Amicalola Falls to the Hike Inn via the AT Approach Trail returning by the Hike Inn Trail

The Len Foote Hike Inn sits atop a scenic overlook in the Chattahoochee National Forest just north of Amicalola Falls State Park.  The Inn welcomes day hikers and we can "hike in" to it via either of two very pretty trails, each about 5 miles long, from the amazing waterfall - one of the highest in eastern America.

Let's meet at the Mansell Marta Park & Ride to carpool to the Park Visitor Center.  There we will have an opportunity to check in and use restrooms before driving to the top of the Falls, park and begin our ascent to the Len Foote Hike Inn on the Appalachian Approach Trail.  This trail has a greater total ascent than the Hike Inn Trail which we'll return on. So plan on more climbing in the earlier part of the hike.   Along the way we will periodically stop to regroup if we become too spread out and take a short rest.  After reaching the Hike Inn we will enjoy a light lunch or snack (whatever you pack).  Sometimes the Hike Inn has pie, cake and coffee available. If you chose to indulge, then bring cash to put in the donation box in the cafeteria. Plan to pack out your own trash.  Before leaving we will take a walk around the grounds, take time for a few photos and then return to the falls on the Hike Inn Trail.

This is a moderately paced hike with a some nice climbs. Although we might spread out along the way we will regroup periodically to try to stay somewhat together on the way to and from the Hike Inn.

It is strongly recommended that you have recent D4 hiking experience. For the enjoyment of all, if you sign up for this hike and do not have recent D4, or above, hiking experience, then I will be contacting you to see if this hike is suitable for you.

This is not a good hike for beginners.

After returning to the top of the Falls and after everyone is accounted for, those interested in descending the many steps to view the waterfall may choose to do so. You may also opt to hang out at the top for about 30 minutes until we return. Others may choose to head back to Mansell.

When we meet in the morning be prepared to state whether you plan to stay longer (to view the Falls or hang out at the top) and carpool accordingly.

From GA-400 MANSELL RD PARK & RIDE Lot to AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK  (about 52 miles or 65 minutes):
1.  From the Mansell Rd parking lot turn Right onto Mansell Rd, go under the GA-400 bridge, then turn immediately Left onto GA-400 North/US-19 N  and go about 32 miles.
2.  Turn Left onto GA-136 (This turn is about 3 mi. beyond the busy built-up GA-53 intersection which is south of Dahlonega. GA-136 is also called Harmony Church Rd.)
3.  Follow GA-136 westward for about 17.3 miles.
4.  Bear Right off GA-136 onto GA-183 (a.k.a. Elliott Pkwy) and go about 1.1 miles.
5.  Bear Right onto GA-52 East and go 1.6 miles.
6.  Turn Left onto Amicalola Falls State Park Rd and go only about 1/4 mile to the State Park Visitor Center on your right.  As discussed above we'll all gather there, then caravan to the top-of-the-falls parking lot to begin the hike.

GPS and GOOGLE.com/maps USERS:  For customized Directions from your point of origin to our meetup spot at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center you can input the following address or Lat/Lon coordinates as your destination.  You can also click on the rectangular blue & green "Event Location" icon atop the AOC event article for a zoomable online map or satellite view.
  240 Amicalola State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA
  34.5581,-84.2493

Hike Inn Trail Parking is $5, or included with a Georgia State Parks annual pass.

Plan to bring back any trash created from your snacks or lunch.  The Hike Inn does not accept waste.