Hike Inn Loop @ Amicalola

Join me for what looks like a good weather day at Amicalola Falls State Park. Hiking there while the trees are bare and the views are better is one of my favorite activities.

We'll do the loop to the Hike Inn, starting at the top of the falls. We'll first head toward Springer Mountain on the AT Approach Trail, then cut over to the inn for a 30-minute lunch/snack break. From there, we'll take the Len Foote Trail back to the top of the falls.

Distance is about 10.5 miles, with elevation gain in excess of 2,000 feet and lots of uphills and downhills throughout. We'll keep an average pace of about 2.5mph, and we'll generally stay together as a group with short hydration and regrouping breaks as needed. If you're a speedster, you'll probably be frustrated; if you prefer it slow & steady, you may have difficulty keeping up.

The elevation gain, pace, and distance give this hike a difficulty rating of D4. If you don't have recent D3/D4 experience, this is not a suitable event.

We will meet at the Top of the Falls Parking Lot at Amicalola Falls State Park. The trailhead, restrooms, and falls overlook are located here. There is a nearby lower parking lot if the uppermost lot is full.

The official address for the park is 418 Amicalola Falls Road, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534. From the Visitor Center, take the winding road heading up toward the lodge to reach the Top of the Falls Parking Lot. The approximate coordinates for the parking lot are 34.567210254121335, -84.24356427256508. See the linked map above for a visual reference.

Please allow extra time if you're not sure where we're meeting.

There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle at Amicalola Falls State Park if you don't have a Georgia state park pass.

The Hike Inn usually offers complimentary drinks (and leftover desert) to day hikers. The staff appreciates tips in exchange for their hospitality.

If the weather forecast shows a likelihood of rain, or if there's a potential road safety issue, the hike will be rescheduled.