Len Foote Inn

 Last summer our Chapter visited Gibbs Garden in Dawsonville and were told about a nearby hike-in by the name of Len Foote Inn.  Trish and others talked about what a great experience they had while visiting.  So we scheduled February 7, 8, 9 a trip to see what it was all about.  The hike ascends from Amicalola State Park in Dawsonville.

It is one of the most popular mountain trails in the North Georgia Blue Ridge.  The five mile journey to the Inn took us across small streams, transverse scenic ridges and ambled through stands of mountain laurel and rhododendron.  We witnessed giant White Oaks, Persimmon and many other trees and plants.  As typical day hikers we had great relief when we reached the Inn as we were packing in for a three day event. 

T he Inn experience did not disappoint as they offered us many comforts of home in a rustic and beautiful setting.  A soft bed, a warm shower and a hot meal awaited us.  Not luxurious but comfortable. 

The tour of the Inn shared its conservation efforts through a self contained facility with solar panels, composting and design of the buildings to take advantage of the mountain grade without disruption of the soil.  We were told to be ready for beautiful sunrises but the cloud cover had other plans. 

Our mission on day two was to reach the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.  We had to step on the trail after reaching it to validate bragging rights that we had been there.  This round trip took five and a half hours with 1.877 feet of elevation gain and 9.70 miles of trekking around beautiful fields of Rhododendron and massive forest through ridges and gorges.  We heard nothing but nature and social conversation. 

Our first two days were mostly cloudy with spring like temperatures.  As we departed the Inn to return to the State Park and our cars, we experienced off and on light showers.  We were blessed with great weather over all.  As we descended and heard the return to traffic noise we had the reality of the peace we had experienced for the past three days and the wakeup call that we had to reenter into reality.  We finished our journey with a Kum ba yah moment to confirm our closeness to new and old friends.  Everyone had a smile on their face! 

Our journey explained why this is considered one of the “Best American Hikes”.  

If you would like to see some very nice photos taken during this adventure, click here or on the "Hikers" picture.