Are reservations necessary?
Yes. Although we do accept walk-ins, we cannot guarantee them — especially on weekends and during busy periods. Reservations can be made by calling 800-581-8032, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cancellations must be made seven days in advance of a reservation for a refund. Reservations of five to 12 rooms require a 14-day notice.
Where do I check in to begin my hike to the Hike Inn?
All guests must check in at the Visitors Center which is in Amicalola Falls State Park, just inside the park entrance. When you check in, you will be told where to park your car near the trailhead at the top of Amicalola Falls.
When must I check in?
All guests must check in at the Visitors Center at Amicalola Falls State Park by 2 p.m. The check-in time is strictly enforced. Late arrivals will not be permitted to hike to the Hike Inn. The check-in time is enforced for the safety of Hike Inn guests. It’s calculated to allow sufficient time for guests to enjoy the hike and still arrive at the Inn before dark in winter months and for them to still enjoy dinner.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, the Hike Inn loves kids and welcomes families. A family of three can stay in the same room if the child is 12 years of age or younger. In this case, we have good mats, so the child can sleep on the floor. For a family of four, two rooms are necessary. We have discounted rates for children 12 years of age or younger. Games and age-appropriate books are available for children.
Are there really no electrical outlets in the bunkrooms?
That’s right. There are no electrical outlets in the bunkrooms. Electrical outlets (and hair dryers) are available in the bathhouse.
During the winter, will I be warm enough, or should I bring my sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags are welcome, but we also have plenty of blankets and heaters to keep you cozy.
Can you tell me more about the bunkrooms?
It’s important to understand that the Hike Inn is not a hotel. There are 20 bedrooms (we call them bunkrooms). The rooms are all alike, except the 12 rooms that adjoin adjacent rooms for the convenience of families and groups of more than three persons. Each room is small with minimal amenities — a bunk bed (double-decker, extra long, single mattress), shelves, a stool for sitting and a mirror. And while the rooms are private, the walls are thin.
In an emergency, how could someone contact me when I’m on the trail or at the Hike Inn?
Please understand that we are a remote location where telephone contact is not readily available. Emergency contacts should be directed to the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitors Center at 706-265-4703. Note that we cannot and do not guarantee the timeliness or the adequacy of this service.
What is there to do while I’m at the Hike Inn?
In the Sunrise Room, we offer board games, puzzles and books for your enjoyment. We have a 5 p.m. tour daily to show you the sustainable features of the Hike Inn. We also offer a diverse array of evening programs. In some seasons, we meet visitors at the trailhead and join them for a wildflower or photography walk. Many people hike to Springer Mountain and back or ask our knowledgeable staff about shorter hikes. Many prefer to simply relax in an Adirondack chair on the Sunrise Room porch or at Star Base. From either location, one can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
How far is it from the Hike Inn to the Appalachian Trail?
Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT, is a 4.4-mile hike (8.8 miles round trip) from the Hike Inn. Most guests who hike to Springer Mountain spend two nights at the Hike Inn, allowing a full day for the hike.
I have special dietary requirements. How are these handled?
It is important that you clearly convey any special dietary needs to the reservations agent when making your reservations. We usually can provide low-fat, vegetarian and vegan meals, but only with advanced notice. We can also make accommodations for food allergies with advanced notice.
What’s the big deal about not wanting me to bring my cell phone, beeper and radio?
At the Hike Inn we try to offer our guests a retreat away from the busy world. We want them to enjoy a restful time free from the bustle of everyday life. Therefore, we ask that guests not bring cell phones, beepers, pagers, laptops or other electronic devices. When we see people using cell phones in public areas, we wait until their call ends and politely request that they not make more calls in common areas. We do not have public phones at the Hike Inn.
I’m a smoker. Please clarify your policy on smoking.
As you might expect, our biggest concern about smoking is its potential to cause a fire. Even without our persistent drought, fire in the woods is a paramount issue. The Inn is a smoke-free zone. Smoking is only allowed in the covered entry porch at the front of the Hike Inn. There are containers for cigarette butts.
What is the Hike Inn’s policy regarding alcoholic beverages?
The Hike Inn discourages the use of alcohol by guests and prohibits open containers of alcohol in public areas of the Inn and on surrounding state property. This is in accordance with our being part of the State Park System.
Are mountain bikes or horses allowed?
No. The trail and the Hike Inn are for foot travel only.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, the Hike Inn does not allow pets.
How do I contribute to help support the Hike Inn?
The Hike Inn is operated by a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization: Appalachian Education and Recreations Services, Inc., also know as AERS. We appreciate donations and will use them to support our mission: “Protecting Georgia’s natural resources through education and recreation.” If you need more specific information — like our tax ID number — please contact us.
Who is Len Foote?
The name Leonard E. Foote is not accidentally linked with the Hike lnn's unique backcountry setting, commitment to the outdoors, and mission of teaching conservation ethics, outdoor safety, and preservation of wilderness. Leonard was a leading conservationist, biologist, and nature photographer who lived and worked in Georgia until his death in May 1989. Mr. Foote was the model for the series "Mark Trail." Leonard Foote was a man of many talents and abilities that he devoted to preserving and studying the beauty of the outdoors. We hope to carry on his work by offering people not only a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also the tools to treasure and protect the beauty they see.
Do you have corporate or organizational partners?
Yes, we have partnered with companies and not-for-profit organizations who have donated equipment, volunteers and expertise to our cause. They include Southface, Soenso Solar Energy, BP, REI, Timberland, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club and others. If your company or organization would like to become part of our mission, please ask a staff or board member.