Wednesday Morning at Gold Branch

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Wednesday Morning at Gold Branch

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Roswell, GA

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, Oct 23 2013 10:30 am >> Wed, Oct 23 2013 12:15 pm

Registration Opens:

Thu, Oct 17 2013 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Oct 23 2013 8:30 am

Event Duration:

1 Hours 45 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

4.5 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Joyce T.
Divya N

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

This will be a brisk trek through the park, covering both the perimeter trail and several of the more challenging cross trails. The pace will be moderately fast, so this is NOT a beginner hike. (Look for my No-Excuses hikes that will be more suitable for newcomers to hiking.)

We will start the hike promptly at 10:30 am, so please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to buy a parking pass and meet your fellow hikers. The terrain is hilly with some short, steep ascents. The cross trails offer longer hills. We will stop as little as possible in order to keep a nice burn going.

Gold Branch is an excellent trail to hike. The views of the river and Bull Sluice Lake are always beautiful and never fail to lift spirits. We will be near the shoreline for much of the hike, making for some very scenic views. The trails have been cleaned up since the storms a few months ago, and the one steep "rope climb" section has been re-routed. It's a big improvement.

We'll allow 3 members with dogs on the hike, so if three dog-people are already registered, please do not add yours. Dogs should be able to keep up the pace and should be kept under control at all times. There is a leash law at this and all CNRA trails, with a $75 fine per dog if violated (and caught!).

This is a unit of the CNRA, so a $3 parking fee is required (if you don't have an annual pass). Be sure to bring the correct amount in cash and arrive in time to purchase a day permit.

There are no bathroom facilities at Gold Branch, so use a bathroom on the way or be prepared to use trees. (There's a MacDonald's on Lower Roswell Road just 100 yards from Johnson Ferry Road that's a convenient place to stop on your drive.)

Required Items to Bring:

water
good hiking shoes (a must!)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

hiking poles if you like to use them - - the trails have lots of rocks, roots, and hill

insect repellant and sunscreen - - and long socks if you're susceptible to poison ivy.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Gold Branch is on Lower Roswell Road, between Johnson Ferry Road and Wileo Road. The sign is now visible from the road since bushes have been trimmed during road expansion; however, the park entrance is between residential subdivisions and is easy to miss if you're not watching for it. If you're coming from Johnson Ferry Road, it's on the right, about 2 miles from Johnson Ferry. If you're coming from Wileo, it's also a couple of miles, but on your left. If you're following Azalea Drive and turn left onto Wileo, be aware that Wileo becomes Lower Roswell Road when it does a 90 degree left turn. The park is 2 miles further down Lower Roswell - - on your left. Remember, it's very easy to pass right by it, so slow down and look for the little turn-off after 2 miles! For those who have been to Gold Branch in the past, be prepared for turning at a new entrance. Slow down as you get close!

Here is the link providing detailed instructions:

http://www.np s.gov/chat/planyourvisit/goldbranch.htm

The coordinates are 33.98237094 and -84.385314

Notes:

$3 cash needed for the parking fee at this location.

Trail map available at
http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/Trail- Map-2006-Gold- Branch-B&W.pdf

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

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

You can cancel yourself up to 8 am; after that, please phone/text Joyce at 404-788-4089.