Dog Friendly Primitive Camping and Hiking

It's our favorite time of year: Camping Season! The weather is warmin up, the flowers are starting to bloom, the dogs are frisky, the mountains are calling, and frankly, that tent in the attic needs airing out! If you're in the same boat, join us at this national forest campsite just outside Amicalola Falls State Park. You know, the park where all north-bound AT through hikers start? It's also famous for the highest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. In other words, an awesomely outdoorsy weekend.

FULL DISCLOSURE TIME: 

This is a generally teetotaler, dog friendly, hiking, and primitive camping trip. This means that while we enjoy a few drinks, we DO NOT intend to "party;" we welcome four-legged friends, we plan to hike, and we plan to "rough it" for a couple of days. Seriously, if you are a Hilton and Marriott camper, this one is not for you! There are NO comfort stations, although showers and bathrooms are available in the nearby state park which is a 5-10 minute drive. Also, there is NO electricity, NO potable water, and NO shelters.

That said, the good news is that our campsite is within walking distance of our cars so feel free to pack all your favorite luxury camping gear: Tents constructed from astronaut tested nylons, double micro foam-filled air mattresses, battery operated super thermal coolers, reclining camp chairs imported from the Swiss Alps, etc. Bring it on!

The Grand PLAN:

FRIDAY:

Chris drives up in the morning to find a good camping spot and then sets up camp near the stream. Later that evening,  the rest of the group meets at the Marriott to carpool to the campground. 

We set up our campsite, cook our individual dinners, and enjoy our culinary creations by the fire. Later, we sit around the campfire creating 'Smores, singing bawdy songs (whatever those are), and telling stories. Musicians are welcome and encouraged to bring their instruments.

SATURDAY:

After breakfast, our plan is to hike the 10-mile Len Foote loop trail to The Hike Inn. However, we completely understand if individuals choose to sleep in, relax in camp, read a book, play "Poke a Black Bear and live to tell about it," or just whittle a stick into an aboriginal spear. Need more? Check out the hiking trails to beautiful Amicalola Falls or to Springer Mountain. You could always drive to nearby Dahlonega or Ellijay for some knee slapping good times.

Toward nightfall, we flex our culinary skills once again and prepare our mouth-watering meals that are the envy of campers everywhere. As we enjoy our edible artwork, we continue the fun, friendship and relaxation around a toasty fire.

SUNDAY:

Wake up, eat up (breakfast), pack up, clear up (the campsite), and head out.

DOG DETAILS:

Limit: 5 dogs +  Gracie (our dog)

Dogs are welcome on this event as long as they are accompanied by the owner at all times and leashed (no longer than six feet) while in the State Park; however, dogs are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, lodges, group camps, and swimming areas. Owners are responsible for the care and feeding of their dog. Owners should always clean up after their dog. Owners are solely responsible for their dog's behavior, and dogs that cannot be controlled may be asked to leave the event.

Take 400 North

TURN LEFT onto Hwy. 136

BEAR RIGHT onto State Route 342

TURN LEFT onto Hwy. 52

TURN RIGHT into Amicalola Falls State Park Road.

After passing through the park gate, take the first street on your left. (across from the visitors center)

At the top of the falls take a left at the sign for the campground and cottages.

Turn right at the cottages. Follow the road past the end of the row of cottages. The road will soon become a gravel road.

Our campsite will be inside the national forest a few miles in on the gravel road.