Amicalola & Springer -- The Full Monty

Join me as I explore one of my happy places from bottom to top and back again. This hike is rated a D6, but you will love the challenge and the scenery.

We'll start behind the visitor center, passing through the stone archway marking the beginning of the Springer Approach Trail. Half a mile later we'll reach the base of Amicalola Falls and begin our trek up, along, and across the falls. This is a fabulous part of the park that often gets missed. There are 602 stairs, but you'll be mesmerized by the views.

At the top of the falls, we'll continue on the Springer Approach Trail to Springer Mountain and the official beginning/end point of the Appalachian Trail. After a short lunch break at the top, we'll head back down (be warned, it's not all downhill) and cut over to the Hike Inn for a quick refreshment stop and water refills. From there, we'll take the scenic Hike Inn Trail to the top of the falls, go down those 602 stairs, and make our way back to the visitor center.

We will hike as a group at an average expected moving pace of 2.5 miles per hour (a little slower uphill, faster downhill), with short rest stops as needed and the lunch/Hike Inn breaks as noted. We're not going to rush through it, but we're not going to crawl through it either.

The estimated distance is 19.3 miles, with expected elevation gain of 4,000-4,500 feet. The estimated duration is just a best guess, so please be flexible.

This hike is a D6 -- if you don't have recent, substantial D5/D6 experience, this is not a suitable event.

NOTE: We spring forward to Daylight Saving Time the morning of the 8th!

The Amicalola Falls Visitor Center is located at 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA.

Amicalola Falls State Park charges a $5.00 per car daily parking fee if you don't have a state park pass.

If the weather forecast is dicey, the hike will be rescheduled.