Len Foote Hike Inn Loop (Dawson County, Georgia)

 

In an effort to keep the momentum going, I decided to hike to and stay at the famous Len Foote Hike Inn for this first weekend of the new year. Unlike last year though, I posted this as an event on the Meetup I occasionally lead hikes for, explaining that attendees would need to secure lodging on their own at the inn if they wished to participate. I've always wanted to stay at the inn when there is snow on the ground, but I've never timed it correctly and based on the forecast, I don't think this year will fair any better. We're expecting cold temperatures, but no precipitation until later tomorrow afternoon.

Planning to depart our meeting place at the top of Amicalola Falls promptly at 1:00 PM, I arrived at the park and checked in with the Inn well before that. When I reached the parking area at the top of the falls, I was greeted by a friend from the hiking group that had signed up, as well as one other woman. This other woman was introduced to me and we began chatting. She was planning to do the hike, but due to other obligations would not be spending the night at the inn and would return on her own. Fine by me. While we waited for the appointed start time, we walked part of the way down the steps and took a slightly different view of the waterfall, which is the tallest in Georgia. 

Getting close to our departure time, we walked back to the parking area and were joined by another gentleman who had signed and whom I've hiked with before. As we had all had a chance to learn each other's names in these few minutes leading up to the start time and as no no one else had shown up, started our hike right on time, as I always like to do. 

The four of us began making our way up the hillside along the Len Foot Hike Inn Trail. This forms the eastern side of the full loop we will be making. After spending the night at the inn, we'll return on the other part of the loop, known as the AT Approach Trail, as it leads from Amicalola Falls to the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

We made great time and arrived at the inn around 3:00pm. Our fourth member had turned back just before the final push as she didn't want to be hiking in the dark. The remaining three members of our party each checked in and agreed to meet for the tour at 5:00pm. Leading up to that time, I enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate in the dining area and then took a quick shower. One of the charms of this inn is the ability to take a hot (well, warm) shower in the middle of the woods. I'm an avid backpacker and perfectly fine with going a few days without one if necessary, but if a shower is a available, I'm going to take full advantage of it.

Meeting in the toasty warm lobby just before 5:00pm along with many other guests of the inn, our host took us on a short tour of the facility. I've done this tour each time I've stayed at the inn, but I've always enjoyed it. The inn is owned by the state of Georgia, but managed by a non-profit. They have gained much notoriety and even some awards over the years for their environmentally friendly practices. 

After the tour, we head to the main dining hall, where we are joined by all guests. A bell rings out to signal dinner time and we sit down to enjoy a warm meal. On the menu tonight is turkey breast, mixed vegetables, and wild rice with a blueberry cobbler for desert. It's a hearty meal and quite delicious. Our group begins chatting with other folks sitting nearby during our meal and we all comment about how magical this place is. The Len Foot Hike Inn is truly one of my favorite places in the state.

As dinner concludes, some of us head down to the sun room and enjoy conversation around the wood burning stove while some groups play board games, assemble puzzles, or just read a book. It's a pleasant way to spend an evening among like-minded adventurers. Around 8:30pm though, I decided to head back to my room and listen to an audio book I had started on the drive up. Walking between the buildings on a cold night like this can be chilly, but with a warm room and blankets to crawl under awaiting me, it shouldn't alter my great mood.

Listening to the audio book for only a short time, I decided to cut the lights and try to fall asleep before too long and did with no effort. Though unusual for me, I had to use the restroom a couple of times during the night. Unlike at home, this requires me to get dressed and walk back outside to the bathhouse and the cold air hitting my face was an unpleasant reminder of the time of night. It must have been that cup of coffee I had with dinner. I almost never drink coffee.

I got up just before sunrise, got fully dressed and walked out to the Star Lounge to watch the magnificent dawning of a new day. Many others were already here and we all snapped photos while sipping our morning coffee as our mother star broke through an array of orange an pink clouds to bring light to our part of the world once more. Truly magnificent.

After a hearty break fast of bacon, eggs, and grits, I head back to my room, strip my sheets, and finish packing my bag. I met up with my hiking mates in the lobby and began our hike back around 9:30am. It's a bit colder this morning and I hiked with my gloves on for a bit, before the activity warmed me enough to not notice the frigid air. There is weather on the way and the cloudy skies confirm this, but hopefully, we can get back before it hits. 

We make great time and deal with few light drizzly periods on our way back, but nothing significant. The AT Approach Trail is just slightly longer and more challenging than it's counterpart on the other side of the loop, but that's okay, I wanted a good workout this morning. My friends seem to be managing well and in what seems like no time at all, we've made it back to our cars. We say our goodbyes and drive off into a new day. Total distance hiked over the two days was 9.9 glorious miles.

