Tuesday Morning at Gold Branch - Tue, Feb 25 2014

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Tuesday Morning at Gold Branch


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Roswell, GA   Hike: Tuesday Morning at Gold Branch   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Feb 25 2014  10:30 am >> Tue, Feb 25 2014 12:30 pm
Registration Opens: Sat, Feb 22 2014 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Feb 25 2014 8:30 am
Event Duration:2 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Joyce T.
Email Trip Leader(s)
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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:2
Number Registered So Far: 7 / 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.  

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.

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. If you register to hike with us, it's with the assumption that you will obey the park rules and leash your dog. 

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


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 .6 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! There is construction in the area, so the road sign denoting Gold Branch might be gone. Slow down and look for the driveway with construction equipment.

 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 8:30 am;  after that, please phone/text Joyce at 404-788-4089.