Gold Branch at Ten on Eleven Twelve Thirteen

This hike will be all about the numbers.  We'll begin the hike at 10:00 on 11/12/13.  In addition, we will pause for a moment of stretching and hydration at 11:12 a.m. and 13 seconds.  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 moderately fast, so this is NOT a beginner hike. 

We will start the hike promptly at 10:00 am, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to pay for parking and meet your fellow hikers. 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 burn 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. Many of the autumn leaves will likely have fallen, offering even greater visibility.  

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!).  Please plan to keep your dog on leash if you bring it.

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!

As of last week, the sign denoting Gold Branch was taken down, so there may not even be an indication of the park from the road.  There will be construction equipment to signal the entry road.

 Here is the link providing detailed instructions:

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

The coordinates are 33.98237094  and -84.385314

$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 8:00 a.m. the morning of the hike; after that, please phone/text Lisa at 404-414-8353.