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 (4+)
See all- Panther Creek Falls-Clarkesville, GA – 7.25 mi – Experienced Hikers Only4061 Old Historic U.S.441, Clarkesville, GA
Let's take a hike to Panther Creek Falls!
PLEASE BE ADVISED: the trail was reopened by the Forest Service for hikers mid-year 2022 after being closed for an extended period of time due to damage received during a Hurricane. The trail is in the process of being restored and bridges are being rebuilt. Be prepared for some water crossings. There may also be trail deviations due to erosion, downed trees, and general lack of maintenance. Please consider all of this and read the Forestry Service link below as well as the AllTrails comments before making a decision to join this hike.
That said, Panther Creek Falls is a 7.25 mile out and back that is easily one of the finest waterfall hikes in N. Georgia. Given the unknowns mentioned, I would suggest bringing hiking polls if you have them and a small towel as it will be needed after removing our shoes/socks for the water crossing(s).
I put the hike at 4.5 hours, but it may run a bit longer depending on the experience level of the group and how much time we want to spend at the base of the falls. I also suggest packing a lunch or substantial snack to enjoy while we are there. Also, this is a great spot to take a dip in the water if so inclined.
Our groups pace is about 2.25 to 2.5 mph. Not a sprint, but not a crawl either. Particularly on a trail like this one.
We will meet at the sign to the trailhead which is across the street from the parking lot. The small main parking can fill up quickly on weekends on as this is a popular hike so you may want to carpool if that is an option. Sorry, I don’t arrange carpools but please feel free to use the meetup comment posts to do so if you would like.
I believe there is a parking fee or $4 or $5 and suggest bringing cash as I don’t think online payment is an option.
The map link with the pin in the event will bring you to the right spot when using google maps. But just in case, the address is near 4061 Old Historic U.S.441, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Yeah, I know its different than the one listed in the Forest Service link, but trust me on this. After all, they work for the government and I don’t. 😊
Below are some helpful links. Of course and as always, if you have any questions in advance please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.
AllTrails and AtlantaTrails (general info about the trail itself) & USDA link regarding trail conditions:
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/panther-creek-falls/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/upper-falls-via-panther-creek-trail
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.
- Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls-Unicoi S.P. – Helen, GA–9.5 MiSmith Creek Trailhead, Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Let's Take a Hike to Anna Ruby Falls!
Starting within the campground at Unicoi State Park near Helen GA, is the Smith Creek Trail. On the other end of that trail, 4.8 miles away, is Anna Ruby Falls. We will hike from the campground to Anna Ruby, turn around and come back logging approx. 9.5 miles in total.
Please note: the name of this hike indicates it follows a creek which typically suggests a relatively flat surface. This is not necessarily the case with this trail. In fact, much of it is quite mountainous terrain and it logs nearly 1700 ft in elevation gain. There are few places with some very small streams to transverse as well as areas with rocks and roots to navigate. Alltrails lists this hike as moderate.
The trail itself is all soft surface and quite narrow. Our group’s pace is about 2.25 to 2.5 MPH. Poles and good hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Please bring adequate water.
We will meet at the trailhead which can be found by linking to the red pin posted on this event using Google Maps, using it will get you to the right spot where we will meet.
The hike will start at 9:00 am, and I figure it will take us about 6 hours with rest breaks. Since I am reasonably confident that there are no restaurants along the trail you may want to pack a simple lunch, as we will plan to take an extended break near the base of the falls before heading back. I do like to and will start events on time so please do not be late for the consideration of all attendees.
Parking for State Parks is $5 unless you have the proper parking pass. This can be paid at the campground ranger station. Alternatively, a pass can be purchased in advanced through the link provided below if that works better for you. I would strongly recommend this option if you do not already have a SP pass since I do not believe there are any pay stations near the trailhead, and driving to the campground station will take you extra time.
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):
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/smith-creek-trail?u=i
Unicoi (general info about the park & Trail Map):
https://www.unicoilodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Unicoi_TrailMap_2018.pdf
GA State parking pass purchase link:
https://gastateparks.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=554806&contractCode=GA
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, squat) for adverse events which may occur during meetups.
- 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: $5Let's Take-a-Hike along the Chattahoochee River.
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 2.5 to 3 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.
- Sawnee Mountain Preserve – Mountain Side and Indian Seats - ModerateSawnee Mountainside Hiking and Parking, Cumming, GA
Let's Take-a-Hike at Sawnee Mountain Mountain Side Trail and Indian Seats trail. Both great trails with a beautiful overlook at the Indian Seats.
We will start on the Mountain Side Trail. This is a nice trail that meanders through the woods. Then we will head across the street to the Indian Seats trail. The trail is soft surface/compact soil, wide, and pretty easy to navigate. At the top of the incline are the Indian Seats rock outcroppings allowing a super overlook view with the N. GA mountains in the distance. I plan to pause there for 15 minutes or so to rest, refresh, and take in the scenery before completing the loop back to the trailhead. There is an option to only hike the Mountainside Trail.
Let's meet at the Sawnee Mountainside Hiking & Parking lot off of Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. Be sure to come to the correct lot as there are more than one that offer access to Sawnee Mountain. Please follow the link that I post in the event, preferably using google maps, to ensure you come to the right place.
Parking is free, and free is good! 😁
Unfortunately, doggies are not permitted on this trail. The hike will start at 9:00am, and I figure it will take us about 5 hours with the pause at the scenic overlook. I do like to start events on time so please do not be late for the consideration of all attendees.Below are some helpful links. Please note that the alltrails one is not the exact way we will approach this trail but it will give you a good idea of what the trail is like, etc. Of course and 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):
Indian Seats Trail Loop | Map, Guide - Georgia | AllTrails
Indian Seats, Ridgeline, and Mountainside Trail Loop, Georgia - 1,048 Reviews, Map | AllTrailsAtlanta Trails (general info about the trail itself):
Sawnee Mountain Preserve: hiking the Indian Seats Trail (atlantatrails.com)
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) for adverse events which may occur during meetups.
