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- Cloudland Canyon Rim and Gulch Trails– Rising Fawn, GA 5-10 miles –Mod to StrenCloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA
Cloudland Canyon Rim and Gulch Trails – Rising Fawn, GA – 5-10 miles – Moderate to Strenuous
Let's Take a Hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park!Located on the Western edge of Lookout Mountain sits an awesome state park called Cloudland Canyon.
While there are several great hikes worth doing at Cloudland, we’re gonna hit the top two. The first is the West Rim Loop Trail, which is 4.8 miles and has superb views from the top of the canyon. The second is the Sitton Gulch Trail, which is 5 miles and walks down into the canyon to multiple waterfalls as well as a scenic trail along a river. It may also worth mentioning that it has a 1000 foot elevation gain with lots and lots and lots of steps. 😊
We will complete the Rim Trail first, take a break long enough to eat a packed lunch (which I recommend bringing along), and then complete the Gulch Trail. If you choose to join us for just the Rim Trail, but not the Gulch Trail. That is fine too.
While hiking we will keep a pace of 2.25 to 2.5 mph. Maybe a little slower for some of the more challenging parts, but with ample time to pause and take in the views.
As with all GA state parks, there is a fee of $5.00 per vehicle unless you have the appropriate annual parking pass. Day passes can be purchased at the park or online in advance through the State Park Link included below.
Doggies are very welcome and encouraged to join, but please note that the gulch trail has lots of steps at the beginning going down, and then at the end going up as it is an out and back trail. Also, we will be completing that one second. So, please keep that in mind.
We will meet outside of the restrooms near the parking lot at what is called the main overlook. This is preferable to meeting inside the restrooms, which probably wouldn’t work out very well. It is easier to find than it sounds. Even easier would be to just link to the pin map in the invite using google maps and it should bring you to the precise meeting place … give or take a few meters. YAY technology! 👍
The hike will start at 9:30 am from the meeting place. I do like to start events on time so please do not be late in consideration of all the attendees. I would expect us to be completed with both hikes by around 3:30 pm but please don’t hold me to that. In any case, plan on a full day outing.
The links below will have some more information on the trails and park itself. Please review them for more information and as always if you have any questions, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them:
West Rim Loop Trail – 4.8 miles – moderate:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/a-walk-back-in-time-cloudland-canyon-state-parkSitton Gulch Trail – 5 miles – moderate to strenuous (RE: elevation gain):
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/sittons-gulch-trailState Park website:
https://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyonState Park Trail Map:
https://gastateparks.org/sites/default/files/parks/pdf/trailmaps/CloudlandCanyon_TrailMap.pdfPlease note: due to the travel commitment this hike may be cancelled if foul weather is foreseen as a very strong chance. I will send out notices in advance if we do have to cancel, but please check back as the date draws nearer.
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! 😊
- Bartram Trail to Pinnacle Knob – Clayton, GA – 8 miles – Moderate +Warwoman Dell, Georgia, GA
A hike to a great view? Yep! A waterfall on the way up? Yep! A second waterfall on the way up? Yep! A Dunkin Doughnuts near the summit giving away free iced coffees? Nope!
This just shy of 8 mile out and back near Clayton has lots to offer, but you will need to bring your own coffee. 😊
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! 😊
