroom facilities at Gold Branch, so use a bathroom on the way or be prepared to use trees. (There's a MacDonald's on Lower Roswell Road just 100 yards from Johnson Ferry Road that's a convenient place to stop on your drive.)

Gold Branch is on Lower Roswell Road, between Johnson Ferry Road and Wileo Road.  The sign is now visible from the road since bushes have been trimmed during road expansion;  however, the park entrance is between residential subdivisions and is easy to miss if you're not watching for it.  If you're coming from Johnson Ferry Road, it's on the right, about 2 miles from Johnson Ferry.  If you're coming from Wileo, it's also a couple of miles, but on your left.  If you're following Azalea Drive and turn left onto Wileo, be aware that Wileo becomes Lower Roswell Road when it does a 90 degree left turn.  The park is 2 miles further down Lower Roswell - - on your left. Remember, it's very easy to pass right by it, so slow down and look for the little turn-off after 2 miles!   For those who have been to Gold Branch in the past, be prepared for turning at a new entrance.  Slow down as you get close!

 Here is the link providing detailed instructions:

http://www.np s.gov/chat/planyourvisit/goldbranch.htm  

The coordinates are 33.98237094  and -84.385314

With the recent rains, some parts of the trail will be slippery and even perhaps a little muddy.  Be sure your shoes have good tread, and bring poles or a walking stick to help prevent falls.

$3 cash needed for the parking fee at this location.

Trail map available at
http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/Trail- Map-2006-Gold- Branch-B&W.pdf 

You can cancel yourself up to 8 am;  after that, please phone/text Joyce at 404-788-4089.