Palisades Loop

While a large majority of this event is along flat easy terrain you should be aware that the cliff sections along the river includes doing some easy scrambling and walking on narrow ledges. This is probably not advisable to anyone that is truly afraid of heights. In general we will try to stay along the riverside but in places it will be necessary to go up the cliffs which may include the need to pull yourself up steep sections holding onto rocks or trees.  You will be expected to be able to get up and down over 4-5ft tall  logs and rocks in the more technical sections.

Additionally be aware that you may get wet in these sections depending on the route we choose to take and the water level.  The pace in these sections will be greatly reduced so that we can carefully make our way through some very technical terrain. Please be aware that roughly 1/3 of the hike takes place on unofficial and unmaintained "trails".

The hike will be fairly fast paced in the flat sections but not a fitness hike as we make our way around the river. We will generally be keeping a pace between 3 and 3.5 miles per hour everywhere other than in the technical sections along the river and during brief stops at points of interest.

Additionally at the start of the hike from the Whitewater Creek parking lot to the US 41 bridge the trail disappears in places and some very minor bushwacking may be needed to continue along the river. I would strongly recommend having a pair of pants/convertible pants that you can quickly throw on for this part of the hike and some sections with poison ivy very close to the trail.

Directions from:
http:// www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/whitewatercreek.htm

From eastbound Interstate 285
Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.
Right on Northside Drive.
Go through the Powers Ferry intersection for 1.6 miles to Harris Trail (Caution light).
Right on HarrisTrail and 0.9 mile to Whitewater Creek Road.
Right and travel 0.1 mile to the entrance on the right.

From westbound Interstate 285
Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.
Straight to second traffic light.
Left on Northside Drive, through the Powers Ferry Road intersection for 1.6 miles to Harris Trail (caution light).
Right on Harris Trail and 0.9 miles to Whitewater Creek Road.
Right and travel 0.1 mile to the entrance on the right.

From northbound Interstate 75
Take exit 256, Mt. Paran Road.
Right on Mt. Paran Road to first traffic light (Harris Trail)
Left on Harris Trail to Whitewater Creek Road
Right about 0.4 miles to the unit which is on the left.

From northbound U.S. 41
Right on Mt. Paran Road, go to the first traffic light (Harris Trail) and turn left.
Go about 0.3 miles turn left onto Whitewater Creek Road.
Go 0.4 miles to the unit, which is on the left.

From southbound U.S. 41
Travel to Mt. Paran Road
Turn left on Mt. Paran Road, go to the first traffic light (Harris Trail) and turn left.
Go about .3 miles turn left onto Whitewater Creek Road.
Go .4 miles to the unit, which is on the left.

There is a $3 parking fee