(Change of Venue) National Nutrition Month Kick-Off at Little Mulberry Park

This was previously listed with location at Shawnee Mountain Preserve. Since we have not reached the minimum number of registered hikers for this event, and with several requests for a hike event at the Little Mulberry Park on this same day, I have decided to change the venue from the Shawnee Mountain Preserve to Little Mulberry Park.

In support of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebration for March - The National Nutrition Month, let's do our Kick-Off.  Come join me to enjoy Wellness!!!

On the 3rd day of the month, on the 3rd month of the year, and in the Year 2013 - How Lucky can this be!

We will be trekking a total of 9.5 miles through variety of trails.

We will start at the parking lot near the intersection of Hog Mountain Rd and Pine Rd. Our pace will be moderate to fast with "water break" at designated points. After brief introductions, we will hike the paved (east side) Miller Lake Trail, then take the East Equestrian Trail and connect halfway through the paved East Meadow Trail. We will continue on the paved trail around the Pond which takes us to the Fence Rd Entrance where we will have a short "bathroom break" then proceed to the Observation Terrace via the paved West Meadow Trail - that's where we will have our LUNCH! This is where we will have a short session on Nutrition ABC and Wellness 123.

After Lunch we will proceed to the entrance of the Ravine Loop Trail where we can have a short stop for a "photo-op". The Ravine Loop will take us through the Indian Mounds and to the Ravine Cliff where the Table Rock Waterfall is located - hopefully there's plenty of waterflow. We will continue on to Beech Trail that will connect us to the other half of the paved West Meadow Trail and proceed to Carriage Trail. From there we will connect to the West Equestrial Trail and finally completing our hike through the (west side) paved Miller Lake Trail which will take us to the parking lot by 2:00 pm.

Total distance, about 9.5 miles.

Little Mulberry Park - is part of the major park-building program created by Gwinnett County which officially opened in September 2004. Phase 1 of this park is surrounded by an 890-acre park which features paved multi-purpose trails, hiking trails, equestrian trails, and a handicap-accessible trail around a pond. The combined multi-use/pedestrial trail allows us to trek through what is described to be a "near old growth forest" to a Table Rock Waterfall. Exploring through the adjacent river valley, we will experience pleasing scenic views which become colorful in the Fall, but the greenery comes to a full life from Spring to Summer. The Equestrial and hiking trails can become a combination of enjoyable trekking path for enthusiast hikers.

What I love about this park is that it invigorates our sense of well-being. Gwinnett County's pursuit to protect and preserve vital ecological areas, such as the forest, lakes, ponds, streams and meadows does not only foster a diverse and long-term sustainable ecosystems in the community, but also fosters health and well-being of the people.

Little Mulberry Park is equipped with amenities such as a large rustic-looking picnic pavilion, two smaller picnic pavilions, restrooms, a playground, and an observation terrace at the peak of the West Meadow, which is one of the highest elevations in Gwinnett County.

From Atlanta take I-85 North

Take Exit 120 for Hamilton Mill Rd.
Turn right onto Hamilton Mill Rd 0.1 mi.
Take the 1st left onto GA-124 N/Braselton Hwy 1.0 mi.
Turn right onto Pine Rd (goto the end) 1.4 mi.
Cross Hog Mountain Rd into the parking lot.

If you use maps.google.com or GPS Navigation, the following Lat/Lon coordinates of the parking lot may come in handy as your "destination" in conjunction with the above directions: 34.054108, -83.885111