I love discovering unique overnights, and when I first heard about the Len Foote Hike Inn, I was immediately intrigued.
What makes this overnight stay so unique is that the only way for guests to reach this inn is via a 5-mile hike on foot, so leave your horse and bike at home. You can’t drive to the inn, which makes the journey and anticipation of arriving at Georgia’s only backcountry lodge part of the built-in adventure.
After experiencing an overnight stay, I understand why so many guests come back and even volunteer over the years. There’s something really special about this place that you have to experience firsthand to truly appreciate its simplistic intention.
The non-profit inn’s mission is “Protecting Georgia’s natural resources through education and recreation.”
Thanks again to Destination Dawsonville for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
Who is the Hike Inn Named After?
The Inn is named after Leonard E. Foote, a conservationist, nature photographer, and biologist who lived and worked in Georgia.
Unfortunately, Leonard passed in 1989 before the inn, named in his honor, opened in November 1998. His legacy continues to inspire staff and guests to protect the beauty of the surrounding area for generations to come.
What to Know Before You Hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn
You need to plan ahead for your hike in terms of timing and logistics.
It can take hikers anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to reach the inn, with the average for guests being 3 hours.
All guests must check in by 2 PM at the latest before hiking to the inn.
Midweek guests check in at the Visitor Center at Amicalola Falls State Park. If you’re arriving on the weekend or holidays, you must call 706-344-1547 and provide your name, reservation, cell phone number, number in your party, car tag or description of your vehicle, and the time you are starting your hike to the inn.
It’s recommended to arrive before noon on weekends and holidays for parking.
Late arrivals aren’t permitted to hike to the inn for safety reasons, to allow enough time to enjoy the hike, and attend the daily faculty tour.
We had a hearty breakfast at Amicalola Falls State Park so that we didn’t need to bother with packing a lunch for our hike to the inn.
Arrive a Day Early
I’d recommend planning to stay another night at the state park before hiking to the inn. Amicalola Falls State Park offers lodging, camping, and glamping on-site.
We had a 6.5-hour drive from the Cincinnati metro to the Dawsonville area, and it was nice to have some time to relax before making our hike the following day.
We stayed in Safari tents by “Timberline Glamping at Amicalola“, located within the campground area of the park.
Our safari tent had a cozy vibe with fun decor, two queen-sized beds, a desk, a mini fridge, a Keurig coffee maker, electrical outlets, ceiling fans, and both air conditioning and heating units.
Outside, there’s a wood fire ring, a charcoal grill, camp chairs, a picnic table, and string lights to make the evening more magical. Guests have access to the campground bathhouse, located a short walk from the tents.
We hiked from the Visitor Center to the base of Amicalola Falls and back to the Visitor Center parking lot as a warm-up before our big hike.
The parking area for overnight guests is near the trailhead at the top of Amicalola Falls. You also need to have a parking pass from the Visitors Center.
The Journey to the Len Foote Hike Inn
The hike is considered moderate, and you’ll be going uphill more on the way to the inn.
Tip – take a picture at the beginning of your hike, and once you reach the inn. Then you’ll have a time stamp of your time if you want to track how long it took you to complete the hike.
We started our hike at 11:24 AM and arrived at the inn at 2:24 PM, stopping for pictures and water breaks.
The following day, we left the inn at 9:28 AM and arrived at the trailhead parking lot at 12:07 PM.
Most guests are packed up before breakfast and depart the inn after breakfast.
The trail is well-marked with distance updates and lime green symbols along the way as you travel through the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
There are a few areas during the hike where hikers can rest on a log if they need a break before continuing.
I really enjoyed the section of the trail consisting of a series of multiple boards to walk across, surrounded by different types of vegetation.
It mixed up the hike and built curiosity if we were getting super close to the inn. We were closer… but still had a ways to go.
I’ll admit I was ready to be done toward the end of our hike to the inn because my body was tired from the hike and our bonus hike earlier that morning.
The good news is that the hike will go faster and be easier on the way back. You’ll go over some small streams and weave up and down the mountains along the way.
When we finally arrived at the Hike Inn, we were sweaty, and I was ready to relax after a shower.
Check in at the Len Foote Hike Inn
The inn was a very welcome sight after hiking for 5+ miles that day.
At check-in, we received our room number and a tote bag with our bedding and towels for the duration of our stay.
I was grateful for our arrival time, which gave us plenty of time to shower and nap before the staff tour of the property.
Bunkhouse Room Tour at The Len Foote Hike Inn
After checking in, we went directly to our room.
This isn’t a “hotel” or a traditional hotel room. Thankfully, your bedding is provided so that you don’t have to carry it there on your back.
The design of the inn is very intentional, including the size of your room and the size of the common spaces.
Your room is small on purpose because it encourages you to enjoy the scenery and meet other guests staying at the inn.
The single mattress is extra long at 6’7″, which was great for my husband, who is 6’4.
