Glad we went? You bet! Room for some improvement? Yes,some. The hike to the inn is 5 miles and moderate in difficulty. You need not be a seasoned hiker to make this trip, but you will certainly be very tired if not in some kind of shape. The place is not as rustic as I expected. The rooms have fans and an electric light. They do not, though, have power outlets. Don't take your electronics. Not a problem. It is nice to be unplugged. Towels and sheets are provided. The rooms are functional and small. I mean really small. The picture I am attaching is of the whole room...every bit of it. The bath facilities are surprisingly nice. They have showers with hot water, soap and shampoo provided. There are several private toilet rooms. The toilets are odorless composting toilets. (They are truly odorless. They achieve the odorless part by having "negative pressure" that means there is air flowing between your legs into the toilet. Why so much time describing this? Because it is a weird sensation and come as a bit of a shock until you know what's happening. ) Dinner and breakfast are family style. They are very focused on not wasting food and make it very clear you are only to take what you will consume. Not a problem, you can have seconds if you want - plenty to go around. We found the kitchen staff and the volunteer to be very nice. The person who spoke to us at dinner and then the other who spoke at breakfast were efficient, bordering on brusk. They spoke to us like a middle school principal speaks to the group. It was assume we were going to cause problems, we were clearly being told not to be annoying. Other of the two speakers offered any sense of hospitality. The Hike Inn is a fun trip. There is not much to do once you get there. It took us 2.5 hours to make the hike. We left at 1:15, arriving at 3:45. This left time to take a shower, catch the 5:00 tour of facilities and be plenty hungry for dinner @ 6. My wife and I had a great time. I think it would be even more fun if you went with a larger group of people. read more

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A wonderful, restful, retreat after a long hike. Staff was wonderful, food delicious, and bed comfortable. They even accommodated my vegetarian diet! I look forward to staying here again, this time bringing my husband! read more

I'm ready to go again, this time bringing my friends. It was a 1 night stay, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Food was nourishing and plenty.

What an awesome spot for a relaxing but active getaway. I would definitely go back. It was a nice, moderate hike in and then so relaxing! I could spend days just hiking around and relaxing on the cozy grounds and enjoying the great views! The staff couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating; they are clearly proud of their inn. Everything was clean and carefully executed. The rooms were warm and comfortable, with shelves and hooks for your belongings. The bathhouse was clean and spacious - with warm showers and real towels. Definitely nothing like bathrooms at most lodges or campsites! The meals were absolutely delicious, and I really enjoyed the family atmosphere. Dinner was ham, veggies, amazing mac & cheese, rolls... and an awesome brownie for dessert. Breakfast was eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, cereal... There were also always drinks (tea, coffee, water, tea, lemonade) and snacks (fruit, sweets) out, which were much appreciated. Yummy!! read more

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It's our 2nd time visiting. We had a group of 47 dads and sons aged 8 - 50+. Everyone had an amazing experience. This is by far one of our favorite places to visit. The staff is friendly as always and did what they could to make is welcome. Highly recommended. read more

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This was an amazing find! I highly recommend this establishment! The staff was excellent in everything that they did. Special thanks to the cook, Jeff. It was a refreshing atmosphere, to say the least. I will be back! read more

Len Foote Hike Inn - Sunrise - Hotels Near Me - Dawsonville, Georgia

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I really, really love this place. My fiancé and I have now been here twice, once in winter and once in the spring. It's so nice to just get away from all the chaos and things to do in the city and be out in nature. We have only spent 1 night there each time, but if you are able to, I definitely recommend you stay two nights and hike to Springer Mountain and the start of the Appalachian trail. Our first trip we ended up getting a later start, and felt like we didn't have enough time to enjoy the inn. So the 2nd time, we started our hike earlier and had all afternoon to relax until dinner time at 6pm. This is an awesome place to come if you want the feel of camping, but some luxuries--such as a hot dinner and breakfast cooked for you and a well kept bathhouse. The rooms are nothing fancy, but it beats sleeping on the ground in a tent. I'm sure we will be back! (As an aside to parents--bring your kids! I think it's awesome you are getting away with the family for a weekend. But please, please, please don't let your kiddos scream for an hour as they throw corn hole bags at one another! People come out here to relax and get away....and that can be hard when your kids are going crazy!) read more

