Primitive Camping and Hiking (Dog Friendly)

It's our favorite season of the year: Camping Season! The weather is warming 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 know this feeling, 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 waterfall east of the Mississippi River. In other words, an awesomely outdoorsy weekend.

Although this is primitive camping - no restrooms or electricity - 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: Space age nylon tents, 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:

THURSDAY:

Chris drives up during the day so to reserve a good camping spot, and then sets up camp. If anyone wants to begin the Memorial Day weekend early, you are welcome to join Chris at the campground on Thursday or early Friday.

FRIDAY:

Kiran and the rest of the group meets at the Marriott at 4:45 to carpool to the campground. We drive up to Amicalola, set up our campsite, cook our individual dinners, and enjoy our creations by the fire. Later, we sit around the campfire creating 'Smores, and telling (mostly true) stories. Accomplished musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments.

SATURDAY:

Campers have several options:

a) Hike the 10-mile Len Foote loop trail to The Hike Inn.

b) Hike the 425 + steps to the waterfall,

c) Do both, you fitness freak, you!

d) Hike to the lodge and hang out on the back porch, or

e) Sleep in, relax in camp, read a book, play "Poke a Black Bear and live to tell about it," or just whittle a stick.

f) Of course, 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 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.

MONDAY (OPTIONAL):

While the event officially ends on Sunday, anyone wishing to extend their stay may continue camping till Memorial Day (Monday) at their own leisure.

DOG DETAILS:

Group Limit for dogs: FIVE dogs + Gracie (our dog)

Dogs are welcome on this event as long as they are supervised by their human at all times. If you enter Amicalola State Park, your dog must be leashed. Also, dogs are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, lodges, group camps, and swimming areas. Humans are responsible for the care and feeding of their dog and should ALWAYS clean up after their dog. Humans are solely responsible for their dog's behavior, and dogs that cannot be controlled may have to be leashed, or in serious cases, leave the event.

FULL DISCLOSURE: 

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 style camper, this event 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.

Fron Atlanta, take 400 North

A few miles past the North Georgia Premium Outlets, turn LEFT onto Hwy. 136

Follow the signs to AMICALOLA STATE PARK

Hwy 136 merges with Hwy 183

When they split, stay on Hwy 183

Turn RIGHT onto Hwy. 52

Turn LEFT into Amicalola Falls State Park Road.

At the park gate, do not pay the parking fee - tell the attendant that you are driving through the Park to the Chattahoochee National Forest.

At the visitor center, turn LEFT

At the top of the hill, turn LEFT (follow the signs for the campground and cottages).

Turn RIGHT at the "Cottages 7-14," and "Hope Shoals Church" sign.

Past the end of the row of cottages, the road will turn into a gravel road - which is the start of the National Forest.

Our campsite will be somewhere along this gravel road - we will update you with the exact location and distance after Chris sets up camp on Thursday.