The room features shelving, a mirror, and hooks for hanging items on.
There are 20 private bunkrooms at the inn that are all the same size. 12 of the rooms can adjoin adjacent rooms, which makes it easier for families and groups.
The rooms are private, but the walls are thin, so be mindful of your volume levels during your stay.
I actually like that the rooms were all the same because it was also an equalizer. All of the guests had a similar experience without the option to upgrade.
There is a mounted circulating fan to help keep you cool during the warmer months, and additional blankets and heaters to keep you warm during the cooler months.
I also want to note that our room was spotless upon arrival. Another perk of the hike was that we slept great that night.
There are no electrical outlets in the rooms, but a solar charging station is available for guests in the lobby. We brought portable chargers with built-in cords, which allowed us to keep our phones close by.
It’s all about managing expectations and I was grateful for just having a private space with a locking door where I could lay my head for a brief nap after my shower before we toured the property.
It was great to have some time to relax and lie down for a bit after several hours of hiking.
The real magic of the inn is outside your room, connecting to the environment and interacting with others during your stay.
Bathhouse at Len Foote Hike Inn
I’ll be honest. The bathroom situation was one of the first things that I tried to find more information about online before our visit.
I was relieved to discover that their compostable toilet was very different than an outhouse.
You don’t see the waste, and there wasn’t any smell in the bathroom. The bathhouse offers several private single-use bathrooms for guests to use.
The Len Foote Hike Inn also has soap and shampoo available in the bathhouse. There are separate facilities for men and women with showers, sinks with mirrors, and blow dryers.
Another important note is that the showers were hot thanks to the solar thermal water heating system. I didn’t anticipate it, but I really appreciated the warm shower.
Don’t Miss the Tour of the Property by Staff
There’s a daily tour at 5 PM, led by staff, that highlights the sustainable features and practices at the Hike Inn, which is open year-round.
When it comes to conservation and daily practices, the inn practices what it preaches, highlighting its mindful efforts in every aspect of your stay, including composting, renewable energy from solar power, and rainwater collection.
You’ll also hear stories about the backpacks displayed on the wall, learn about the local vegetation, and have opportunities to ask staff questions along the way.
The design of the common spaces was inspired by Japanese tea houses, allowing plenty of natural light to enter the spaces during the day and also helping regulate temperatures inside.
The structures are built on stilts to lessen the impact on the mountainside.
You’ll learn about Star Base, an archeoastronomy site designed around the celestial calendar, which marks the seasonal variations of the sunrise.
A fascinating part of the tour was when we had the opportunity to view the worm beds. The red wiggler worms go to work, turning organic waste into organic fertilizer.
I also found learning about the waste composting process really interesting, which thankfully has no visuals.
Family-Style Meals at Len Foot Hike Inn
I was relieved that we didn’t need to pack food for the duration of our stay. I don’t enjoy cooking or meal prepping anyway, which made the meals by their staff taste even better.
There isn’t assigned seating, which allows you to break bread with guests of all ages and walks of life during your meals.
We sat with different guests for both of our meals, which added so much value to our experience.
A family-style dinner at 6 PM and breakfast at 8 AM are included in the price of your stay.
There is a zero food waste goal for every meal, which means that guests are encouraged to only take what they’ll eat.
There are opportunities for seconds after everyone is served, just don’t break the smiley face streak on the board that celebrates zero food waste.
During our visit, we had pulled pork, wild rice, mixed vegetables, salad, and rolls for dinner, and blackberry cobbler for dessert.
For breakfast, we enjoyed eggs, grits, sausage, biscuits, and gravy.
If you’re staying for additional nights, trail lunches are available for purchase. Guests can choose a meat, veggie, or peanut butter sandwich, served with trail mix and a large cookie.
If you have special dietary needs, communicate them to the staff while making your reservation. With enough advanced notice, they can provide vegetarian and vegan meals.
Guests have access to coffee, water, lemonade, and tea throughout their day. You may notice an assortment of labeled glasses and mugs along the windowsill in the dining area.
Guests are encouraged to help reduce water waste by labeling their glasses and mugs to reuse during their stay.
Evening Programs at The Hike Inn
I’d also recommend partaking in the evening programs that range from education, nature talks, Appalachian Trail history, nature photography, and more
Two student volunteers gave a fantastic presentation about Grandma Gatewood after dinner.
I remembered seeing signs for the Grandma Gatewood Trail during previous visits to Hocking Hills in Ohio, but I honestly didn’t know her backstory, and it’s truly an inspiration.
Unplug, Rest, and Relax
The setting is intentional, including a rare opportunity to unplug and unwind. There are plenty of Adirondack chairs on the Sunrise Room porch and at Star Base, they also have porch swings near the entry.
Guests are encouraged to unplug during their visit and refrain from making calls, watching videos, or playing music in public areas to be mindful of others who are trying to unplug.
