On Thursday, April 14, the Botanical Garden will be closed to the public for a special event (dedication of the new porcelain museum). The Nature Ramblers will meet instead at Sandy Creek Park for a ramble on the Lakeside Trail. We’ll meet at the usual time (9 am) and wrap up about 11am. Meet at the parking lot at the boat launch on the west side of Lake Chapman. We expect to walk 2-3 miles, round trip, but you can turn back at any time. This trail is a bit rough in a few places so a hiking stick may be useful. A number of interesting ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs should be in flower or fruit, including Green-and-Gold, Piedmont Azalea, Silverbell, Solomon’s Seal, Painted Buckeye, Perfoliate Bellwort, etc.
Directions: From Athens Loop 10, exit 12, drive north on the Commerce Road/Hwy 441 about 3 miles, passing the turn-off to Sandy Creek Nature Center (on the left) and continuing north for about 2 miles to Bob Holman Road. Turn right on Bob Holman Road and drive about ¾ mile to the park entrance on the right and stop at the entrance booth. People 64 and over are admitted free; younger folks must pay a $2.00 entrance fee. Shortly after the entrance booth, turn left on Sandy Park Drive, drive a few hundred feet to Beechtree Drive, and turn left. Stay on Beechtree Drive – you will be forced to make a right turn that takes you around a deep curve and to the boat ramp parking area on your right. See the map below:.
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| Sandy Creek Park (not Sandy Creek Nature Center) |