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absolutely amazing!!! such a great deal for what you pay. ran by a small team of staff and some volunteers. really feels like you are outdoors and camping but with a nice hot shower and hot meals and a bed to sleep in lol. best of both worlds. read more

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Unique lodge near Amicalola Falls that is a great stop for day hikes and a fun experience for an overnight stay. I'm not a camper, so I hesitated at first when I was invited to a 2 day hike that included a stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Looking back on my adventure, I'm glad I decided to go. Conservationists will love the Inn - the facility is LEED certified and prides itself on implementing as many sustainable practices as possible. The Inn is powered by solar panels and discourages the use of cell phones, which is a nice way to temporarily wean yourself off of social media. There are no garbage cans in the common areas - hikers must leave with the waste they generate, with the hope that you will create as little waste as possible. Food is prepared on site, and the waste generated from cooking is composted. They have an interesting way to encourage you not to waste food - I'll let you visit and find out what it is. Lodging: Rooms only have the most basic of necessities. There are bunk beds, a small shelf, a tiny area to set down your bag, a stool, and a fan. No A/C, but the room does have a fan and was cooler than expected on a summer night. You will pick up your linens at the check-in desk and are expected to remove your linens to laundry baskets behind the bunkhouse. Amenities: Aside from the bunk room, there is a main lobby, a bathhouse, a dining room, a sunroom, and a outdoor seating area that is perfect for viewing the sunrise during the spring or fall equinox. The main lobby has a lot of books and items from Len Foote, the namesake of the lounge. The bathhouse has several single toilet restrooms and a washroom with two showers and multiple sinks. There is soap/shampoo in the showers if you didn't bring your own. Dinner and brunch are served every day and there are also drinks and snacks served throughout the afternoon. The sunroom has board games and puzzles for your entertainment. Food: The food is prepared family style by chefs staffed at the Inn. For dinner, my group was served roasted turkey, green beans, corn, salad, and rolls. It's very yummy, especially when considering that all of the ingredients need to be trucked in from quite a distance. The roasted turkey is super moist - at first I wondered where the gravy was, but the turkey is so juicy and well seasoned that you don't need it. The vegetables were lightly seasoned and the balsamic vinaigrette for the salad was excellent. For the vegetarians, the chef served cumin and turmeric seasoned fried tofu, which is also very tasty. For dessert, we got a tasty piece of pound cake prepared en masse in Bundt pans. For brunch, my group was served scrambled eggs, bacon, peach cobbler, and grits. Bacon was top notch and the other brunch items were light and not too salty. I got a bowl of oatmeal by request. Bag lunches for hikes (sandwich, trail mix, and cookie) can be purchased for an extra fee and are ordered at dinnertime. Educational Component: Not a section to be usually found in reviews for lodging, but one of our hosts taught us about the sustainable practices at the lodge, including composting. He also gave an interesting presentation on reptiles and amphibians that can be found in the surrounding park. It was a nice extra for the stay. Verdict: The Hike Inn is not for the guest who is looking for luxury. It is an excellent choice for guests who are looking for amenities above tent camping. The rooms are sufficient to have a good night's sleep, the games, presentations, and views will keep you occupied, and the family style meals are very good. Five stars for a great "middle of the woods" lodging experience. read more

Len Foote Hike Inn - Family style dinner plate - don't waste your food! - Hotels Near Me - Dawsonville, Georgia

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First trip back in 14 years. Forgot how beautiful it really is. As one of our companions noted (first time visitor), it is incredibly efficient. Check in-30 seconds. Meals-on time, every time. The sunrise is a can't miss. At 17 degree temperature, it is an unbelievable sight. The property is on the east slope, site lined perfectly for a sunrise view. Even has what I call an "Equinox Finder", which is a designed structure measuring time between equinoxes. Very hearty and perfectly and promptly prepared breakfast and dinner. The hike itself is recreational. Maybe 1,000 foot elevation change over 5 miles. For the uninitiated, that's fairly flat. Hugs a ridge line after initial climb from Amicalola parking lot. Safe, patrolled lot within confines of Amicalola State Park. Although we didn't partake, I highly recommend a two night stay with a round trip 9 miler to Springer Mountain on the second day (Southern Terminus of the AT). Feel free to contact me with questions. To register, go to their website or Amicalola State Park. read more

