Len Foote Hike Inn (via USFS 42)

Len Foote Hike Inn is a unique backcountry lodge located within Amicalola Falls State Park and adjacent to the rugged landscapes of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Designed for hikers who want to experience the solitude and beauty of the mountains without carrying camping gear or sleeping in tents, the inn combines the atmosphere of a wilderness backpacking trip with many of the comforts of a traditional lodge. Guests hike approximately five miles to reach the inn, where they are rewarded with private rooms, hot showers, hearty family-style meals, and large decks overlooking the forested mountains of north Georgia. Completed in the late 1990s, the Len Foote Hike Inn was intentionally built to encourage environmentally responsible tourism and outdoor recreation, and it remains one of the few backcountry lodges of its kind in the southeastern United States. The moderate trail to the inn begins near the top of Amicalola Falls and winds through hardwood forests, crosses small creeks, and climbs gently over a series of ridges before descending to the secluded property. Along the way, hikers experience a quieter side of the park far removed from the crowds that gather around the falls. Because the trail connects with the southern end of the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail system, many visitors combine routes to create loop hikes that return to the falls and the main parking area.

This was our second visit to Len Foote Hike Inn, but this time we chose to turn the trip into a point-to-point backpacking adventure by shuttling vehicles instead of completing the traditional loop. On the first day, we followed the yellow-blazed Hike Inn Trail from Amicalola Falls State Park through quiet forests and rolling terrain to the inn, arriving in time to enjoy dinner and sunset views from the deck. The relaxed atmosphere at the lodge, combined with the comfort of a warm meal and soft bed, made for a perfect overnight stop in the mountains. On the second day, we continued north by following the blue-blazed Appalachian Approach Trail toward Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. From Springer Mountain, we continued along the Appalachian Trail before descending toward Forest Service Road 42. This route provided a more rugged and remote hiking experience than the approach to the inn, with longer climbs, rocky trail sections, and several scenic ridge walks through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Although the point-to-point hike required a lengthy two-hour drive between the trailheads, it allowed us to experience a larger section of the southern Appalachian Trail corridor and added a true backpacking feel to the trip. Even so, the traditional loop hike remains a much more convenient option for most visitors staying at the Hike Inn.