Hiking East Palisades!

This event is open to all members of Social Adventures, their friends and family.

Come join other members of Social Adventures Georgia as we check out one of Georgia's many hiking trails. I have chosen this as our first hike due mainly in part to its close proximity to the Atlanta area.

This is a member lead event. This means that there is no particular organizer. This in effect, by its very own design, becomes YOUR event. All you have to do is just come out with a positive attitude, meet new people, and have a blast! It's that simple to meet the fun and exciting members of Social Adventures.

Come join us as we hike East Palisades
Trail Length: 3.0 miles Type of trail: Loop
County: Fulton GA Average rating: Moderate

According to GeorgiaTrails, the East Palisades is a unique hike in a densely forested park that rises to 400 feet above the Chattahoochee River. It offers some of the most scenic views of the river south of Lake Lanier.

Located in northwestern Fulton County, East Palisades loop is surrounded by some of the Georgia's wealthiest homes. Two entrance points exist to the park, off Indian Trail and Whitewater Trail, both with modest parking (fee $2.00). Once within the confines of the park, it is as though you have stepped a hundred fifty years into Georgia's past. This overview is told walking clockwise from the Indian Trail lot.

Initially the blue blazed trail descends down an easy-to-moderate root-strewn hill. Long Island Creek, a Chattahoochee tributary runs alongside the trail at the bottom of the hill. On the approach to Whitewater Trail parking lot the footpath crosses Long Island Creek on a series of bridges. After the last bridge the trail turns and hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Occasionally, sidepaths to the left lead down to the riverbank.

The trail continues along the bank, then turns right, up the hill. Be careful to follow the blazes, as errant hikers have carved a path that could easily pass for a trail.

The path follows several switchbacks to the top of East Palisades, where a side path drops down some steps to an overlook that gives a breathtaking view of the river flowing north to south. Due north of the hill is Vinings and one of the busiest roads in the Southeast, the junction I-285 and I-75. Dobbins Field is nearby, so fighters and other military aircraft also frequently overfly the area.

From here the trail climbs to a ridge, which it follows back to a point on the road to the parking area. Turn right on the road and continue to the parking area.

This is a personal favorite of many hikers for many reasons. The main reason so many hikers chose East Palisades is it packs in all types of terrain (steep, flat, single track, double track, fire road, technical and smooth) into five challenging miles of trail that are exceptionally scenic. Make sure to visit the overlook as well as the bamboo forest.

I have included a map for everyone to download prior to leaving for this event. Make sure to print out a copy of that map here.

Lets meet at the McDonald's located at 6360 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta. This meetup location is only one mile from the entrance to the park. Direction from McDonalds to East Palisades hiking area are

1: Start out SOUTHWEST on POWERS FERRY RD NW toward NORTHSIDE DR NW. (0.1 mi)

2: Turn LEFT onto NORTHSIDE DR NW. (1.1 mi)

3: Turn RIGHT on Indian Trl and follow to the entrance of the park.

Remember to print out your Hiking Map

When you arrive at the meetup/carpool location please place a sheet of paper with the words MEETUP on your dash. This will help other members know who is there for the event. Its simple its easy just a simple piece of paper with the words MEETUP allow other members to locate you. (REMEMBER TO BACK IN so members can see your dash). Lets meet at 12pm and leave for the hike at 12:20pm allowing for us to arrive and start hiking by 12:30. Remember to give all members a chance to show up. If your arrive first and see no one please place your sign on your dash and wait till 12:20 to allow members to arrive.

RSVP YES now and join us for a fun and exciting day of hiking. Please remember to bring plenty of water and a lunch. There are many places to stop and take a break on this hike.

Please honor your RSVP's and be on time as members may be holding up the event waiting for you to arrive.

RSVP deadline for this event is 24 hours prior to the start time giving those members time to familiarize themselves with who plans on attending.

If you have any questions please join the discussion on our meetup message board here.