Chatt NRA North to South: Part 3 - Abbotts Bridge & Medlock Bridge

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Chatt NRA North to South: Part 3 - Abbotts Bridge & Medlock Bridge

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Duluth, GA

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Apr 18 2009 1:00 pm >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 1:15 pm *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Apr 14 2009 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Apr 18 2009 10:00 am

Event Duration:

approx 2 1/2 hrs

Difficulty Rating:

D2: Easy to Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Tony C
Sandy Nadler

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

This series of hikes is designed to celebrate the beautiful collection of parks that we have in "our own backyard” ... the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. Administered by the National Park Service, the Chatt. NRA offers miles of scenic trails, picturesque river views, and sightings of aquatic wildlife.

While the AOC frequently offers hikes at many of these parks, I thought it would be fun to hike all the branches, starting from the most northern (Bowmans Island) to the most southern (East and West Palisades).

For details on the other hikes in the series, visit the AOC forums...

Chatt NRA North to South thread

...or just watch the calendar for upcoming installments

Part 3 - Abbotts Bridge & Medlock Bridge

Ok these are admittedly not two of the most spectacular of the Chatt NRA parks, but they still have a lot to offer and are certainly worth a short visit. We will find a way to make it a fun little event.

Because both parks charge a three dollar parking fee and are less than six miles apart from one another, we are going to do a little mini carpool at a location roughly midway between the two. So instead of the event costing $6 each for everyone, it will be $1 or less.

From the carpool, is just a two mile drive to the Abbotts Bridge unit where we will begin.   What strikes you when you pull into the parking lot are the several "mighty" oaks that are along the river here. These are just very impressive to behold and we'll take some time before we get started on the hike to just enjoy the views and take some photos.

While this park is primarily used for boating access, there is about a half mile "use trail" that follows the river and then goes through some light bushwhacking areas, eventually emerging from the woods at the soccer fields at nearby Scott Hudgens Park.   We can maybe have a little picnic-esque break here at the soccer fields if the weather is nice. Rather than heading back into the woods, we will make it a loop trail and head back through a more open area that affords more views of the trees from farther away from the river.

It is then less than a six mile drive to the Medlock Bridge unit.  We will hike most all the trails there...probably 2.5 to 3 miles worth...some more scenic views of the river and a couple of very small hills. That will probably take just about an hour.

After that, we will head back to the carpool and anyone who is interested can join us for lunch at Stevi B's Pizza, which is just about a half mile away. They have an all-you-can-eat buffet...there is some pasta and salads and ice cream available as well as the piiza. So this is definitely more of a "social" hike than a "workout" hike. But it will be fun to check out two more of the Chatt NRA parks, and ofcourse we will enjoy the getting out for a little walk in the woods with a fun and friendly AOC group as always.

Also please consider signing up for the Chatt NRA trail maintenance event on June 6th...National Trails Day:

http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/details.asp?eventid=1543

Required Items to Bring:

hiking boots or trail shoes

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

camera

sunscreen

How to Get There:

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

13Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

1:15 pm

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $5.20 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

If rain is forecast, the hike will be rescheduled for a later date.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.