Sunday Hike - Amicalola Falls-Len Foote Hike Inn

Enjoy a classic loop hike that includes a layover at the Hike Inn.  This is about a 10.5 mile loop hike beginning at the top of Amicalola Falls.  We'll meet on top of the Falls at 8:00 a.m.  The early start time will allow us to enjoy some cooler temperatures.  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.

After about 4.5 miles, we will take the junction to the Hike Inn, which is approximately 1 mile.  Bring a snack to enjoy in the dining room or outside in one of the adirondack chairs.  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 minutes at the Hike Inn, although you may have less time if you are a slower hiker.

The return hike on the Hike Inn trail is about 5 miles 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.  

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 and take the first left.  The road will climb steeply to the top of the falls, where you will take a right and continue to either parking lot.  The trailhead is located next to the upper parking lot, but it is often full, so you may have to use the lower lot which is immediately above the falls.

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.