Say "Hello" to a President on Presidents’ Day, at Stone Mountain - Mon, Feb 20 2012

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Say "Hello" to a President on Presidents’ Day, at Stone Mountain


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Stone Mountain Park
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Feb 20 2012  8:00 am >> Mon, Feb 20 2012 11:00 am
Registration Opens: Wed, Feb 15 2012 6:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Feb 19 2012 9:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kiran
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:18
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
WHAT: Walk the walk and perhaps talk the talk, of presidents! The plan is to set a moderate pace as we navigate the 5.5 mile  Cherokee Trail which circles the mountain. Along the way, we'll pass by the "Random Fireplace" (will explain on the hike, I promise), an assortment of lakes, a functional gristmill, a covered bridge, a vintage single-wide trailer, and of course great views of the mountain. Although most of the hike is along wooded trails, we do walk over several patches of exposed granite which can be fun and dangerous at the same time. Please make sure you wear appropriate footwear with good traction so that you can tackle the (sometimes) slick granite. The pace is designed to keep the group together and allow for plenty of photo ops so bring your camera. At the end of the Cherokee loop, we scramble on up to the top of the mountain, pause there for a brief respite (snack time!) before making our way down to the parking lot. And there's always the possibility of (optional) lunch and beer at the Villiage Tavern in Stone Mountain. 

WHERE: We'll meet at the Whistle Stop station, near the start of the walk-up trail, which is just beyond the Confederate Hall parking lot (see directions below).

WHEN: The hike will start promptly at 8:00 AM so plan to arrive early.

HOW MUCH: There is no charge for this hike except vehicle parking fees which range from $10 for a one-day pass to $30 for an annual pass. Alternatively, you could park for free in Stone Mountain Village, and walk a short distance to the meetup location just past the park entrance (see directions below).

Required Items to Bring:
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Appropriate winter clothing (think "layers")
• 2 liters of water or sports drink
• Trail snacks
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
• Camera
• Poncho or rain jacket in case of rain
• Bug spray

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 to the Confederate Hall parking lot which will be on your left. We’ll meet in front of the Whistle Stop Station restroom area, which is just beyond the parking lot.

FREE PARK AND WALK: For 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 4th 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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more information about Stone Montain Park, go to:
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

Notes:
In case of severe weather or other emergencies, I will email all event participants no later than 7 AM on the morning of the event. Please check your email at that time to ensure that we are still on schedule for the day!

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


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