Monday Evening at Gold Branch

This will be a moderate trek through the park considering that the trails will likely be wet from the predicted weekend rains.  We'll pause to regroup as we hike, so no one will be left behind.   We'll cover the perimeter with some of the inner trails,  avoiding the rock scrambling section by the Bull Sluice Lake and the dam.  The terrain is hilly with considerable elevation change, so be prepared for roots and wet, uneven trails.  Poles are adviseable if you like to use them. If you have waterproof shoes, wear them just in case we encounter a mucky area here and there.

We will start the hike promptly at 6:00 pm, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to buy a $3 parking pass and meet your fellow hikers. There are no bathroom facilities at this location, so make a stop on your way to the park (there's a MacDonald's on Lower Roswell as you turn off Johnson Ferry) or use one of the hundreds of large trees we pass during our hike. :-)

This will be Beth's second co-lead as she progresses through her Trip Leader training process.  Come out and meet/support her on this hike through one of the beautiful Chattahoochee Recreation Areas.

A new entrance marquis has been erected for the park, but as of the last visit, no sign designating the name of the park has been added.  Slow down, and look for the paved driveway entrance as you approach either from Johnson Ferry Road (2 miles on the right) or the Lower Roswell roundabout once it changes from Willeo Road to Lower Roswell (about .6 miles on your left). 

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 .6 miles past the roundabout once it becomes Lower Roswell Road - - on your left. Remember, it's very easy to pass right by it, so slow down and look for the little turn-off !

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 8:30 am;  after that, please phone/text Joyce at 404-788-4089.