What we’re about
Too much concrete, traffic, and chain storefronts got you down? For most of us living just north of Atlanta, we are within an hour's drive of some incredible Georgia Mountain scenery. This group is for people who live, work, or play in and around Atlanta - Alpharetta, Roswell, Suwanee, Duluth, Sandy Springs - and hear the mountains calling. This is a great group for meeting new people who share the love of nature and outdoors or think they might but don't know yet. It doesn't matter whether you have never hiked a day in your life, this group is a great introduction. We'll hike for enjoyment - that means we aren't concerned with setting a certain pace, and we will be there to enjoy and connect with nature. If you like taking pictures, enjoy exploring new places, can't stand running and want alternative exercise, or you've finished the entire season your Netflix obsession in 48 h and now you have to wait a year for the next season, come join us!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Island Ford – N&S Trails – Sandy Springs, GA – 5.75 miles – Easy to ModerateIsland Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA
Distance: Approximately 5.75 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Group Pace: 2.5 – 3 MPH
Parking Fee: $5Hiya!
The Island Ford Trail is all soft surface, with some of it hugging the Hooch and other parts running deeper into the woods. While AllTrails lists it as easy, I would suggest that it falls somewhere between easy and moderate due to the relatively modest but consistent elevation gains and descents in the trail sections that do not hug the waterline.
We will meet in the parking lot where the north and south trails connect. This is the first parking lot that you will see on your left after turning onto Island Ford Parkway off or Roberts Drive. Please do not miss it as there are several parking lots in this park. Do not go to the visitor’s center. The easiest way to find it would be to just follow the link that I post in the event section using google maps to ensure you come to the right place. Where the red pin is will be the exact place where we will congregate … give or take a few yards😊
There is a parking fee of $5.00 unless you already have the appropriate parking pass (CRNRA; US NPS). This park doesn’t have have cash envelopes available from what I recall, but does have a posted barcode that you can scan with your phone, enter license plate and payment info and pay online, etc. upon your arrival. But if you are not comfortable with that approach or want to save a few mins, you can pay online in advance by using the link I have provided below.
Doggies are permitted on this trail and welcome/encouraged to attend.
The hike will start at 9 am, and I figure it will take us about 2.25 to 2.5 hours max with a couple of very short rest breaks.
Please note: I do and will start events on time so please do not be late out of consideration for all attendees.
Our pace will be about 2.5 - 3 mph. Not a sprint but definitely not a crawl either, so please consider this before signing up.
Below are some helpful links. As always, if you have any questions in advance please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.
AllTrails (general info about the trail itself):
Island Ford Trail - Georgia | AllTrails
Day Pass (parking):
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Site Pass in Georgia - Recreation.gov
Hope to see you there, and of course please remember that you will be participating entirely at your own risk as Suwanee Take-a-Hikers assumes absolutely no liability (nada, zero, zip, zilch, jack squat) for adverse events which may occur during meetups. Cheers! 😊
- Bartram Trail to Pinnacle Knob – Clayton, GA – 8 miles – Moderate +Warwoman Dell, Georgia, GA
Let's Take a Hike to Pinnacle Knob during peak leaf season!
This hike is just shy of 8 miles out and back near Clayton with 2 waterfalls and a view! A perfect combination!
Starting from Warwoman Dell, near Clayton GA, we will hike the 1800+ foot ascent to Pinnacle Knob vista. On the way up we will pass Becky Branch Falls and Martin Falls. Come to think of it we will pass those on the way down since this is an O&B.
AllTrails lists this hike as moderate. I would put it at moderate +plus+ as there are few stretches with steep inclines, a few with rocky/rooty surfaces, and a couple of very shallow creek crossings. And then there is the 1800+ incline and near 8 mile distance to consider. So, please read the summaries and reviews listed in the links below if you are uncertain if this trail is for you.
Our groups pace is about 2.25 – 2.5 mph. Not a sprint, but not a crawl either. Poles are recommended if that is your thing.
Energetic doggies are permitted on this trail and very welcome/encouraged to attend. Woof! 🐕🦺
We will park and meet at the Bartram Trailhead/Warwoman Dell parking lot. You can find directions by linking to google maps via the red pin map on this event listing. But I would suggest familiarizing yourself with the directions beforehand as cell service can be a bit spotty in that area.
The hike will start at 9:30 a.m. and I figure it will take us just under 5 hours in total with rest breaks and some time at the top. Please note: I do like to and will start events on time so please do not be late for the consideration of all attendees. Given the timeframe and hike length, you may want to pack a light lunch to enjoy while taking in the views at the top.
Parking is free. But here's a tip: I would always keep $5 cash tucked away somewhere in in your backpack so you are pretty much prepared for any hike in N GA.
Below are some helpful links. As always, if you have any questions in advance please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.
Trail Links (general info about the trail itself):
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/pinnacle-knob-bartram-trail/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/bartram-trail-to-pinnacle-knobWarwoman Dell Trailhead Parking Info and Directions:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=10519&actid=50
Hope to see you there, and of course please remember that you will be participating entirely at your own risk as Suwanee Take-a-Hikers assumes absolutely no liability (nada, zero, zilch, zip, jack squat) for adverse events which may occur during meetups. Cheers! 😊