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Hike the Cherokee Trail at Stone Mountain/ Optional Laser Show afterwards




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Stone Mountain Park   Hike: Hike the Cherokee Trail at Stone Mountain/ Optional Laser Show afterwards  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Thu, Jul 21 2011  6:00 pm >> Thu, Jul 21 2011 8:30 pm
Registration Opens: Sat, Jul 16 2011 7:33 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Jul 21 2011 12:30 pm
Event Duration:2 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:5.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Gary Hubert
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 16 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Join me for a hike around the base of Stone Mountain. We will be following the Cherokee Trail, also known as the Stone Mountain Loop, that circles the mountain for a hike of about 5.5 miles.

This scenic hike takes us past two lakes, an old time gristmill, a historic covered bridge, an outdoor quarry exhibit, and offers great views of the mountain. We will pause periodically for photo ops for those who'd like to bring a camera. 

Although rated a D3, this is not a tough trail. It has some ups and downs, crosses a couple of small streams and a few areas of climbing over rocks and exposed granite, but is otherwise mostly well-tended and wooded trails. We will maintain a moderate but steady pace.

We will meet near the start of the walk-up trail behind the large parking lot beside Confederate Hall. The hike will start promptly at 6:00 pm so plan to arrive early. There is a $10 parking fee to enter the park; however, free public parking is available in Stone Mountain Villageand you can always walk over from there for a little extra exercise. See directions below if you prefer to use that option.

Finally, for those who are interested, we may go to nearby Decatur for brunch after the hike.  One excellent restaurant there is Farmstead 303, built in an old train depot and with delicious, locally grown produce.  Other suggestions are welcome, however.

Required Items to Bring:
• Cash for the $10 parking fee, unless you park in nearby Stone Mountain Village.
• Comfortable hiking, walking or tennis shoes with a good grip-the rocks can be slippery.
• 1 liter of water or sports drink.
• Trail snacks.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
• Dry-fit clothing. Avoid cotton, if possible.
• Camera.
• Trekking poles.
• Poncho or rain jacket in case of rain.



How to Get There:
Event Directions:Directions: To the main entrance- From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8, the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance. After entering the main entrance, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork at about 1 mile – stay to the right. Continue to follow the road for another mile. Confederate Hall will be on your left. The parking lot will be immediately after. We’ll meet behind Confederate Hall near the walk up trail.

If you would like to try the free public parking in Stone Mountain Village, from Hwy 78 take exit 5 and merge onto GA 10. Proceed 0.5 miles to the first exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Drive a mile or so, past a gas station and a funeral parlor (both on your right). When you see City Hall turn left. There is a Marta park and ride on fourth street. From there it is a short walk on East Mountain Street. Enter the park through the gate and you'll be at the parking lot where we'll be meeting. The Marta parking lot is about an 8-minute walk from the park.

Additional directions and maps can be found at:
http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx

Notes:
I will email all event participants about the status of the hike in case there is a chance of severe weather.

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


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: If you sign up but cannot attend, please let me know sooner, rather than later, in case we have others on the waiting list.