FAQ
Are reservations necessary?
Yes. Although we do accept walk-ins, we cannot guarantee them — especially on weekends and during busy periods. Reservations can be made by calling 706-344-1547, Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. or online. Cancellations must be made seven days in advance of a reservation for a refund. A $10 per room cancellation fee will be applied to all cancellations.
Where do I check in to begin my hike to the Hike Inn?
All guests must check in at the Visitors Center which is in Amicalola Falls State Park, just inside the park entrance. When you check in, you will be directed where to park your car near the trailhead at the top of Amicalola Falls.
When must I check in?
All guests must check in at the Visitors Center at Amicalola Falls State Park by 2 p.m. The check-in time is strictly enforced. Late arrivals will not be permitted to hike to the Hike 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 and arrive in time for our daily facility tour at 5p.m.
Facilities & Amenities
Can I bring my children?
Yes, the Hike Inn loves kids and welcomes families. A family of three can stay in the same room if the child is 12 years of age or younger. 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 or younger. Games and age-appropriate books are available for children.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, the Hike Inn does not allow pets. Guests who require the aid of a service animal and meet all ADA requirements are permitted.
Are there really no electrical outlets in the bunkrooms?
That’s right. We want to promote an atmosphere of ‘unplugging’, but please use our solar charging station in the lobby if you need to top off your camera charge. Electrical outlets (and hair dryers) are available in the bathhouse.
Is the Hike Inn completely off the grid?
Not quite, but with the grants from All Points North Foundation and Southface Institute’s GoodUse program for photovoltaic solar, we are getting closer. For more information, please visit our conservation page.
During the winter, will I be warm enough, or should I bring my sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags are welcome, but we also have plenty of blankets and heaters to keep you cozy.
Can you tell me more about the bunkrooms?
It’s important to understand that the Hike Inn is not a hotel. There are 20 bedrooms (we call them bunkrooms). The rooms are all alike, except the 12 rooms that adjoin adjacent rooms 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 [6'7"]), shelves, a stool for sitting and a mirror. And while the rooms are private, the walls are thin.
Group Rates
The Hike Inn accommodates group bookings. Anyone looking to reserve 12 or more rooms will be required to rent the entire inn. Group rates are based on double occupancy rates for all 20 rooms with a maximum number of 40 hikers and are limited to weekdays. A $200 gratuity is added to all group rentals. 50% of the deposit is required at the time of booking with the remainder being due one month later. Groups that cancel must do so one month in advance of arrival and will be refunded their deposit minus a $200 cancellation fee. No refunds are issued if cancellation occurs within a month of your reservation. Please email us at reservations@hike-inn.com to check availability.
Can I get a discount for multiple rooms?
The Hike Inn does not offer discounts for multi room reservations or participate in any type of discount programs
EMERGENCY
In an emergency, how could someone contact me when I’m on the trail or at the Hike Inn?
Please understand that we are a remote location 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.
ACTIVITIES
What is there to do while I’m at the Hike Inn?
In the Sunrise Room, we offer board games, puzzles and books for your enjoyment. We have a 5 p.m. tour daily to show you the sustainable features of the Hike Inn. We also offer a diverse array of evening programs. In some seasons, we meet visitors at the trailhead and join them for a wildflower or photography walk. Many people hike to Springer Mountain and back or ask our knowledgeable staff about shorter hikes. Many prefer to simply relax in an Adirondack chair on the Sunrise Room porch or at Star Base. From either location, one can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
How far is it from the Hike Inn to the Appalachian Trail?
Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT, is a 4.4-mile hike (8.8 miles round trip) from the Hike Inn. Most guests who hike to Springer Mountain spend two nights at the Hike Inn, allowing a full day for the hike.
FOOD & MEALS
What time are the meals served?
Dinner is at 6:00 PM and breakfast is 8:00 at AM.
I have special dietary requirements. How are these handled?
It is important that you clearly convey any special dietary needs to the reservations agent when making your reservations. We can provide vegetarian and vegan meals, but only with advanced notice. We can also make accommodations for most food allergies with advanced notice.
Do you serve lunch?
Trail lunches may be purchased for overnight guests and those spending multiple nights for $12 each. Three sandwich choices (meat, veggie, peanut butter), trail mix and a large cookie.
Sorry, we are not able to provide trail lunches for day hikers.
POLICIES
What’s the big deal about not wanting me to bring my cell phone and handheld gaming device?
At the Hike Inn we try to offer our guests a retreat away from the busy world. We want them to enjoy a restful time free from the bustle of everyday life. When we see people using cell phones in public areas, we wait until their call ends and politely request that they not make more calls in common areas. We do not have public phones at the Hike Inn.
You are welcome to bring your phone to use as a camera and/or reading device, most people do these days and we completely understand that. We simply ask that you do not make phone calls, play music from your phone, or watch videos in the commons areas where other guests are trying to unplug from technology.
I’m a smoker. Please clarify your policy on smoking.
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 porch at the front of the Hike Inn. There are containers for cigarette butts.
What is the Hike Inn’s policy regarding alcoholic beverages?
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. This is in accordance with our being part of the State Park System.
Are mountain bikes or horses allowed?
No. The trail and the Hike Inn are for foot travel only.
CONTRIBUTIONS
How do I contribute to help support the Hike Inn?
The Hike Inn is operated by a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization: The Len Foote Hike Inn, Inc. We appreciate donations and will use them to support our mission: “Protecting Georgia’s natural resources through education and recreation.” If you need more specific information — like our tax ID number — please contact us at staff@hike-inn.com.
LEN FOOTE
Who is Len Foote?
The name Leonard E. Foote is not accidentally linked with the Hike lnn's unique backcountry setting, commitment to the outdoors, and mission of teaching conservation ethics, outdoor safety, and preservation of wilderness. Leonard was a leading conservationist, biologist, and nature photographer who lived and worked in Georgia until his death in May 1989. Leonard Foote was a man of many talents and abilities that he devoted to preserving and studying the beauty of the outdoors. We hope to carry on his work by offering people not only a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also the tools to treasure and protect the beauty they see.
PARTNERS
Do you have corporate or organizational partners?
Yes, we have partnered with companies and not-for-profit organizations who have donated equipment, volunteers and expertise to our cause or worked with us on improving our sustainability initiatives. They include Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Georgia Conservancy, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, REI, Southface Institute, VerdeSol, All Points North Foundation, Radiance Solar, Soenso Solar Energy and Suncatcher of Atlanta. If your company or organization would like to become part of our mission, please ask a staff or board member
Does the Hike Inn donate night stays to fund raising events?
Yes, we do support local non-profits who share the same goals as ourselves in promoting the protection of Georgia’s natural resources through education and conservation. As a non-profit we have a limited number of donated nights available each calendar year. Please make requests in the calendar year the event is being held. Please email your requests with all event information to reservations@hike-inn.com.
