Sunday Hike-Amicalola-Len Foote Hike Inn

If you think it's too hot to hike in Atlanta, come join me for an 11 mile loop hike beginning at Amicalola Falls.  We'll meet on top of the Falls at 10:30 a.m.  We will begin our hike on the "Approach Trail" for 4.5 miles.  There are some steep and relatively long ascents on this portion of our hike.  I ask that you be able to hike a moderate pace on these uphill portions.  It's not fair to others who sign up for this event expecting a moderate pace to wait around for someone who has to go slow.

We will take the junction to the Hike Inn, which is approximately 1 mile, and eat lunch at the Hike Inn.  The dining room has a variety of beverages, such as lemonade or iced tea, and some snacks like fruit or cookies.  The Hike Inn does not "charge" you for these items, but they have a donation box so you can contribute the amount that you think these items are worth.  We'll probably spend 30-45 minutes at the Hike Inn, although you may have less time if you are a slower hiker.

We will complete the loop, which is about another 5 miles from the Hike Inn to the parking lot on top of the Falls.  This section is not quite as steep as the Approach Trail, but you will have some relatively long ascents.  

Although it will not be quite as hot in the mountains as it will be in Atlanta, expect temperatures in the low 80's.  Make sure you bring plenty of water and that you keep yourself hydrated during the hike.  Pack a lunch to enjoy when we stop at the Hike Inn.  There is also a 30 percent chance of rain, so bring some rain clothes just in case.

There is a $5 GA DNR parking fee per vehicle at Amicalola Falls State Park unless you display an annual pass.

DIRECTIONS from GA-400/ I-285 INTERCHANGE in N ATLANTA (Sandy Springs) to AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK (about 60 miles or 90 minutes):

1.  From the GA-400/ I-285 interchange go North on GA-400/US-19 N about 42 miles to the traffic light at GA-136 (a.k.a. Harmony Church Rd).
2.  Turn Left off GA-400 onto GA-136 and follow it westward about 17.3 miles.
3.  Bear Right onto GA- 183 (a.k.a. Elliott Pkwy) and go about 1.1 miles.
4.  Bear Right onto GA-52 East and go 1.6 miles.
5.  Turn Left onto Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, at the park entrance.
6.  Continue northward just 0.2 mile to the State Park Visitor Center on your right.  At 10:00 AM we’ll gather just inside the Visitor Center and introduce one another.  It’s a good idea to ask for one of their nice free color maps of the State Park which clearly shows our parking lot and trailhead for the hike.

GPS and GOOGLE.COM/MAPS USERS may wish to augment the above directions by entering the Visitor Center's street Address or Lat/Lon coordinates as your destination:
  418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
   34.55782,-84.24957

There is a $5 GA DNR parking fee per vehicle, payable at Amicalola Falls State Park unless you display an annual pass.