What to Expect when Visiting the Len Foote Hike Inn

Jun 19

Peaks & Geeks had the good fortune of being invited to the Len Foote Hike Inn back in July and if you’ve never heard to the Hike Inn you’re missing out.

This place is an off the grid, Lead Platinum Certified (that’s the best of the Leeds) Inn that you… you guessed it… hike to. It’s community focused so you eat family style with new friends, play board games and sip coffee on wrap around porches. It’s low key MAGIC. Take it from the New York Times. This place is just plain good vibes, from the staff, to the free snacks they provide through hikers all the way down to the composting toilets that DON’T SMELL and blow dry your butthole. (IYKYK)

The Hike Inn is nestled in the beautiful Amicalola Falls State Park, near Dawsonville, GA. It also happens to be the Southern Terminus (a word which here means, end/beginning/entrance/exit— you get it) for the Appalachian trail. So, imagine this— your life has fallen to shit. Your dream career is in shambles, your girlfriend left you because you don’t shower enough and you love ramen noodles. The only logical option is to hike the AT. Your loved ones want to wish you good luck and send you out in style (lets face it, they’ll see you in two weeks once you realize the AT does require some mental/physical fortitude). The Hike Inn offers a taste of comfort, one last good meal, a final sip of civilization for your dear old ma and pa to see you off.

OR you’ve actually done it! You hiked Southbound your 2,197.4 miles and your family wants to celebrate you but only if you’ve showered IMMEDIATELY. They meet you at the Hike Inn!

And what’s extra great? It doesn’t cost a fortune!

Unlike so many “off the grid” hotels out there, the Len Foote Hike Inn is a non-profit aimed at inspiring a love of nature! In making the outdoors more accessible they hope to inspire more people to be good stewards of the earth.

Things to expect when you visit the Hike Inn:

It’s a steady but moderate uphill 5 miles hike from the trailhead at the top of the Amicalola Falls. You can’t see the falls on this hike, so if you want to— which you should— that will be a separate outing either before or after your Hike Inn Experience.
In the Summer it’s a fully shaded hike, so even in the hottest part of the day, with lots of drinking water, it’s not too bad!
The Hike Inn sits at just over 3,000 Ft which means you’ll have different weather at the Inn than you would at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center or even in Atlanta where most folks are driving from. For each 1,000 Ft. of elevation you gain, you lose about 4 degrees in temperature. Weather systems are different too so be prepared for rain REGARDLESS of forecasts.
I was there in the middle of July when it is super hot and it was actually lovely. I slept with my door open and the screen door locked. The first night I didn’t even need a fan, so if you’re concerned about the weather, I was shocked by how comfortable it was.
All ‘bunk rooms’ are small and not spectacular. This is by design, as the point of being at the Hike Inn is to be outside! Each bunk room has a bunk bed (double-decker, extra long, single mattress [6'7"]), shelves, a stool for sitting and a mirror.
Breakfast and Dinner are included in your rate and they can accommodate all kinds of dietary restrictions if they know ahead of time. Lunch is an additional $12 fee and they offer a variety of sandwich lunches accompanied by their famous cookies! You can charge this to your room/card or pay cash.
I’m not a cookie person but it was legit delicious and I think it’s gluten free. (this felt like it needed it’s own bullet)
They provide bedding, towels, and electric outlets in a few common areas but they prefer you not be on your phone— especially because the hope is that you’ll unplug and make new friends!
The water is potable and tastes good! There was always hot coffee, iced tea and lemonade available as well as ICE for your water bottle!! (the ice felt like true luxury to me)
Each night there are presenters from all over who share stories or information regarding the outdoors! Peaks & Geeks presented two nights, once on Mosquito and Tick prevention and the other on Wilderness Survival. See what The Naturalist had to say about us!
There’s a tour for new arrivals at 5PM, led by the on staff Naturalist where they explain the history and inner workings of the Inn, everything from, “What are those backpacks on the wall?” to “Here’s what happens to the food you don’t eat!”
Bathrooms are communal and cleaned daily! It seemed quite clean but I’d bring shower shoes.
In winter there are heaters and blankets and each community area has a big, beautiful, pot belly stove that heats it! Very charming!
If you want to hike to Springer Mountain, it’s fine. It looks a lot like any other hike in the area, green tunnel but I did see a lovely black bear!
You’ll have to work hard not to make friends. People who go to the Hike Inn are friendly and open to chats. It’s wonderful!

If you’re interested in visiting the Len Foote Hike Inn, or just want to find out more— check them out here! If you have any questions for us regarding our visit, contact us here! And if you’re interested in joining Peaks & Geeks at the Hike Inn, we’re working on an exciting new trip offering, so sign up for our newsletter and be the first to find out!