Please join GAOC at this historic section of the CRNRA Parks, a short ride from downtown Atlanta. This park has a rich history including early mills which many of the courses will be visiting. All the courses are designed to be completed in about an hour or less!
There are NO facilities at the North end of the park, but we have ordered a Portapot just for our event! The park is very near the junction of I-75 and I-285, so everything you may need is minutes away!
The map has just been updated to show the new parking lot (may be open for our use), new trails and many new features.
We always suggest that you pre-register and pay using PayPal, thus avoiding most of the lines. Just present your slip, collect your map and Start! Check: gaorienteering.org, schedule, West Palisades, register online... easy and fastest method to get on course! You may fill out your forms and pay at the park, but the youth form can ONLY be signed by the parent or guardian!
| Course | Description | Distance | Climb | E-punch | Time to beat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | Beginner with all controls along/near paths | 1.9 km | 60 m | Yes | 39 min. |
| Yellow | Novice with controls just off easily followed features | 2.4 km | 130 m | Yes | 43 min. |
| Orange | Intermediate | 2.9 km | 190 m | Yes | 51 min. |
| Brown | Very Short Expert | 3.2 km | 155 m | Yes | 47 min. |
| Green | Short Expert | 4.0 km | 260 m | Yes | 59 min. |
| Red | Standard Expert | 5.0 km | 290 m | Yes | 64 min. |
| Contour Only | Hard Orange Level (not the same as the Orange) | 3.1 km | 200 m | Yes | 55 min. |
The meet will begin at approximately 11:00 am with instruction beginning at approximately 10:00 am. Please do not arrive before this time and expect to begin; we will allow earlier starts to begin IF we are ready to go go and you have your pre-registration slip. Last starting times will be at 1:00 pm. All participants are expected back within 3 hours of their start time or 3:00 pm whichever comes first. We must start removing controls by 3:00 to finish pick-up before the park closes at sundown.
Standard meet fees apply as posted on the GAOC web site. Members are $7, Associate and non-members are $10. Electronic punch (e-punch) will be used. E-punch rental is $3. These fees are per start, so small groups going together with one map will only pay one fee. Second course using your old map, no charge! Parking fee is required: National Park Pass or $5/vehicle. Loner Compasses are available free of charge!
PLEASE NOTE: In order to participate in any GAOC event, ALL youths under the age of 18 MUST present a Waiver of Responsibility that has been signed by their own Parent or Legal Guardian. It is NOT sufficient that the Waiver of Responsibility be signed by any other adult such as a scout leader, coach, teacher or chaperone. Please complete the online waiver form for ALL participants. If electronic completion is not possible for youth, please contact Martha Carr at 678-451-4222 in advance of the meet.
Complete the online waiver form here by joining GAOC as an Associate Member for free. Instructors or coaches may complete the form, then download and print the completed form to be physically signed by a parent or guardian.
Groups: Please let us know early, if you are bringing a large group so that we may order extra maps!
North Parking Area
Palisades West CRNRA - Do Not use your cell phone map, it takes you to the South end of the park- We are meeting at the NORTH end of
the park.
From Atlanta, take I-75 N to I-285 East. Take exit 22 off of I-285, turn right. Turn at next right onto
Akers Mill Rd and cross river. Turn left in 0.7 mi on Akers Dr at Water Wheel. Follow signs to park.
From I-285 West. Take exit 22. Go straight off of the ramp through the first light. Turn left at the next light (2nd light). Turn right onto Akers Mill Rd, cross river. Turn left in 0.7 mi on Akers Dr at Water Wheel. Follow signs to park.
Typical fees are shown below. Participants may go out on the course as individuals or with a group.
| Members | $7 |
| Associate and Non-members | $10 |
| Additional Maps | $3 |
| E-chip Rental | $3 |
| CRNRA Parking Fee | $5 |
For current forecast click here.
Bill Farrell & Martha Carr 678-451-4222
Most of the format above was borrowed from Jeff Lybarger's excellent effort for his meet. Thanks Jeff!