Cochran Falls to Len Foote (Georgia’s second highest waterfall - 600ft)

Please read the entire event description prior to signing up for this event.  If you are not comfortable climbing extremely steep hills (200%+ grades in places), doing some scrambling, ascending/descending using rocks, branches, and roots as handholds, etc, etc, then this particular event isn’t for you.  But if that stuff excites you and you have a sense of adventure, then this should be right up your alley.

We will be hiking to the Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls SP, where we will have lunch on the lawn and enjoy the splendid views.  But the route there is what will differ from most hikes.  We will be starting the hike along the lower reaches of Cochran Creek and then following a trail that parallels the creek upstream.  We will reach the base of Cochran Falls, Georgia’s second highest, and little known, waterfall, which cascades down a total of 600 feet.  From the base we will continue along the trail, paralleling the waterfall, until we reach the top of the falls from which there is a great view to the south.  I’m told that the last ½ mile hike to the top of the falls is extremely steep, can be slippery, involves some scrambling, using trees/branches/roots as handholds, and climbing over rocks/boulders, etc.  And I’ve been told by someone that it can be a bit intimidating to some… especially on the descent.

After taking time to enjoy the scenery and views from the top of the falls, we will continue along a trail until we reach the Len Foote Hike Inn Trail which we will take to the Inn.  Once at the Inn, we will enjoy our lunch on any of a number of places on the lawn or patio which have spectacular views of the valleys below.  We’ll take our time here to enjoy it and folks can peruse around the inside and outside of the Inn if they want.  The Inn has water, lemonade, iced tea, and sometimes snacks such as bread, cookies, and fruit for a donation.  Please do not take snacks or drinks without leaving a donation in the “hiker snack/drink donation box”.

After leaving the Inn, we will retrace our steps back towards the cars.  I’ve been informed that there is a swimming hole along Cochran Creek about half way between the falls and the parking area.  So, it may be nice to take a dip, cool off, and rinse off some of the grime we will probably have on us from the descent before heading back to the cars. And if the "swimming hole" turns out to not be much of a swimming hole, we can cool off and refresh under the falls instead!

The hike should be about 9.5 – 10 miles in length and have about 2,400 feet total of ascent.  You should have good coordination and balance (be honest with yourself) to do this hike.  If you do not have previous D5 hiking experience the TL’s will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you.

We will be stopping for dinner in Dahlonega after the hike.  If you do not wish to do so, then please plan to drive yourself or arrange a carpool with others who do not wish to stop.

Thanks to Tony C for providing a couple of the photos as well as giving me advice on the trail along the falls.

This is a carpool only event unless there are extenuating circumstances.