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Dog Hike at Elachee Nature Center plus Trip to Pet Pleasers Dog Bakery




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Elachee Nature Science Center
http://www.elachee.org/
Date(s) & Time:Sat, May 24 2008  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Tue, Apr 29 2008 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Wed, May 21 2008 11:59 pm
Event Duration:4 hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Dusty C.
Ben Taratoot
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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:4
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
We will hike a combination of the Dunlap Trail, Walnut Creek Trail, and the East and West Lake Trail(s) for an approximate total distance of five miles, which will allow us to cross the new 150-foot suspension bridge over Walnut Creek.

For part of our hike, we will follow Walnut Creek, crossing it several times via small footbridges, and stopping along the way at scenic spots to rest and rehydrate.

An hour and a half into our hike, we’ll descend from the forest and cross a boardwalk through a wetland area, then arrive at secluded Chicopee Lake where we’ll stop for a small snack/lunch at the waterfront pavilion before returning to our vehicles via the East Lake Trail.

Note: As Chicopee Lake is an undeveloped wildlife viewing area, there are no facilities nor is there an opportunity for swimming, for either people or dogs.

Trail Conditions: There are a few trees that have fallen across the trail, and there is one slatted footbridge which some dogs may find slightly unnerving - but nothing too scary. The suspension bridge does bounce a little, but we'll take it nice and easy. If you're confident while crossing it, your dog will be, too. Please expect a few hills that'll increase your heartrate, mostly of the downhill variety.

Upon returning to our vehicles, we will drive the ten or so minutes back into town and reward our happy trailhounds with a trip to Pet Pleasers Bakery. Pet Pleasers is a locally-owned bakery that specializes in fresh-baked treats for your dog. Bring some money to buy your good dog a treat, by the piece or by the pound, and peruse their selection of leashes, bones, and birthday cakes.


Required Items to Bring:
Plenty of water for you and your dog
Means of cleaning up after your dog
A short, non-telescoping leash (6ft. or under)
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking boots or shoes with ankle support
A towel to dry off your dog, should they splash through Walnut Creek
Snacks/light lunch
Insect repellant
Camera
Money for the dog bakery afterward

How to Get There:
Event Directions:We will meet at the gravel parking lot at the Lake Trail trailhead near the main entrance to Elachee Nature Center. Note: This is NOT the Chicopee mountain bike trails parking lot. When parking, please try not to block the turnaround.

Directions to Elachee

From Atlanta on I-85:

I-85 N to I-985 toward Gainesville. Take Exit 16 – Oakwood. Turn right off the ramp onto GA 53.

Go to second light and turn left onto Atlanta Hwy (GA 13) - Intersection with Walgreens & Chick-Fil-A.

Continue north on Atlanta Hwy through construction zone past Johnson High School, Blackshear Place Library, and Chicopee Woods Golf Course.

Elachee Drive is the next turn to the right.Turn right onto Elachee Dr.

Elachee Drive makes an odd, immediate horseshoe turn back to the right almost as soon as you turn off GA 13. Follow Elachee Drive through the golf course, proceeding with caution as cart paths cross the road. Go beyond the Chicopee mountain bike trails parking area. (Restrooms here if you need one!) Cross over the interstate. Elachee Drive dead-ends in the gravel trailhead parking lot.


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Notes:
Dogs must be well-behaved, in good health, and tolerant of other people and other dogs. Trip Leaders reserve the right to refuse participation to any dog.

Please be considerate and clean up after your pet.

Because of the complications traveling with pets who are not used to one another might create, there will be no organized carpool for this event, though we encourage those of you who know each other – and whose pets know each other – to ride together.

Elachee requires that all pets be on leashes at all times. Please keep leashes to six feet or less, of the non-telescoping variety, because they tangle with other hikers.


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

Cost Includes:While there is no set charge to use Elachee’s nature trails, please bring $1 per car to place in the donation box located at the trailhead to help fund trail maintenance.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: Will this event occur rain or shine? No. Wet dogs on muddy trails during rainstorms make for unhappy car-trips home:) Please contact the trip leader if the weather looks threatening or your plans have changed.