Morning Sweat - East Trail Ridge (Amicalola Falls): Early Bird Start And Finish

*** NOT A BEGINNER HIKE ***

For new members and/or members without recent AOC D5 or higher end D4 hiking related experience, trip leader approval is required to partipate in this event. Please email the trip leader(s) explaining your recent hiking related experience & history. You may be moved to the waiting list until we hear back from you and approve you for the hike.

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The hike is approximately 13+ miles round trip with an average to above average hiking speed and only a few rest breaks. We're going to start near the back of the park store, and hike up the East Trail Ridge to the AT Approach trailhead. From the trailhead, we will hike to to Nimblewill Gap to view the plaque commemorating the 1968 crash site of a small airplane.

Departing Nimblewill Gap we will backtrack to the side trail leading to the Hike Inn and take a short break there.  After our break we will return on the Len Foote Trail. We should be back in Atlanta early afternoon. Please be flexible on finishing time.

One more thing...this hike is for fun-loving people and those who enjoy being around others. Some of us like to make jokes, tell stories, and have a good laugh. If you're easily offended or prefer a quiet walk in the park, this hike is probably not for you. You've been warned!

Note: The East Ridge Trail at Amicalola Falls is actually the first mile of a much longer trail, the Southern Terminus Approach Trail to the start of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia on Springer Mountain.  The East Ridge Trail climbs to the top of Amicalola Falls, rising an average of 80 feet for each 500 feet of trail.  It is one of a handful of trails considered strenuous simply because of the climb.

Important Notes:

1. It costs $5 per car to get into the park, unless one person in the car has a pass.

2. If you're not 100% sure you can keep up with the group hiking pace, please do not sign up for this event - no sweeper or coleader on this hike. There are other AOC weekday and weekend hikes which might be more suitable for your hiking abilities/pace.

3. Itinerary is subject to change before and during the event.

4. Please be flexible with finishing and start time. Things happen where our event may be longer or shorter.

5. If you're a Garmin user, please join our 'Atlanta Outdoor Club (AOC) Garmin Users' group to connect with other AOC Garmin users and track your activity. Join us at: https://connect. garmin.com/modern/group/2255568

From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 past the outlet Mall to GA 136. Left on 136 till GA 52. Right until the park entrance. We will gather at the Visitor Center parking lot near the entrance.

Address: 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534 

Will this event occur rain or shine? Yes

$5.00 State Park Fee unless you have an annual park pass