Hike Inn Trails

The Trail to the Inn is entirely within the Chattahoochee National Forest and Amicalola Falls State Park and is one of the most heavily used trails in Georgia. Although much of the way is an easy walk, there are some climbs of moderate difficulty. The distance markers along the way indicate interesting features and flora on the Trail, so be sure to refer to the literature provided when you check in at the Park Visitors Center.

Yellow rectangular blazes mark the Trail, which begins at the Hike Inn parking area at the top of Amicalola Falls. From here, the Hike Inn Trail joins briefly with the blue-blazed Approach Trail to Springer Mountain. Yellow blazes soon diverge from blue and climb to the ridge top. The Trail meanders along, dipping down to small streams and rising to cross over ridges, where at five miles, finally coming to the Hike Inn. The hike takes 2-4 hours.

State employees and volunteers, under the direction of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Amicalola Falls State Park, designed and built the Trail, beginning construction several years before the Hike Inn was opened. Maintenance of the Trail is under the direction of the Friends of the Hike Inn and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, an organization of volunteers who construct and maintain the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail and its side trails.

The Hike Inn Trail is divided into sections of 1/2 mile to 1 mile with one or two volunteers having responsibility for most of the routine work on their section. They paint the blazes; cut the weeds; build steps, bog bridges, and drainage structures; makes signs; etc. 

Recently two new, connected trails were constructed in the vicinity of the Inn, and provide additional recreational opportunities for guests. The longer (one-third mile) trail is called the "Fire Break Trail" and serves as a fire break, both from possible fires sweeping up the slope below the Inn and also as a "break" for a controlled burn which will eliminate dangerous "fuels" in the form of dead trees, limbs, and leaves between this trail and the Inn. The "Cove Trail" (about one-eighth mile) forms a loop with the Fire Break Trail between the yellow-blazed main trail north and south of the Inn. The entire loop from and returning to the Inn is approximately three-fourths of a mile. Plans are underway to make these trails "interpretive," highlighting interesting flora and fauna along the way.

Trail maintenance is a never-ending job, and without volunteers would probably not get done. Several times a year we also organize "work trips", and anyone who is looking for a good time is invited to join. Often Hike Inn guests become volunteers and join the Trail work crews. The work is geared to a variety of interests and abilities, and we even tolerate bystanders if that is what they do best. Believe it or not, trail work is a lot of fun. We always very much appreciate any help!