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 (3)
See all- Sweetwater Creek S.P. – 5 or 8.25 mile option – Lithia Springs, GA – Moderate+Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs, GA
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a really beautiful park located West of Atlanta off of I-20 near Lithia Springs. With multiple terrains and some really sweet portions of the trails running along Sweetwater Creek it makes for a really sweet day of hiking.
In effect, we will be doing two trail hikes on this day. You can choose to do the first hike only and then make your exit, or stick around for the second portion as well. The two hikes will be separated with a break at the parking area/visitors center where we will initially meet and will be long enough for a quick lunch if you choose to bring one along.
The first trail we will do is the popular White and Red Trail Loop, which is 5 miles. This trail winds through some wooded areas, along a dirt and gravel road, and then hugs the creek for those really "sweet" water views I was alluding to earlier. While most of this trail is generally moderate, some portions along the creek itself can be quite challenging, so please be prepared by reading more at the Alltrails link below. This portion of the hike should take no more than 3 hours, so we would be back to the parking area before 12:30 pm.
The second trail we will do, after the lunch break, is the Yellow Trail which is 3.25 miles. This trail crosses over the creek via a bridge and then hikes up into hardwood forests. There is some decent elevation to this trail, so please be prepared if you choose to attend by reading more at the Alltrails link below. We will start this trail after a half hour rest/lunch break, and it should not take more than 2 hours. So, if you plan to join this one we should be back at the visitors center by 3:00 pm
We will meet outside near the main visitor’s center. The best way to get there is to just follow the pin within the event invite using Google Maps and it should get you to the precise place we will meet. I promise 😊.
Parking is $5.00 per vehicle, unless of course you have the proper GA State Park pass. Fees can be paid online in advance, upon entry to the park, or by using the cash envelope kiosks in the parking lot.
We will start at 9:30 am. I do like to start events on time so please do not be late for the consideration of all attendees. Please allow a few extra minutes to find parking as this is a popular park and can get crowded on weekends. Pace will be 2.25-2.5 mph. Energetic doggies are welcome and encouraged to join.
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 (general info about the trails themselves):
Trail 1 (White and Red Trail Loop):
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/sweetwater-creek-red-and-white-trail-loopTrail 2 (Yellow Trail)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/sweetwater-creek-yellow-trail--2Sweetwater Creek State Park:
https://gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreekHope 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.
- 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.