First Day Hike: Falls to Farm (White County, Georgia)

 

It's the dawn of a new year and I want to start it out right with some good trail miles. Many of the Georgia State Parks offer "first day hikes", but I decided to repeat one I did two years ago and hike from "Falls to Farm". This 11ish mile supported hike will take me from Anna Ruby Falls through the streets of Helen, GA and all the way to Hardman Farm. It was a great experience when I did it in 2023 and hopefully, the 2025 edition will be the same.

I woke early and drove mostly in the dark to the check-in at Hardman Farm. The roads were barren, as most people were probably up celebrating into the wee hours. Arriving at the parking area, I easily found a spot and walked down the stairs to the visitor center, where volunteers checked me in and explained the itinerary of the morning.

The shuttles would take all hikers from here to Anna Ruby Falls visitor's center around 8:15 and from there we would begin our hike. Support stations would be available at Unicoi State Park and just outside the Bierhalle in Helen. Upon finishing the hike back here at the Hardman Farm, we would be greeted by a warm bowl of chili with all the fixins. Sounds like a wonderful plan to me. 

The ride to the falls was uneventful and a young college student sat next to me. We chatted about the hike. Once we arrived, I striped off my puffy jacket and stood for a group picture. It's cold this morning, but I know I would be burning up if I kept that jacket on. The 'be bold; start cold' has served me well in the past. As I started up the paved path to the water fall, the young man held my pace and we continued our conversation along the way. Reaching the falls, I stopped for a couple of pictures and then made the turn and my way up to the Smith Creek Trail, which would lead down to Unicoi State Park. 

As usual, I kept a good pace and passed a few hikers along the way. It's great to be out here this morning. The air is brisk, but renewing. And though, I was a bit cold when I started out, I soon feel good about my decision to pack the jacket into my backpack. 

This section of the trail is pretty uneventful, though it is gorgeous with just a touch of morning frost. The path crosses a couple of small streams that empty into Smith Creek below. The first of these requires a little bit of rock hopping, but nothing terribly difficult and everyone seems to make it without any wet shoes or worse. 

At one point, I miss a switchback and continue further down the trail, which has been worn pretty well. I suspect others have made that same mistake, but before long, I realize my mistake and turn back. Either way would have gotten me to the park, but I had might as well stick with the planned route. 

Arriving at Unicoi, we're greeted by more volunteers who offer us water and granola bars. I seem to remember this stop having breakfast sandwiches two years ago, but that could be just a wishful memory. I gratefully take a bar and a sip of water. The young man that had been hiking with me seems to have been taxed by my pace and wants to stay here and rest for a few minutes. I wish him well and continue the hike, having only stopped for a minute or two.

Continuing through the park along some of the roads, we soon hit the start of the Unicoi to Helen trail, which will take us through the woods and into the streets of Helen, GA, which is a quaint little Bavarian-inspired hamlet famous for it's Oktoberfest celebration. The trails through here are very easy and I make pretty quick work of the miles involved. 

Before long, I've reached Helen and the path continues through the streets. As I pass the Bierhalle, I ask the volunteers manning this second support station if there is a restroom nearby. The point me to a public park just ahead and once I reach it, I take a moment to relieve myself. From here, it will be a road and paved path walk the rest of the way to Hardman Farm. There are a few people out on the streets this morning breathing the fresh air of a near year. It's encouraging to see this much activity.

Arriving at the farm, I'm greeted by even more volunteers and congratulated on my speed. I was among the first five to complete the 10.8 mile hike and did so in about three-and-a-half hours. I wasn't trying to race anyone, but I did want to get a pretty good workout from the event. 

As I enjoy my bowl of chili, I begin a conversation with a nice woman about the hike and other similar events. The chili is delicious and most welcomed after a good hike. The volunteers explain that we are a welcome to join a guided tour of the main house of the farm, but as it will be take nearly an hour, neither I nor my new friend want to commit to that much time and instead decide just to walk over and view the house from the outside on our own. We chat along the way and compare notes from the hike before saying our goodbyes and returning to the parking area. 

Just as last time, this was a wonderful event and I'm glad I started the new year off this way. The weather was a bit chilly, but overall great for something like this. Now, as I begin my journey into a new year, I can only hope for good health and great adventure. I wish the same for you.

East Palisades to the Bamboo Forest (Fulton County, Georgia)

I haven't been able to hike as much these past couple of weeks just due to family obligations, but this morning, I'm going to get a chance to put in a few miles. I decided to revisit the East Palisades section of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. It's a great section of the river and has a couple of especially interesting points, specifically the bamboo forest. More on that later. 

