Georgia Adventurers Group

Please read all info below if you are new to this hike. This week we'll return to hike the Bridge Loop at Chicopee Woods/Elachee near Gainesville. This hike is 5.3 miles with hill climbing, so not for beginners. $5 fee to park, payable at park entrance or kiosk in parking lot. Porta potty at lot, or full restroom at nearby Nature Center. Read Comments for driving directions if you've not been here. Optional lunch afterwards at a new group favorite Taco/Mexican restaurant nearby: Taco-N-Todo - Google Maps

Key Hike info and Policies:

Prompt Departure Policy: Out of respect for the majority of people who arrive on time, we will leave promptly at the designated time, allowing 1-2 minutes of "grace period". If you arrive late, please text or call me at 770-875-4493 and I will let you know where we are on the trail so you can catch up to the group.

What: A moderate-pace hike of about 4 to 5.5 miles, in about 2 hours, with 2-4 short (2-3 mins) rest stops.

When: Every Wednesday at 11AM.

Where: We semi-rotate around to various locations within about 1 hour of Atlanta. Current venues include Red Top Mountain state park (Homestead and Iron Hill trails); Jones Bridge (Johns Creek); Bowman's Island (Buford), Laurel Ridge (Buford), Sawnee Preserve (Cumming), Vickery Creek (Roswell), and Kennesaw Mountain park (a couple of different trails) (Marietta). Additional venues may be added in the future.

Who: Usually about 15-20 people attend each hike, though we've had as many as 30+. We are a friendly group and do our best to make newcomers feel welcome.

Difficulty/Fitness-level: First of all, If you are looking for a fast-paced workout hike, THIS IS NOT THE HIKE FOR YOU. When hiking our pace is generally 2.7mph, though on some flat stretches we might be going as much as 2.9mph. Second, most of our hikes have at least some hill climbing involved, so these are NOT Easy or Beginner hikes.

Please be prepared to abide by these Polices:

1: You need to keep up with the group, meaning if you are hiking in the back you need to keep in sight of the main group. No individually stopping for 5 minutes to take pictures or sight see. We hike as a group.

2: If for any reason you have to leave the group, you need to let me know in advance (in person or via phone/text), and then message me when you are back to the parking lot so we know you are safe.

3: We leave on time (see policy details above)

4: Meetup is not a pickup dating site. Continually bothering/harassing people for dates, phone numbers, etc. will not be tolerated (it's also illegal).

5: This group is friendly and social, and lots of good conversations take place, which is great and encouraged. However, I would ask you to please be careful about sensitive subjects (politics, religion, etc) as not everyone agrees with you and wants to hear that stuff on the trail. Be considerate of people with whom you are conversing, and also those within earshot.

6: Dogs are welcome everywhere we hike except Sawnee Preserve and Laurel Ridge, but are required to be on a leash, and under control, at all times.

7: Please keep your event RSVP up to date. I do not have limits on attendee numbers, so you can add or remove your name from the attendee list as you wish without needing to be concerned about getting or keeping a spot. You can add your name at the last minute if necessary, or remove it the morning of the hike if your plans change. But please don't leave your name on the list and then be a no show - this is inconsiderate and unnecessary on this hike, and against GAG policy.

Please remember to contribute to the funding of GAG :
https://www.meetup.com/georgiaadventurersgroup/events/297772095/

A. T. Base Camp

From February 12 until April 17, 2026, volunteers with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club and staff with the ATC will set up Basecamp in the Arch Room of the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center to lead the Start Smart presentation (a ~15-minute Leave No Trace discussion), distribute hiker hangtags, and talk with people interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Basecamp is generally open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during peak northbound hiking season (note that Basecamp hours on dependent on volunteer availability and may vary slightly).

Attending a Start Smart presentation is great way for people attempting thru-hikes, as well as interested members of the public, to get the latest information on the A.T. in Georgia and important Leave No Trace reminders.

Start Smart presentations are free and open to everyone, and required for thru-hikers and section hikers to get their A.T. hangtag. Start Smart presentations occur on a rolling basis throughout the day.

A.T. hangtags will be available at Amicalola Falls during Basecamp.

## February 27- March 1, 2026

The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC), in partnership with Amicalola Falls State Park, will be hosting A.T. Gateways, formerly known as the Appalachian Trail Kick Off (ATKO) the first weekend in March, February 27-March 1, 2026.

Amicalola Falls State Park is the Gateway to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and its southern terminus. In turn, the AT serves as a gateway for so much: inspiration, health, knowledge, stewardship. AT Gateways is a celebration of the Appalachian Trail and all the multiple ways it touches people via these gateways. It is a true gateway for all who seek the fellowship of the trail.

An annual event that has been held the first weekend in March for over 20 years, the A.T. Gateways will have something for everyone who loves the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) whether you are an aspiring thru-hiker or just someone who enjoys being on the trail and outdoors. Activities, programs and demonstrations will be held at both the Lodge and the Visitor Center.

This year’s event will kick off on Friday morning at the Visitor Center with the USPS First Day of Issue event debuting the Appalachian Trail stamps. Saturday, spend the day at the Lodge visiting vendors and and attending entertaining and educational sessions. Saturday evening, socialize some more at a cash bar reception at the Lodge. On Sunday, join the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club for some trail work on the AT Approach Trail. Find more information on the ceremony here.

Get your photo at the iconic arch, Saturday, March 1,where you may run into Grandma Gatewood, Smokey Bear, and other colorful characters.

Look for more information at ATGateways.com

Activities, programs and demonstrations will be held at both the Lodge and the new Visitor Center.

Throughout the entire weekend from 8:00-4:00pm, GATC Trail Ambassadors will be presenting “Start Smart” programs at the A.T. Basecamp, located in the Arch Room of the new Visitor Center. Here is where one registers their 2024 thru-hike, gets the highly prized hang-tag, and gets their photo at the iconic Arch.

Friday night, March 1, will feature a hiker rendezvous for past, present and future thru-hikers and a bit of A.T. history.

On Saturday, from 9:00-5:00pm, select vendors will be at the Lodge with gear and trail related information, and there will be programs and presentations covering everything from head to toe about hiking the A.T.

Special programs on the animals of Amicalola will be ongoing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There will be “trail maintainer magic” with demonstrations of the tools and techniques needed to maintain the treasured footpath called the A.T. on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to sign-up and participate in a trail work trip on Sunday, March 3.

Sunday, March 3, features trail work trips and a different type of hiking experience!

For Vendor information, contact t.geonis@amicalolafallslodge.com

#### LODGING:

Tent Village
This is the spot you want to be as an aspiring thru-hiker. Tent Village is $20 per night for each tent (max 4 people). Each tent must have a reservation before the 1st of March. Reservations can be made online only here.

Call the Lodge at 706-344-1500 to make reservations for rooms, cabins or regular campsites. The event is free, however, all vehicles must possess a $5 Georgia State Park entry pass (or a Georgia State Annual Park Pass). Visitors must be staying in Tent Village or another park accommodation (cabin, lodge) if staying overnight.

Look for more information at ATGateways.com
They have NOT posted speaker program for 2025 yet, but it will be similar to 2024 that is on the page probably.