How does a brisk, mid fall hike, along the nearby, familiar Springwater Trail, followed by some good chicken and biscuits, while watching the Bills win another one, sound?

Park along Coates Road, near the intersection of the road to the late Chuck Winship house, where there is a seasonal access to the Springwater Trail.

Climbers will walk down Coates Rd., cross Pardee Hollow, and enter the loop trail access, which will lead to the main trail.  Make a left on the main trail, which should take you back to Pardee Hollow Rd., where you will cross and re-enter the trail.  When you get to the seasonal access, go left, which will take you back to Coates Rd., and your cars.

Tourists will walk up Coates Rd. (away from Pardee Hollow), to the main trail entrance.  Enter the main trail, take it to Pardee Hollow Rd., and turn right on it.  Here you have a choice.  You can either spot cars at the sugarhouse, or you can walk down Pardee Hollow, turn right on Coates and walk back to your cars.

Naturalists will spot a return car at the sugarhouse.  They will enter the seasonal access, which leads to the main trail, where they will go right and follow it up to Pardee Hollow Rd., and go right, to the sugarhouse.  Hike leaders will be provided with marked maps, and will receive their marching orders, before the hike.

After the hikes, you have the option of enjoying good food and fellowship of your fellow hikers, at the Mountain View Inn, in Atlanta.  Their Sunday special is chicken and biscuits.  They also have burgers, salads and their beverages include a large assortment of beers and wines.

From Springwater, go north on 15A, right on Wheaton Hill Rd. (CR 16), which becomes Tabors Corners Rd.  Go left on Pardee Hollow Rd.  On the corner, is the Punky Hollow Farm, where this year’s Fiddlers Fair was held.  Continue on PHR, by going right at the T.  Take a left on Coates Rd. and look for our sign, parked cars and your fellow hikers.  I’ll try to get there by 1:30.  For the Mountain View Inn, go to PHR and go left.  Go till it ends at Rowe Rd. (CR 38) and go right to SR 21.  Go left, and then, right, into Atlanta.

Looking forward to seeing you happy troopers on Sunday.