It's a brisk morning as I leave the car, but in true hiker fashion, I proceed with the "be bold, start cold" motto and leave my coat in the car. The trail crosses a bridge over Long Island Creek and then almost immediately splits. I take the left branch and will be returning on the other side at the end of this hike. Almost immediately, I'm hiking alongside the Chattahoochee River. The rock-laden shoals provide places to stand for a number of Canadian Geese, who are out sunning themselves. The trail network here is well-marked and nearly every junction has a map placard.

Before too long, I decide to head inland and one of the junctions. I'm hoping that being further from the water and forcing myself to tackle some of the hills will warm me up a bit. It works and now only about twenty minutes into the hike, I'm thankful for my decision to hike with only a fleece over my torso. The puffy jacket I left in the car would have been far too much.

Reaching the summit of the hill, the trail follows the ridge for a while and then starts back down towards an observation deck, high above the river. There are a few teenagers here, but they politely move aside when I ask if might get in for a picture. From here, one can see the river far below and some high-rise buildings in the distance and on the opposite side of the river. After all, we're basically in Atlanta-proper.

Continuing on, I hit the northern end of the loop and then continue north toward the bamboo forest. I'll be returning to this point on the way back. This section takes me right beside the river once again and another hiker has decided to rock hop the across the shoals to get out into the middle of the shallow river. Must be cold out there. In the summer, I might consider doing the same, but for now, I'm more interested in the bamboo forest.

Another three-quarters of a mile, and I see the first bamboo stalks rising up for the shore. Most of these rise forty or more feet towards the blue skies and have a diameter of 6-10 inches. Truly monster bamboo. They are packed in densely and this 'forest' continues north for a maybe a hundred yards. I take some time to walk around and take a few pictures. I especially like shooting straight up and allowing the leafy stalks to converge towards the center of the picture. 

As I start my walk back, I hear the sound of bamboos talks 'clanking' against each other. Some of the stalks are mostly hollow and it makes for disconcerting creaking and knocking sounds. Leaving the forest area, I see a few others entering. This is a popular novelty for hikers to visit. Soon, I'm back at the junction and headed back towards the car. This eastern part of the loop stays much lower than the western side I hiked in on. It also follows the small trickle of a creek and requires me to traverse some steep sections covered in tree roots.

Crossing another couple of bridges, I get back to the car and check my distance. I was able to hike about 4.2 miles this morning. Given that I have other plans this afternoon, I think this was a pretty ideal situation and it's always great to visit this little section of wilderness in the city. I would say this is probably one of my favorite hikes close to the city.

Cochran Mill (Fulton County, Georgia)

 

I haven't done a lot of the Hiking League Meetup's Sunday hikes this year, but when I saw that my friend posted one for Cochran Mill, it seemed like a great chance to reconnect with friends and revisit one of my favorite areas in the region. Cochran Mill was actually one of the first hikes I did with this group when I moved to Atlanta just over five years ago. With all of the water features It was a nice change from all of the desert hiking I had done over the previous two-or-so decades. It quickly became a favorite and I haven't returned in a couple of years. I'll fix that today.

I arrived at the parking area a few minutes before the scheduled start and began rounding up hikers. We used the kiosk to pay the $5 parking fee and soon thereafter, the organizer arrived with a carload of friends. We embraced and spend the next little bit catching up on our respective adventures. Always great to see these folks.

With the standard round of introductions, we hit the trails. First we crossed the road and the foot bridge over Bear Creek to give everyone a chance to take pictures of Cochran Mill Falls and the remains of the mill that once stood here. Now, all that's left are a couple of portions of stone walls. It's actually a very picturesque spot.

Once everyone got their shots, we dropped down to walk north beside the creek, stopping periodically to take in the marvelous scenery. All the while, I was chatting with friends, both new and old, about various adventures from our respective pasts. Time seemed to slow down as we meandered through the autumn woods, though we were moving at a good pace. The leaves have nearly all fallen off the trees by this time of year and we're offered great views of the creek and surrounding hillsides. 

Stopping by another small waterfall that in the past we have actually jumped across, we take a short break for lunch. I enjoy some jerky and cashews, while others eat whatever they brought with them. Quickly, we're moving again and end up doubling back on a section as the organizer changes his mind slightly on the route he wants to take. No matter.

Soon, we're back near the cars and while some hikers choose to road walk back to the parking area, I and several others make a second pass by Cochran Mill Falls before returning. All in all, we hiked about 8.3 miles and it was pretty glorious. After the hike, many of us met up at a nearby Mexican restaurant and enjoyed some dinner and/or drinks. It's always great to reconnect with these good folks.

