fbpx

The JCBC walking club – named Let’s Walk – is a way to make new friends and build relationships while enjoying the health benefits of being on the move!

Make plans to join in on any of our organized weekend walking events held at various parks and walking trails around the area. You choose the distance. You choose the pace. We’ll just be together. You never know who you might see there! Groups often gather for coffee or brunch after a weekend walk.

We’ve also expanded the scope of Let’s Walk to include some organized HIKES for those who enjoy a tougher challenge.

Be sure to check out the Walking Resources section, too. There you will find training tips and other articles or information that Let’s Walk club members may find helpful or interesting.

We need you to JOIN THE CLUB by completing the form below so that we will be able to contact Let’s Walk club members directly to make sure you’re kept up to date on the latest news.

Join the Club!

Name

Did you know that the JCBC parking lot is exactly ½ mile?

Just walk along the outermost curb all the way around. You are invited and encouraged to walk in the JCBC parking lot any time!

Too hot? Too cold? Too wet?

You are also invited to walk INSIDE JCBC any time that the offices are open. The 2nd floor offers a good, continuous, somewhat circular route.

Chattahoochee Point Park Trail
April 22 – 8:30 AM

A beautiful 3.2 mile loop trail. The trail is mostly flat, hard-packed gravel and should be good for strollers and wheelchairs. Walk as much of the loop as you choose – you set the distance. Scenic river views, covered areas for gathering and a small playground for the kids. 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Drive, Suwanee GA. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/chattahoochee-pointe-trail

Suwanee Creek Greenway
May 20 – 8:30 AM

Suwanee Creek Park Greenway to McGinnis Ferry is a 3.0-mile multi-use trail in the city of Suwanee, Georgia.  The trail is a hard surface paved and  wooden boardwalk trail and meanders through three miles of wooded areas, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.  1170 Buford Highway, Suwanee GA

Read more about this trail at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/suwanee-greenway-trail.

Ivy Creek Greenway at George Pierce Park
June 24 – 8:30 AM

A 2.5 mile walk in – walk out trail through the woods and along Ivy Creek that turns in to the Suwanee Greenway. Keep walking to Martin’s Park or McGinnis Ferry if you like. Or, shorten the walk to your desired distance. Fully paved, completely accessible. Massive playground for the kids after the walk and covered shelters for gathering. Very near Suwanee Town Center if you want to gather coffee, brunch or lunch. George Pierce Park – 55 Buford Highway NE, Suwanee GA 30024. Drive to the end of the park. Look for the Trailhead signs. Can’t miss it. https://www.atlantatrails.com/atlanta-running-walking-trails/george-pierce-park-ivy-creek-greenway/

McDaniel Farm Park Walking Trail
July 29 – 8:30 AM

A beautiful 2.3 mile walking loop with the historic McDaniel Farm providing the backdrop. Fully paved, completely accessible with covered shelters to gather after your walk. The trail is easily stretched for longer distances or easily shortened to accommodate any fitness goal. Historic Farm sites open at 10:00 AM if you’d like to make a morning of it. 3551 McDaniel Road, Duluth GA. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/mcdaniel-farm-park-trail

Location TBD
August 26 – 8:30 AM

Location TBD
September 23 – 8:30 AM

Location TBD
October 28 – 8:30 AM

Indian Seats Trail Loop – Sawnee Mountain Preserve
June 17 – 9:00 AM

This trail loop will total about 3.8 miles including the spur from the Visitor Center to the trailhead of Indian Seats Trail Loop. Visitors can wander past abandoned gold mines and venture up the mountain on the Indian Seats Trail to enjoy long range views of the of Blue Ridge Mountains. Interpretive signs are located along the trail for visitors to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.  There are NO DOGS allowed on this trail.  Just outside Cumming Georgia, park at the Visitors Center located at 4075 Spot Road.  For more, visit the website:

https://parks.forsythco.com/Sawnee-Mountain-Preserve or https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/indian-seats-trail-loop

Bear Hair Gap Trail
August 12 – 9:00 AM

This is a moderately challenging loop trail totaling 4.1 miles near Suches Georgia.  At Vogel State Park, use the Day Use Lot in front of the lake and across from the Visitor Center for parking. From here, you’ll have to walk down the road to the right of the Visitor Center for . 2 miles. Just past Cabin #7, a large sign points you to the trail on the right up some stone steps next to a vending machine.  Maybe we’ll grab lunch after?  For more information, visit:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/bear-hair-gap-trail

Raven Cliff Falls Trail
October 21 – 9:00 AM

Raven Cliff Falls is a 5.8 in-and-out wilderness area trail near Helen, Georgia operated by the National Forest Service.  This trail is moderately challenging and there will be a bit of scramble near the top.  Parking is at 3000 Richard Russell Highway, Helen Georgia.  Maybe we’ll bop into Helen after the hike for a snack?  For more information, go to:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/raven-cliff-falls-trail?u=i&sh=q0upcw

Or https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10515

Couch to 5k

Maybe you’ve been thinking about stepping up your walking game a little. You might like to consider participating in a local 5k.  Maybe we’ll even hold one of our own in the months ahead. Here are a couple of Couch To 5k training resources.

https://www.runwithcaroline.com/10-week-couch-to-5k-training-plan/
(LOT’s of good information – the training plan is near the end.)

Here’s another good plan – https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/5km/a760067/six-week-beginner-5k-schedule/

Distance Walking Training

Maybe you’d like to step up your walking game even more. Have you ever considered walking a half-marathon?  There are numerous events throughout the area and throughout the year.  But – training properly for a walking half-marathon is critically important.

Here’s a suggested training guide:  https://www.verywellfit.com/half-marathon-walk-training-schedule-3435465 (I also have a great training spreadsheet example that I’m happy to share with you if interested!)

Essential Equipment for Hikers

Bottom line…be prepared! This link will help you think about what you need to take along on your day hike.  (I find trekking poles to be a game changer!)  https://www.switchbacktravel.com/day-hiking-checklist