Shake off the holidays in the Bamboo Forest

What better way to start 2024 than an epic hike through the Bamboo Forest in Sandy Springs? For our first hike of the year, we chose a location close to Atlanta but just as magnificent as the last hike. A distance of 3.9 miles with an elevation of less than 500 ft makes this the perfect second hike for our group. The elevation may not be as high but this hike is for the beauty and natural mystic flowing through the air {ala Bob Marley}

Saturday, the 20th of January, 2024 at 11 AM. The actual address for the entrance to the park is 1978 Island Ford Park Way as given by the Park Ranger.
She recommends we arrive early so perhaps aiming for 10:30 AM would be prudent. In the event the parking lot is full, you can also access the Bamboo Forest by parking at the trailhead at the Whitewater Park unit entrance. See the map at the link https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/georgia/at-a-glance-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/park-units-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/palisades-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/west-side-hiking-trails-palisades-unit-of-the-crnra/east-palisades-loop-hike-palisades-unit-of-the-crnra/ You may download the PDF if you like.
According to the forecast, the weather will be clear but cold. Hats and gloves are recommended.
Contact Mike if you have any questions at 678.949.6087, [m_folkes@yahoo.com](mailto:m_folkes@yahoo.com), or on the Meetup app.
For those joining at Eclipse di Luna, the address is 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346. A group pre-set tapas is available but needs to be arranged ahead of time. It’s a nice spot to warm up and mingle. Drive to the back of the complex for ample parking. If you can let Mike know by Friday at [m_folkes@yahoo.com](mailto:m_folkes@yahoo.com), on the Meetup app, or text him at 678.949.6087 if you would like to participate in the group tapas otherwise everyone can order ala carte.
Eclipse di Luna requires a 15-person minimum for their pre-set tapas and drink packages. Their tapas packages are unlimited for two hours and served family style (plated, coursed out, and brought to the table with serving utensils). You can choose six, eight, or ten items from their event menu (starting at $20, $22, and $24 per person). Everyone in the party will have the same tapa selections. Some items on their event menu have a $2 upcharge, while others are not included at all (such as the whole fish). They also have a dessert package that comes with two dessert selections ($5 per person).
They offer a drink package or individuals can order drinks based on consumption. Our base alcohol package includes beer (Miller Lite and Dos Equis lager), wine (house cabernet and chardonnay), red sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages for $20 per person. The next tier includes margaritas and mojitos for $28 per person. Our final tier includes all well liquor for $35 per person. All drink packages are unlimited for two and a half hours. All other liquor outside our packages would be charged based on consumption.

Entrance to the area is $5 or free if you have a Chattahoochee River Annual Pass.

Michael Folkes will lead the hike and Beth Gilchrist will support.

Refer to the website for more details and info. East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest, Georgia - 5,878 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

Weather permitting, the hike will be rescheduled in the event of inclement conditions.

We hope that everyone who RSVPs can make it this time around.