While many Georgians know about the beautiful Amicalola Falls and the start of the Appalachian Trail in Dawsonville, many don’t know that nestled between these two destinations is another beautiful landmark: The Len Foote Hike Inn. This lodge in the woods is an amazing blend of hiking trail accommodation and conservation education, making it an unforgettable experience.
My trip to the Hike Inn started at the Amicalola State Park parking lot, which provided numerous parking spaces and clear directions to the start of the trail. While on the trail, I noticed a few things that stood out to me as a novice hiker who grew up going to Stone Mountain Park, which I truly appreciated. The trail was well-maintained with proper infrastructure, including wooden and stone steps, making the 5-mile hike to the inn less difficult. Water bars kept rainwater from covering the trail, and bridges and boardwalks helped keep you above the wetter areas. The best addition, however, was the numerous wooden benches, providing either a great place to take a break or offering a beautiful mountain view—or what I could assume would be a fantastic view in better weather.
The main attraction, however, comes after the roughly 3-hour hike: the Inn itself. Founded in 1998 by Leonard E. Foote, the Inn was built with a vision of preserving the land’s natural beauty. Its structure is elevated on stilts, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Greeted by a friendly staff comprised of both employees and volunteers, I was given a tour of what guests can expect. Once checked in, a guest receives a linen bag and a key to one of the 20 rooms available. Guests also have the opportunity to explore the different buildings and surrounding areas of the Inn. What stood out to me was the Sun Rise Room, a community room where board games are kept, and, as the name might spoil, a beautiful sunrise takes place every day.
The daily 5:00 p.m. facility tour highlights the Inn’s commitment to environmental responsibility, from its renewable energy sources, rainwater collection systems, and composting toilets to its innovative vermiculture program. In the worm room, red wiggler worms help recycle 95% of the Inn’s organic waste, consuming up to 50% of their body weight daily and turning it into valuable fertilizer for the native plants and trees. At 7:00 p.m., a personalized class is hosted by one of the staff members, offering lessons about wildlife, hiking tips and tricks, or other helpful and fun topics.
However, this isn’t only for hiking enthusiasts—it’s also a place of education. The Inn regularly hosts students from schools around Atlanta, where they can learn about native plants, local history, outdoor adventures, and conservation efforts. The Hike Inn fosters a love of the outdoors, especially among younger generations.
This day was truly one to remember, from the amazing trail and friendly staff to the valuable lessons and the cozy Inn itself. My desire has always been to hike the Appalachian Trail, and with the start of the trail only being 4 miles away, I know I’ll be back before I take that first step on that long journey.
