Cochran Shoals to Sope Creek Fall Hike - Sun, Nov 13 2011

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Cochran Shoals to Sope Creek Fall Hike


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Chattahoochee River (CNRA) in NW metro Atlanta
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Nov 13 2011  10:00 am >> Sun, Nov 13 2011 12:30 pm
Registration Opens: Sat, Nov 5 2011 10:20 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Nov 12 2011 8:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Distance:4 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Oscar
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
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: Yes

Itinerary:
On this hike we'll enjoy both the Cochran Shoals and Sope Creek units of the Chattahoochee River Nat'l Recreation Area (CNRA) in NW metro Atlanta.  It will provide a good opportunity for viewing the beautiful changing of the leaves with fall colors.

Between 9:45 and 10:00 AM we'll gather and introduce one another by the bulletin board & water fountain at the end of the Columns Drive parking lot. (See detailed directions below.)  We'll begin the hike there near the Chattahoochee River and ascend on a small trail towards Sope Creek, passing by a 19th century family graveyard with moderate climbs. Then we will follow a small trail to ruins of the old paper mill that was burned by Union forces during the Civil War (a must see). We will make a brief break at the paper mill ruins and then return to the main trail to return to Cochran Shoals.

Required Items to Bring:
$3 Cash for self-serve Parking Fee unless you display a valid annual National Parks parking pass.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Water (at least 1 liter) and Snack.
Wear good Hiking Footwear and warm Lightweight Clothing Layers appropriate for the weather (Temp. likely to be in 50's at hike time.)

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

If you prefer using GPS navigation (or Google.com/maps) the following Lat/Lon coordinates of our meeting point at the end of the Columns Drive CRNRA parking lot may be useful as your entered destination in conjunction with the detailed directions below.  33.9213,-84.4396


From I-285/I-75 Interchange on NW side of Atlanta:

  • Go eastward on I-285 (toward Sandy Springs) about 4 miles and take Exit #24, Riverside Drive.
  • Turn left across bridge (northward) and go 2.3 miles to Johnson Ferry Road.
  • Turn left, go just 0.2 mile (crossing the Chattahoochee bridge) and take an immediate left onto Columns Drive.
  • Stay on Columns Drive for 2.6 miles, which will end at the Cochran Shoals unit.  Meet by the bulletin board at the end of the parking lot.


From I-285/GA-400 Interchange or I-285/I-85 Interchange on North side of Atlanta:

  • Go westward on I-285 (toward Birmingham) and take Exit #24, Riverside Drive.
  • Turn Right (northward) and go 2.3 miles to Johnson Ferry Road.
  • Turn left, go just 0.2 mile (crossing the Chattahoochee bridge) and take an immediate left onto Columns Drive.
  • Stay on Columns Drive for 2.6 miles, which will end at the Cochran Shoals unit.  Meet by the bulletin board at the end of the parking lot.

Notes:
Dogs are allowed on the trails in the park but must remain on a leash and under the owner's control at all times for the safety of visitors and the dogs themselves. Pet owners are required to clean after their dogs and dispose of the waste properly to help protect the water quality of the river.
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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