Gold Branch - All the Loops

Please join me for a hike at Gold Branch CRNRA (Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area). Let's do all the loops at a moderate pace.  We’ll do 8 upward climbs for a total elevation gain of ~1100 ft.  There are sections of this hike along the Chattahoochee River where the terrain is rugged due to roots, rocks, and narrow and sloping paths near the river’s edge.

The hike will be at a moderate pace averaging 2.7 MPH going slower up hills and where the terrain is tricky but faster in other areas. If you are looking for a fast pace, the Gold Branch Lariots hikes are a better fit.

We'll stop a couple times for water breaks, to regroup, and perhaps to look at scenery and wildlife (ducks, geese, heron, coyote, leaf blower, coyote attacking leaf blower).

This is not a beginners hike due the 1000+ ft. elevation gain and the rugged terrain near the river.

To qualify, you must have completed D2 or higher hikes with the AOC with elevation gain of at least 600 ft.

We'll start on time so arrive by 9:20 for greetings and a bit earlier if you need to buy a parking pass on site.  Note: There are no restrooms at this location just trees.

Note: All CRNRA parking lots require a $5 Daily Pass or a $40 Annual Pass. Parking passes can be purchased in advance online at https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fees.htm. Daily passes can be purchased on site (cash not accepted).  America the Beautiful National Parks Passes also can be used.

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

Address: 6156 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

Google Maps link to the Parking Lot/Gold Branch Trailhead:
https://goo.gl/maps/bCQJ1kPq72Bv6uW58

Driving directions:

From Atlanta via GA400 North: 

• Take exit 6 for Northridge Rd then bear right onto Dunwoody Place. 
• Stay on Dunwoody Place for 1.2 miles and then turn right onto Roswell Rd.
• Head north on Roswell Rd. for 0.6 miles then turn left onto Azalea Dr.
• Head west on Azalea Dr. for 1.7 miles then turn left onto Willeo Rd. 
• Head south on Willeo Rd. for 1.4 miles. 
• At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Lower Roswell Rd.
• Continue on Lower Roswell Rd. for 0.6 mile and then turn left at the Gold Branch CRNRA sign into the parking lot. 

Alternate directions from Johnson Ferry Rd.: 

• From Johnson Ferry Rd., turn onto Lower Roswell Rd. and head east (right if heading north on Johnson Ferry, left if heading south). 
• Continue on Lower Roswell Rd. for 2.3 miles and then turn right at the Gold Branch CRNRA sign into the parking lot.

The lot entrance is directly across Lower Roswell Road from the Ashforde subdivision.

GPS Coordinates: 33.98482706688745, -84.3853488973755

Do not leave any valuables in your car.