For the first time since the park opened we have gotten permission to drive up into the bend of the river for our start and finish! Very few people have seen this area, even at the 2012 US Champs.
A long, low spur runs north into a big bend of the river. The spur is covered with low hills, pines planted in rows, a few fields, and some hardwoods. There is also a wide floodplain that is frequently wet, since it doesn't drain well. The shoreline is a line of low sandy hills that are dry. No briers to speak of and very open.
To get there, there is a two mile gravel road that begins at the first big curve after you enter the park, next to the first trailhead parking area that we used at the last meet. I will have signs out. The first 1/10 of a mile is a bit rough - don't despair! The next 1.9 miles is great driving.
We will park along the side of the gravel road and overflow if needed into the field to the left (west) of the restroom building. Do not park in the field to the right (east) side of the road - it has been sown with wildflowers. Do not block the road or drive past the restroom building - but you can walk down there to look at the river if you don't get a good look on your course!
There is almost no climb in the bend, so I have made the courses a little longer than usual. Climb is about 1% or less on all courses. There is a silver course (advanced, very short), for those that don't want to do the longer brown.
The rumor (which, as usual, I can neither confirm nor deny) is that this park will be the site of the 2019 Georgia Navigator Cup A meet. This may be your only chance to get a peek at this area before then!
Please pre-register. See you there.
Sam
| Course | Description | Distance | Climb |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Short beginner course | 2.8 km | 25 m |
| Yellow | Long beginner course | 2.6 km | 25 m |
| Orange | Intermediate course | 5.4 km | 50 m |
| Silver | Very Short Advanced course | 3.5 km | 20 m |
| Brown | Short Advanced course | 5.4 km | 45 m |
| Green | Medium Advanced course | 6.2 km | 60 m |
| Red | Advanced course | 7.6 km | 80 m |
GAOC offers beginner instruction at 10:30am at all local meets. Runners may start their course any time between 11:00am and 1:00pm with a 3-hour time limit for all courses. All runners must be off the courses by 3:00pm.
From I-85 North or South near Newnan, take Exit 47 Hwy. 34 (Bullsboro Blvd.). Go west 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Hwy. 34 Bypass (M Farmer Industrial Blvd.) and go 6 miles. Turn right onto Hwy. 34 (Franklin Road) at 4-way stop and go 8.2 miles. Turn right onto Thomas Powers Road and go 2.7 miles to a 4-way stop. The road name changes to Hewlett South Road. Continue straight 0.9 miles. Continue straight onto Bud Davis Road and go 1.9 miles. Turn right onto Flat Rock Road. The road name changes to Bobwhite Way. Continue straight to gated entrance of the park.
Typical fees are shown below. Participants may go out on the course as individuals or with a group. E-chip rental is required if you do not have your own stick.
| Members | $7 |
| Associtate and Non-members | $10 |
| Additional Maps | $3 |
| E-chip Rental | $3 |
| State Park Parking Fee | $5 |
For current forecast click here.
Sam Smith & Laurie Searle 770-463-2133