Amicalola Falls Stairs to the Hike Inn trail and back, then down stairs

Please note that this hike has been upgraded to a D5.

We will meet at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center at 0815, walk to the stairs and climb up the 600+ steps to the top of Amicalola Falls. We'll stop to get our breath and go to the restroom, then proceed up the Hike Inn Trail to the Hike Inn (about 5 miles). We will stop at the Inn for a snack/lunch break for 20 minutes (there is usually ice water or ice tea in the kitchen and possibly a leftover dessert), then head back down the Hike Inn Trail and down the stairs to our cars. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center, Top of the Falls and the Hike Inn. 

The pace will be moderate (about 2.5 miles/hour).The elevation gain (2500+ feet), pace, and distance (12 miles) give this hike a difficulty rating of D5. If you don't have recent D4/D5 experience, this is not a suitable event for you. (This requirement is a change from the previous description.) We will stay together during the hike. 

Per the park website, the stairs can take 30-60 minutes to climb (I'm guessing closer to 30-45 minutes up and 15 minutes down). The Hike Inn Trail will take 2 hours each way; therefore, the estimated total time will be 5.5 hours (stairs, 1 hour; hike 4 hours; breaks 0.5 hours). 

Please park at the lower parking area at Amicalola Falls State Park NOT at the top of the falls. We will meet at the the Visitor Center, walk past the reflection pool/fish pond at the end of the main entrance road, and climb the stairs. Please park by the visitor center or across the street. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center. 

The falls make up the tallest waterfall in Georgia (729 feet high). Here is link to information about the AF and the stairs: https://wanderingthegap.com/2022/01/16/conquering-600-stairs-at-amicalola-falls/ 

The address for the park entrance is 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534. See the top of this event description for GPS coordinates and a map link. Allow extra time if you're not sure where we're meeting. There is a $5 park entrance. 

There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle at Amicalola Falls State Park if you don't have a Georgia state park pass. The Hike Inn usually offers complimentary drinks (and leftover dessert) to day hikers. The staff accepts tips in exchange for their hospitality. We will plan to eat our lunch outside.

I will be watching the weather and will cancel the hike if thunderstorms are in the forecast. I chose this route because it may be more refreshing on a hot day (compared to doing the AF Loop Trail). We'll have two breaks (a brief one at the top of the Falls while everyone catches ups - faster stair climbers can wait at the top) and at the Hike Inn. 

If you are unable to do the hike, please cancel as soon as possible. If you have to cancel after the registration window closes or if you have questions, please call Alice at 706-877-2882.