Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain

Please note that there is NO CARPOOL for this event. We will meet at the top of the falls to start the hike at 8.00 am. 

We will start from the trailhead at the top of the falls and take the AT Approach trail to Springer Mountain.

At mile 4.5 we approach a sign for the Len Foote Hike Inn.  (A right turn goes to the Hike Inn.)  We'll continue straight for another 3.5 miles to Springer Mountain and the southern terminus of the AT.  We will stop for a quick break/snack at the top of Springer.  We'll return the same way, this time taking a left on the cut-over trail to the Hike Inn.  When we get to the Hike Inn, we'll break for lunch and enjoy the views out back.  There are often snacks available for visitors so bring some cash to leave a donation should you wish to partake.  We'll follow the Hike Inn Trail back to the top of the falls. 

This is a strenuous D5 hike with approx. 3,500ft elevation gain, so prior D5 experience is good.  New members are welcome, just send a short note to the trip leader about your experience with similar distance hikes.   

$5 parking fee applies unless you have a Georgia State Parks annual pass. 

One dog in addition to Kody (Trip Leaders Lab) will be permitted.  Please send the Trip Leader a brief note with your dog's hiking experience.  

(Thank you Rafiq for contributions to this trip write-up.)

1. From the GA- 400/ I-285 interchange go North on GA-400/US-19 N about 42 miles to the traffic light at GA-136 (a.k.a. Harmony Church Rd).
2.  Turn Left off GA-400 onto GA- 136 and follow it westward about 12 miles. 
3.  Bear Right onto GA- 342   (Bailey Waters Rd) and go about 3.6 miles.
4.  Turn Left onto GA-52 East  and go about 3.9 miles.
5.  Turn Right  onto Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, at the park entrance.
6.  After paying for parking at the park entrance or the ranger station/Visitor Center, take a left at the ranger station.  Climb the steep road and take the second right turn, which is marked by a sign for the top of the falls.  There are two parking lots here: the waterfall begins immediately at the edge of the larger, lower lot.  We will meet in the smaller, upper parking lot, designated by signage for the Hike Inn. There are restrooms at the Visitor's Center as well as the Hike Inn parking lot.

GPS and GOOGLE.COM/MAPS USERS may wish to augment the above directions by entering the Lodge street Address or Lat/Lon coordinates as your destination:
  418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
    34.55782,-84.24957