June 6th- (Sub)Urban hike along the Chattahoochee River

The oppressive heat and humidity of summer is fast approaching and due to overwhelming demand from our urban hikers we will NOT be hiking around the hardscapes of the city, but instead venturing out to the trails of our closest national park- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area- for a moderate 5-6 mile hike with a stop halfway to dip our toes in the river.

On Saturday, June 6th meet us at Park Grounds in Reynoldstown at 10am as we drink coffee and set up carpools to venture to the WhiteWater Creek trailhead in the East Palisades park unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

We'll meet at 10am and head out by 10:30/10:45 for the river with our carpool caravan. Head to the connector and go north, then directions are as follows:

-Stay on I-75 North
-Take exit 256, Mt. Paran Road.
-Right on Mt. Paran Road to first traffic light (Harris Trail)
-Left on Harris Trail to Whitewater Creek Road
-Right about .4 miles to the unit which is on the left.

If you plan to just meet us at the trailhead, then you can find alternate directions here.

Here's a map of the trail system we'll be exploring:


**Note that there is a $3 fee per car at this site. Also note that dogs are welcome but must stay on leash!

for more info, shoot me an email at urbanhiking@wonderroot.org

See you in June!
~Eli

May historic hike on Ponce de Leon

On Saturday, May 2nd local librarian, artist, historian, and yard sale enthusiast Tom Zarilli led a group of 11 urban hikers on a wonderful historic tour highlighting Ponce de Leon and surrounding neighborhoods. This was another intallment of our themed hikes with guest speakers and was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendants!

Photo-journal of our walk:


Tom, PBA interview, and the crew


steps to nowhere- surviving pieces of a former house along the PATH in Inman Park


Majestic diner

Sculpture honoring Sen. John Lewis's march to Selma



Map of Freedom Parkway at sculpture


Clermont hotel and lounge- G.G. Allin stayed here


Former Sears Building (now City Hall East) where Ponce's natural springs were piped to a waterfountain years ago!


famous Magnolia of center field in the old Crackers/Black Crackers ball field??


large urban Tulip Poplar facing Ponce


streetside bling for sale



End of the hike: Georgian Terrace and Fox Theatre

We all caught Marta back to the Inman/Reynoldstown station and walked the neighborhood streets back to Park Ground for a total time of about 3 hours. It was warm and muggy, but overall a wonderful tour- stay posted for information on June's themed hike- possibly a "Suburban Hike" on the Chattahoochee River!!

~Eli
UrbanHiking web monkey
urbanhiking@wonderroot.org