Evening Educational Programs at the Len Foote Hike Inn

Southeastern Wildflowers

There are over a hundred different kinds of wildflowers at the Hike Inn and along the Hike Inn trail.  The trail to Springer Mountain, the Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, offers even more wildflowers in spring and summer.  A slide show featuring common and rare wildflowers in the area is accompanied by a talk on how to identify different flowers, natural history, and potential medicinal uses.

Invasive Plants

Identification is the first step to eradication.  Be surprised at how many invasive and exotic plant species are overtaking your yards, roadsides, and trails at this evening program.

Mysteries of the Night

Enjoy the nocturnal sights, sounds and spooks during the popular Mysteries of the Night presentation.  Test your triangulation and echolocation skills like owls and bats do, and attempt to identify local scat found on the premises.  On warm nights a night hike may be offered.

Trees are Treemendous

Ever wonder what plants you were passing along the trail?  Learn easy clues for identifying the evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs of the Chattahoochee National Forest as well as the uses and historical significance of the local species.

Local History

Imagine Dawson County 200 years ago.  The American Chestnut dominates the forest.  Gold is found in the area.  The desire for religious freedom and isolation urges the Scotch, Irish and Germans south into the Appalachian Mountains.  Revive your idea of simple living and conservation of natural resources through this local history program.

Conservation Tips

Can’t get enough of the Hike Inn’s facility tour?  Review the favorite conservationist saying  “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” at this evening program.  Lecture includes simple living suggestions and tips on how you can protect your family, home and the environment on a day-to-day basis.

Southeastern Birds

Discuss the birds local to the Len Foote Hike Inn.  Learn to identify their field marks and calls, and participate in Audubon bird counts throughout the year as Citizen Scientists. 

Hike Inn Pictionary

Tailored to the educational goals of the Len Foote Hike Inn, the newly created Pictionary game brings both children and adults to the drawing board.  Nature, conservation, local history, and pertinent “Hike Inn” words  are found throughout the Easy, Medium and Hard categories.  Be the first team to earn 20 points and you win!

Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics

Create minimal impact as you recreate!  Designed for non-motorized recreational activities, outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to “Tread Lightly” on the earth to preserve your favorite places in nature.  Familiarize yourself with the seven ethical principles for frontcountry and backcountry excursions with a Leave No Trace trainer. 

Lepidoptera

Spring and summer brings in the butterflies!  Acquaint yourself with local butterflies and moths and the plants to attract them.  
 

Evening Hike

Stroll around the 1/3 mile interpretive Firebreak/Cove Trail with a programmer knowledgeable about Appalachian flora and fauna.  Identify trees, wildflowers, and discuss ecology and geology of the region.

Reptiles of the Appalachians

Reptiles can be very misunderstood creatures. Guests will learn the role they play in the forest, how they are different than other animal groups, and get to visit with one of the Hike Inn's resident corn snakes or box turtle.

Appalachian Trivial Pursuit (in Teams)

Heather, the education manager at the Hike Inn, created a set of questions with six Appalachian categories: The Appalachian Trail, History of North Georgia, The Hike Inn, Plants of the Appalachians, Animals of the Appalachians, and a Potluck category with questions ranging from astronomy to geology.  Guests team up and find out how much they know (or have to learn) about the area.  A programmer leads questions & answers, and awards Hike Inn merchandise to winning team.