Frequently Asked Questions

Q. In an emergency, how could someone contact me when I'm on the Trail or at the Hike Inn?
A. Please understand that the Trail and the Inn are remote locations 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.

Q. Are reservations necessary?
A. Yes.  Reservations are made by calling 800-581-8032.  Any cancellations must be made 7 days in advance of a reservation for a refund.  Reservations of 5-12 rooms require 14 days notice.  Group reservations that require the entire Hike Inn must give 30 days advance notice.

Q. Where do I check in to begin my hike to the Inn?
A. All guests must check in at the Trading Post which is in the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitors Center just inside the park entrance.  When you check in at the Trading Post, you will be told where to park your car to start your hike to the Inn.

Q. When must I check in?
A. All guests must check in at the Visitor's Center at Amicalola Falls State Park by 2PM.  The check in time is STRICTLY enforced.  Late arrivals will not be permitted to hike on to the 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 to the Inn and still arrive before dark in winter months and in time to settle in before dinner.

Q. Can I bring my children?
A. Yes, the Hike Inn welcomes families.  For a family of three, all can stay in the same room provided the child is 12 years of age and under.  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 and under.

Q. What is there to do while I'm at the Inn?
A. In the Sunrise Room board games, puzzles and books are available for your enjoyment.  Many prefer just to relax in an Adirondack chair on the Sunrise Room porch, or at Starbase.  From either location one can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  For additional hiking opportunities, check with the Manager on the desk for information on short trails around the Hike Inn.

Q. How far is it from the Inn to the Appalachian Trail?
A. Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, is a 4.5 mile hike (9.0 miles round trip) from the Inn.  Most guests who hike to Springer Mountain spend two nights at the Inn, allowing a full day for the hike to Springer Mountain.

Q. Are there really no electrical outlets in the bunkrooms?
A. That's right.  There are no electrical outlets in the bunkrooms.  Electrical outlets (and hair dryers!) are available in the bathhouse.

Q. I have special dietary preferences and/or requirements.  How are these handled?
A. We serve hearty, family-style meals.  It is important that you clearly convey any special dietary needs to the reservations agent when making your reservations.  We generally can provide low-fat, vegetarian and vegan meals, but only with advanced notice.  Dinner is served at 6PM.  The main course may be chicken, roast beef, or turkey with several vegetables and macaroni and cheese.  A tasty dessert concludes the evening meal.  Breakfast, served at 8AM, includes hearty stone ground grits, eggs, bacon or sausage and apple cornbread or biscuits.  A variety of cereals with fresh fruit is also available.

Q. During the winter will I be warm enough or should I bring my sleeping bag?
A. Well, sleeping bags are welcome, but we have plenty of blankets and heaters to keep you cozy.

Q. What's the big deal about not wanting me to bring my cell phone, beeper, and radio?
A. At the Inn we try to offer our guests a retreat from the busy world.  We want them to enjoy a restful time of freedom from the hustle and bustle of the everyday life.  Therefore, we ask that guests not bring cell phones, beepers, pagers, laptops or other electronic devices.  We do not have public phones.  We ask that all guests respect the desire of others at the Inn to enjoy this respite.

Q. I'm a smoker. Please clarify your policy on smoking.
A. 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 in the front of the Inn.  There are containers there for cigarette butts.

Q. What is Hike Inn's policy regarding alcoholic beverages?
A. 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.

Q. Are mountain bikes allowed?
A. No.  The trail and the Inn are for foot traffic only.

Q. Can you clarify your policy on pets?
A. The Hike Inn is a no pet facility.  If you bring a pet with you, you will not be allowed to stay overnight.  Anyone who arrives at the Inn with a pet must keep the pet on a leash less than six feet long and in the control of a person at all times.  Pets are not allowed to enter any area of the buildings including on the decks of the Hike Inn.

Q. Can you tell me more about the bunkrooms?
A. Well, first understand that the Inn is not a hotel.  There are 20 bedrooms, which we call bunkrooms.  The rooms are all alike, except that six adjoin the adjacent room 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 mirror.  Also, while you have your privacy, the walls are thin so you sometimes can hear your neighbor next door.  Check out The Inn page for a picture of a bunkroom.