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Amicalola Falls - The Stairs, the Falls and the Trails




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Near Dawsonville, GA
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 2 2016  9:15 am >> Sat, Apr 2 2016 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Mar 21 2016 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 1 2016 8:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 45 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Joyce T.
Carol
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 15 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This is a challenging hike, but a beautiful one.  We'll be starting at the Visitor Center and taking the West Ridge Staircase - all 425 steps - - to the trailhead.  This portion of the trek provides some stunning views of the Amicalola waterfalls.  After getting to the trailhead, we'll then follow the Approach Trail to the Len Foote Inn, where we'll stop for lunch, a restroom break, and a stunning overlook view.  The Inn usually has some dessert to share with hikers as well as iced tea, coffee, and lemonade. Please bring a few dollars to leave in their donation box in the dining hall for the Inn's generosity. Upon leaving the Inn, we'll hike back 5 miles on the Len Foote Trail, and then take the East Ridge Trail down to the Visitor Center.  The total elevation for the hike will be a little under 3,000 feet.

We'll start the hike at 9:15 from the Visitor Center.  If you are driving yourself to the event, please plan to arrive by 9:00 am.

This hike would NOT be appropriate for anyone who hasn't done at least some strenuous D4 hikes with the AOC.  If your experience with the club is not documented, we'll be calling you to discuss whether or not the hike is appropriate for you at this time.  Although we won't be hiking fast,  we'll be keeping a soundly moderate pace for the duration of the event, so failing to be able to keep up with the group will affect everyone on the hike.  

Note: We plan to keep the group together during the entire hike - - between the trip leader and the sweep, so this is NOT a suitable hike for members who want to hike at a fast pace. Please do not register if you are not comfortable with a moderate pace.

There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle at this Amicalola State Park, so unless your driver has an annual pass, plan to share the cost of the pass with your other drivers.  Before leaving Mansell, if you have a pass and are not driving, please let us know so that we can share your pass with someone who needs it.


Required Items to Bring:
  1. Water or electolyte drinks  (you can refill water at the Inn)
  2. Lunch and trail snacks
  3. Change of shirt and shoes for the return drive, plus a bag for soiled clothes
  4. Towel to protect the car seat

Please respect your carpool driver's car and remove all trash and belongings before you leave.  Do not get into the car with muddy shoes.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  1. Hiking poles
  2. Camera
  3. Insect repellant
  4. Sunscreen
  5. Hat or cap

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

From the Park & Ride we will go north on Georgia 400 past the outlet Mall to GA 53. Turn left on GA 53, and then a slight right on GA 183. GA 183 becomes GA 52. Follow GA 52 until the park entrance on the left. We will gather at the Visitor Center parking lot near the steps.  We all need to check in at the Visitor Center, so do this right away if you're driving yourself.  Restrooms are available here as well as bottled drinks.

The address for the Visitor Center is approximately 418 Amicalola State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA

Coordinates: 34.55782,-84.24957

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):104Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $41.60 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

GPS Coordinates: 34.55782, -84.24957  

Address:  418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

If the weather is rainy, we will likely cancel the hike.  We'll keep you informed as the date for the hike nears.