Len Foote Hike Inn - Sunrise - Hotels Near Me - Dawsonville, Georgia

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What a great time. Trail was excellent. Staff at Hike Inn was great especially Matt the cook. All the staff was excellent as well as the food. Will do many more times. read more

We stayed here last night and had a great experience. This inn is only accessible via a moderate 5 mile hike (it took us about 2 hours) from the trail head at Amicalola Falls. The hike itself is quite pleasant, winding through the thick of the North Georgia mountains. While there are no major viewpoints along the route, it's always nice to get outside and the hike is just long and difficult to pat yourself on the back, while still being accessible for almost all. When we got there, we were each given fresh linens and a fresh towel. We then made our way to the dining room where last night's dessert was put out as an afternoon snack along with cold water, iced tea, and lemonade--just what I needed after a 5 mile hike. The lodging style is private rooms each with a bunk bed accommodating 2 people. Adjacent rooms have a door dividing rooms that could be opened for families to form a larger room to accommodate 4. The bathhouse has half a dozen compost toilets (the cleanest compost toilets I've ever used), and 2 showers for men and 2 showers for women. Dinner is a 6 pm sharp and was served family style so you can chat with the other guests. Clearing your plate is encouraged, consistent with the message of sustainability and conservation that the inn promotes and incorporates into it's operating model. The kitchen was kind enough to prepare a special entree for me since I'm vegetarian, although there would have been plenty for me to eat without it. (Dinner that night was country ham, Brussels sprouts, cornbread pudding, rolls, salad, and dessert). Quiet hours in the bunkhouse start at 10 pm, however the Sunrise Room, stocked with board games, trail guides, and a guitar is left open 24 hours a day. Breakfast was served at 8 am the same way dinner was served the night before. Biscuits, gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, cereal, milk and coffee were all available making the need for trail lunches pretty low. We did purchase one anyway ($8--includes sandwich, fruit, and cookie) figuring we could spilt it up for snacks for the hike back. Optional programming includes a 5 pm tour, and a post dinner talk. Staff was friendly throughout. I hope to return soon! read more

Len Foote Hike Inn - Entrance of the inn as you come off the trail - Hotels Near Me - Dawsonville, Georgia

Love love love love everything about this. It stand for all the things I adore- nature, community, good food, sustainability.... The hike up (5 miles) was a breeze. We competed this on a Thursday and the trail wasn't too busy but we did see (and chat with) some friendly people. The lodge itself is rustic, clean and inviting. It is large but not overwhelming. The game room and dining room are adorable. The staff and volunteers are welcoming. Hughe shout out to all of them and that incredible cook. Great people. Love the low to no cell phone policy. Love the game selection. Great coffee. Incredible food. We had bacon, salad, pastries, you name it. Home cooked and delish. Wish the tour had more room for interaction (more questions and activities to engage the crowns) but the volunteer who led it was knowledgeable and passionate. Sunrise drum was smart as the sunrise was stellar. Beautiful space that encourages calmness and peace. Near and tidy rooms. Clear expectations and very accommodating amenities (great composting toilets and hot showers) Will come back again for sure. read more

This is an incredible place. We just completed our 2nd trip up the mountain. We just go there to relax. We love to have a "do nothing" day when we get there so we stay for two nights each time. The staff is great and the small rooms are very comfortable with pillows, sheets, warm blankets provided. The bath house is clean and the showers are hot. Towels, wash cloth, shower mat, and hair dryer are provided. The food is great and the they will accommodate special dietary requests. The trail is not easy but it also is not straight up. Even those in "ok" shape can make the hike. Reasonably expect 3 hours going up and 2.5 hours going down. read more

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Green building standard, zero waste goals, outdoor culture and day hike from "civilization" makes this a great foothold into the Appalachian Trail. Springer Mountain, rolling streams, tumbling waterfalls, and a no cell phone basis; dreamy. read more

