Winter Solstice @ The Hike Inn

 Please join me for a Christmas-week hike to the Hike Inn on the shortest day of the year!

   ROUTE: From the top of the falls, we'll head toward Springer Mountain on the AT Approach Trail and loop over to the inn for a 30-minute lunch/snack break. We'll take the Len Foote Trail back to the top of the falls.

   STATS: About 10.5 miles, with elevation gain in excess of 2,000 feet and lots of uphills and downhills throughout. Average pace will be roughly 2.5mph. 

   GOOD MATCH FOR YOU?: We'll hike as a group with a pace that's just right. :) (If you're a speedster, you'll be frustrated. If you like it slow & steady, you may have difficulty keeping up.) The end time is approximate so we could finish a little later.

The elevation gain, pace, and distance give this hike a difficulty rating of D4. If you don't have recent D3/D4 experience, this is not a suitable event.

We will meet at the Top of the Falls Parking Lot at Amicalola Falls State Park. The trailhead, restrooms, and falls overlook are located here. There is a nearby lower parking lot if the uppermost lot is full.

The park's official address is 418 Amicalola Falls Road, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534. From the Visitor Center, take the steep winding road toward the lodge to reach the Top of the Falls Parking Lot. The approximate coordinates for the parking lot are 34.567210254121335, -84.24356427256508. See the linked map above for a visual reference.

Please allow extra time if you're not sure where we're meeting or you need to purchase a $5 day pass.

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 desert) to day hikers. The staff appreciates tips in exchange for their hospitality.

PHOTO CREDIT: Me! View from the back of the Hike Inn on a serene winter day.

The hike will be rescheduled if the weather forecast is unfavorable or there's a potential trail/road safety issue.