Atlanta Fall Colors Kayak Tour - Fort Yargo (Barrow County, Georgia)

 

I've been wanting to get my kayak out onto Fort Yargo Lake all summer, but never got around to it. My biggest concern was the need to do some work on my roof rack before hauling my kayak and just never found the time. When I saw that REI was hosting a fall colors kayak tour at the park, it seemed a good chance to enjoy it without the overhead of the roof rack work.

Meeting up with the group at Section B of the park, we did some introduction and then the guide gave a quick overview of the day and some basic paddling instruction. She was friendly and a good instructor. Soon, we put the boats in the water and began paddling the calm waters of Fort Yargo Lake. 

It's was a beautiful day and while some of the autumn colors had already fallen from the trees, there was enough remaining to stimulate the visuals. Browns, oranges, and the occasional red foliage put everyone in a fall mood. The temperature was just right for kayaking, reaching a high of around 64°.

We paddled east and then north along the lake for a total of about 3.5 miles. There was enough of a breeze to keep it interesting and we saw a little bit of wildlife including a log with a number of turtles sunning themselves. Overall it was a very easy paddle, but a great experience and I'm glad I was able to get outside.

Holiday Lights 5k (Cherokee County, Georgia)

 

Though, I've run a lot of foot races over the past ten or so years, I generally only write about those that are 10-miles long or longer. I'm making an exception with this one due to it's uniqueness. Every year the small community of Canton, Georgia decorates their Veteran's Park with a large number of Christmas Light installations. These range from Santa Clause and his reindeer to the Loch Ness Monster. When I learned that they hold a 5k race through these lights, it seemed a great opportunity to check out something new.

It's about an hour's drive from my house to Canton and once I arrived at the designated parking area, I had to wait in line for about 20 minutes to catch a shuttle bus to the park. It's a little cool standing out on a late November evening in my running cloths without actually running just yet, but it wasn't that bad.

Once at the park, I quickly checked in and used the restroom before heading towards the starting area. Because there were delays in getting everyone from the parking area to the park, they had delayed the start by a few minutes. Now with the shuttling complete, all of the runners and walkers were ready to start and with a quick countdown, we made our way through a tunnel of Christmas Lights. 

I'm all for fun runs, which are very very friendly to children and families that want to walk, but I really wish they would have two separate events here. Combining runners, walkers, and a dark course illuminated only by Christmas Lights seems like a recipe for disaster. I can't count how many times I almost collided with someone, nearly ran over a small child who was zig-zagging across the path, or potentially tripped on a speed bump or electrical cord stretched across the road. Eventually this became so bad that I gave up running and walked the majority of the route. I just didn't feel that I could safely navigate without injuring myself or someone else. 

That said though, it was a cool event and I enjoyed running through the various decorations. My favorite may have been Santa driving a Jeep Wrangler (ah, how I miss mine). After completing two and a half laps around the park, I turned into the lighted 'finisher's tunnel' and completed the race. It really was a fun time, but as I said, it would be much more enjoyable and safer if they separated it into a 5k and a fun run as different events.

Appalachian Trail - Hogpen Gap to Low Gap Shelter (White County, Georgia)

 

Earlier this year, I had set a goal for myself to hike the remaining sections of the Georgia Appalachian Trail (AT) that I had not yet hiked. I knocked out a few sections in the spring and had a plan and schedule to finish up in the fall. Summers are no time to be tackling challenging hikes in this region due to the excessive heat and humidity. Unfortunately, a little storm named Hurricane Helene came through around the end of September and damaged some sections of the trail. I postponed a planned hike and delayed my schedule. I don't expect to finish these sections this year, but I'm still going to try to knock out a few and then hopefully, in the early part of next year finish off the list. Today though, I'm leading the meetup group along the section I cancelled a couple of months back, Hogpen Gap to Low Gap Shelter. 

Meeting the group at one of the three parking areas near Hogpen Gap, the four of us did a quick round of introductions and then quickly hit the trail. Most of the leaves have already fallen, but a few autumn colors remain. The trail is easy to follow, even with the leaves covering it in most places. Though there are a couple of moderate uphill sections, this part of the AT is pretty easy by all of our standards and we make good time.

Reaching the shelter, we stop to have a short lunch break. It's a nice group of people and we have some great conversation on a number of topics. The shelter itself is one of the nicest I've encountered on the AT. It seems very sturdy and includes a picnic table, where we enjoy our snacks. After this short break, we turn around head back the way we came. 

The entire trail was pretty uneventful, but it was nice to get outside again. When we reach our cars, everyone thanks me for leading the hike on such a day with such great weather. Our hike covered about 9.6 miles, including the little spur of the main trail to the shelter. Over that distance, we had around 1,700 feet of elevation change, though it was mild enough to not be all that noticeable. With temperatures starting in the low 50's and reaching the low 60's by the time we were back at our cars, the weather really was perfect.