Not to worry, it’s very common for guests to use their phones as a camera or a reading device.
Public phones aren’t available on-site, so it’s best to make calls in your room. There aren’t outlets in the bunkrooms, so we brought our portable phone charger
Guests are requested not to bring handheld gaming devices, as this provides a great opportunity to play games together with other guests.
Community Play in the Sunrise Room
The Sunrise Room has a variety of recreation options for guests. There are games, puzzles, and books, including age-appropriate options, available for families with kids.
There is plenty of seating for gathering or reading a book by the wood-burning stove.
I even saw some guests sketching and painting.
Confession: my husband and I started with a high-count puzzle and then switched to an easier kids puzzle.
I hiked over 5 miles that day, and I have no shame in my puzzle game. Sometimes you just need an easier “win” and some childlike fun.
My husband and I also don’t have any guitar-playing skills, but if you do, you’ll have a captive audience.
Award-Worthy Conservation Efforts
The Hike Inn isn’t completely off the grid, but it’s getting closer and has the awards to prove it.
The Len Foote Hike Inn achieved the honor of a LEED Platinum award, the highest level possible in 2019, from the US Green Building Council based on water, waste, human experience, transportation, and energy.
The Len Foote Inn has kept its platinum level in the 2022 and 2025 recertifications.
Is the Hike Inn Family-Friendly and Pet-Friendly?
Yes, kids are allowed and encouraged to stay at the Inn. In fact, we had several families staying with their teenagers during our stay.
A family of three can stay in the same room if the child is 12 years old or younger, where they would sleep on a mat on the floor. Two rooms are required for families of four, and families receive discounted rates for kids 12 and under.
No pets are permitted at the inn. There’s an exception for guests who require the aid of a service animal that meets all ADA requirements.
Plan Ahead For Your Sustainable Stay
Most guests stay 1-2 nights on average. Fall and the spring tend to be the busiest seasons.
For weekend reservations, plan 3 to 4 months in advance in the spring and up to 6 months in advance during the fall.
Camp Vibes at the Len Foote Hike Inn
The Len Foote Hike Inn has camp vibes in the best way. The people who are staying at the inn want to be there, some for the first time, alongside others who’ve stayed at the inn multiple times over the years.
The common thread is an appreciation for nature and an openness to connect with others.
No alcohol is served at the inn, and open containers are prohibited in public areas in accordance with the State Park System.
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.
Sunrise and Sunsets at the Hike Inn
I’d also encourage you to enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during a sunrise or sunset.
You may be able to sleep in a bit before sunrise, depending on the time of year. The majority of guests at the inn gathered for sunrise during our visit in the fall.
Star Base is also a great spot to sit back and gaze at the stars at night.
Day Hike Options to the Appalachian Trail
If you’re staying for multiple nights, you may consider hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail.
Springer Mountain is the start or end of the AT, depending on which direction you’re coming from. From the Hike Inn, it’s a 4.4-mile hike to Springer Mountain, 8.8 miles round trip.
The Hike Inn is also an occasional stop for thru-hikers completing the Appalachian Trail.
What to Pack for the Len Foote Hike Inn
You’ll only want the essentials that you’ll feel comfortable carrying for 5 miles, 10 miles RT.
I’m typically an overpacker, but I like a challenge. I knew that I could attempt to pack “light” with everything I needed on my back because we were only staying one night.
I was glad that I brought my collapsible hiking poles for additional stability in the muddy areas and to relieve pressure from my knees while going down the inclines.
For shoes, I’d recommend hiking boots or trail runners for traction on the trail.
We each carried a backpack with additional clothes, a few snacks, a water bottle, extra toiletries, and flip-flops/ slides for the bathhouse and relaxation.
You may want to pack two shirts so that you have one to change into after your shower for dinner and a new shirt the following day. It gets cooler in the evening, so I’d recommend a zip-up hoodie or a lightweight packable puffer jacket. You can’t go wrong with leggings with pockets or joggers for bottoms.
There are also great t-shirts for sale at the inn if you don’t want to pack extra and need an excuse to buy a new shirt.
Take Hike Inn Merch Home With You
I’d also recommend purchasing a shirt as a conversation starter and a memento from such a unique adventure.
The hardest part is narrowing down all the options of colors, graphics, sleeve lengths, and textures. I opted for a short-sleeve athletic shirt that had a map on the back.
Become an Unofficial Ambassador or Join the Friends of the Inn
After you stay at the Hike Inn, you’ll understand why so many people come back for the journey, community, and the opportunity to reset and reconnect with nature.
They didn’t ask us to be ambassadors, but we can’t help ourselves. We loved our experience at the Hike Inn and have been sharing about our stay with friends and family ever since.
We’ll continue to advocate for what a special place it is to experience.
You can make it official by joining the Friends of the Inn volunteer program and serving during your next visit, or you can make a reservation for your next adventure at the Len Foote Hike Inn here.
