No Excuses Hike: Saturday Afternoon at Yellow River Park

This is another in the series of No Excuses hikes.  They're offered so that ANYONE who has mobility can handle them.  The trail is mostly asphalt and flat, though we will venture into the wooded area to pick up some of the trails there;  the pace will be very moderate, and the distance short.  This may well be the chance you've been waiting for to join a group of friendly AOC folks as we enjoy nature and the chance to get a little exercise. You have NO EXCUSE for not signing up if you have the time.

Yellow River Park is a highly vegetated area located off Juhan Road in the city of Stone Mountain, GA - just southeast of the granite dome of Stone Mountain. The 566-acre park includes a 12-mile (19 km) trail (we'll be doing only 3) that can be used for walking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park has pavilions, grills, and a large playground, as well as a wooden overlook that provides a view of the Yellow River.

This is a great hike for enjoying the outside without the commitment of an entire day's drive to a destination and back.  The trails are well maintained, there are nice restroom facilities, and the park itself is really pretty.  

We'll go at a very moderate pace.   It's a great hike for beginners who can handle 3 miles but can't handle hills and speed.  You won't be pushed to go faster than you're comfortable.  We'll never be too far from the parking lot, so it will be easy to leave early if you get tired.

Be advised that leash laws are strictly enforced if you bring your dog.

If any folks are interested, we can enjoy the "social" aspect of the AOC by meeting for lunch after the hike at the Metro Cafe Diner.  It's not too far from the park . . .  down Rockbridge Road just under HWY 78.  The address is: 

Metro Cafe Diner
1905 Rockbridge Rd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30087 

Check out their menu at http://www.metrocafediner.com/?q=menu

3232 Juhan Rd, Stone Mtn, GA - - Use Google maps!

Driving directions from 285:

Take exit 39B to merge onto US-78 E/Stone Mountain Hwy toward Snellville/Athens

In 9.3 miles, Turn right onto E Park Pl Blvd

E Park Pl Blvd turns slightly left and becomes Rockbridge Rd SW .9 miles

Continue onto Annistown Rd  1.2 miles

Turn right onto Juhan Rd SW for about .4 miles

No parking fees required!

Trail map:  http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/parks_rec/pdf/yellow_river_trail_map.pdf

Lunch after the hike at the Metro Cafe Diner:  the menu is at http://www.metrocafediner.com/?q=menu

Metro Cafe Diner
1905 Rockbridge Rd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30087