D5 @ Amicalola: Hike Inn Loop + The Waterfall Stairs

    - OVERVIEW: This hiking adventure at Amicalola Falls combines a loop hike to the remote Len Foote Inn (aka Hike Inn) with a climb up the stairs adjacent to the falls. The anticipated distance is about 11.5 miles with estimated elevation gain of 2,800 feet. We will hike at a moderate pace as a group with a lunch break and short rest stops along the way.

   - THE HIKE: We'll begin our hike at the base of the falls, climbing the 603 stairs to the top. There, we'll take the Appalachian Approach Trail for a little over 4 miles, make a right turn onto the Len Foote Trail, and hike for another mile or so to the Hike Inn. We will break for 20-30 minutes at the Hike Inn for lunch; the staff there usually has drinks (and often desserts) for day hikers and they welcome tips in exchange. After our lunch break, we'll take the Len Foote Trail back to the top of the falls, then down the stairs to our cars.

   - MEETING SPOT: We'll meet at the circular parking lot at the end of the road past the Visitors Center that's under construction. This is where the reflecting pool is located; it is NOT the parking lot at the top of the falls. (34.56334, -84.24690)

   - CARPOOL: There is no organized carpool but feel free to contact others about ride sharing as desired.

   - HIKE DURATION: The estimated duration of the hike is just a best guess. Please allow extra time in case of contingencies.

   - WEATHER: We'll postpone if there's a high chance of bad weather. Hopefully we'll have a sunny January day.

   - REQUIREMENTS: The elevation gain, pace, and distance give this hike a difficulty rating of D5. If you don't have recent D4/D5 experience, this is not a suitable event.

We will meet at the base of Amicalola Falls in the circular parking lot next to the reflecting pool. Approximate coordinates are 34.56334, -84.24690. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of GA Highway 52 and Amicalola Falls State Park Road. See the top of this event description for a map link.

There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee at Amicalola Falls State Park without a valid Georgia state park pass.