#OptOutside Hike and Meditation

On Black Friday, REI is once again closing its doors and paying their 16,000+ employees to #OptOutside. Over the years, REI's Opt Outside has evolved from a response against consumerism to a movement that has advocated for causes including environmental welfare, inclusivity in the outdoor industry and responsible recreation.

Let's join them for the AOC's tenth annual #OptOutside. We'll take a jaunt around Island Ford, enjoying the soothing melody of the wind in the trees as we watch the river roll. We can give thanks that we are not vying for that lone parking spot at the mall, or parked in front of a computer screen searching for deals.

We will meet at the Park Headquarters parking lot (carpooling to Island Ford is also encouraged!), ready to explore the newly re-routed (since last Black Friday) trails. We will first venture north along the Beech Creek Loop before connecting with the Burnt Cabin Trail (affectionately known as "the lollipop"). We'll then pick up the Beech Creek Loop again to briefly hit the Inner Loop before following Beech Creek to the mighty Chattahoochee River. For the final section of the hike we will meander along the river, then stop at a scenic vantage point.  

Before we end our event, we will pause for a brief, easy guided meditation to fully savor the beauty and joy of nature. 

Estimated distance for this hike is approximately 6 miles. Note, this is not a beginner hike; we will take a few water breaks but keep a steady pace up and down the hills to get a good workout. The allotted time allows for about 2 hours 15 minutes of fast hiking, plus 30 minutes of slow meditating.

Parking fee of $5 required (or purchase an unlimited-visit annual pass that day at the headquarters building. The Island Ford Visitor's Center is open from 9 am until 5 pm the day we are there).

$5.00 parking per car or annual CRNA parking pass or America the Beautiful pass