Len Foote Hike Inn - Misty mountain air - Hotels Near Me - Dawsonville, Georgia

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Nice experience for nature lovers. Bring $5 to pay for parking at Amicalola park. Hike 5 miles to the Inn and enjoy board games, puzzles and the view. Generous portions served family style for dinner & breakfast. Rooms are basic bunks beds but you'll spend more of your time in the company of other hikers in one of the main buildings. Learn more about sustainability and green initiatives while there. We did the 5 mile hike in less than 2 hours. Bring: camera, change of clothes, toothbrush & a poncho in case it rains. read more

Yes! Totally! Do this before you die. A group of girlfriends and I went up in early spring. It snowed! We hiked up anyway, no big deal. You get to the hike entrance and it's heaven. Yes it was cold and wet and it took us a few hours to get there but OMG, it was a sight for sore eyes. I need a day to tell you how wonderful this place is. Everything is so clean, warm , inviting. I'd never been before but I hope I can go again. SOON! It's so incredibly eco-friendly, you can't believe it. Just go! You'll love it or you wouldn't even be looking at this sight. It's everything an eco-friendly place should be with a great staff, comfortable rooms, good food and breathtaking views. Just do it! read more

The Inn was spotless. Very well maintained inside and out. Love the common area, books, games, puzzles, even a guitar and hand instruments to mess around with. The dining hall serves family style meals, that were surprisingly good. No package, processed junk. It all seemed pretty fresh. The cabins are small, a two bunk room, with space for a third on the floor. They definitely make you want to be out and about on the trails and common room. The bathrooms are shared. Composting toilets, spotless no order, but you do get a draft in the aft. Apparently the system pulls air down into the toilet so that is why no odor coming up. Showers full size and plenty of hot water. The only downer was a couple of times the staff seemed to forget they are in the hospitality business. Particularly the head of the staff. Other than that a great place to hike and spend the night. read more

This place is not only awesome, but totally inspirational as well! My fiancee and I are just getting into hiking and decided to try out the 5 mile trek after finding a Groupon for the Inn. It was strenuous for us at times with a nice bit of uphill but it was so much fun! We met other Hike-Inn patrons on the hike up and enjoyed really great conversations with the people we sat with at dinner and breakfast. This place is like no other place I've ever been and I've raved about it to all my city friends. The lowdown: You check-in at the Amicalola Falls visitor center then drive to the Hike-Inn parking lot. There you find the trail-head for HIke-Inn and you start your 5 mile hike to the Inn! You have to check-in at the visitor center before 2p because they want you at the Inn by 5p for a tour of the facility followed by a family-style dinner at 6p. The tour tells a bit about the history of the Inn and they show you all the eco-friendly practices they implement there. For instance, you pick out one cup and one mug and place a label on it with your name. To save water they ask that you please use that same cup and mug during your stay. During meals you can eat all that you want but they ask for you not to take more then you can finish. At the end of dinner and breakfast they weigh any leftovers on visitor's plates and give a smiley or frowny face depending on the weight of the leftovers. It's fun and quirky, and if you bring kids this place is a great example of how to leave a small carbon footprint. They also have a unique recycling system for the restrooms and as a byproduct you will receive a constant, cool rush of air to accompany your visits. Makes it quite chilly in February (when we went) but they do have individual room heaters in each bathroom. After dinner they had a presentation done by the manager of the Inn on his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. It was really interesting and informative and although I was inspired before, it only reignited my desire to hike the AT. After the presentation (which was optional) we went to the Sunrise Room where people were playing cards and board games. There were shelves of games, puzzles, and books. We went to the porch overlooking the valley below and drank from the unlimited supply of hot coco until we were ready to call it a night. The Inn consists of 4 buildings all of which are built on stilts. The first building is the bunkhouse where the main office and the lodging is at. The cabins are very small with 2 bunkbeds in each. If you want a romantic getaway you will have to snuggle on a twin size bed or accept that bunkbeds are awesome. The second building is the bathhouse. It has male and female shower rooms and a number of individual bathrooms. While there are no electrical outlets anywhere else at the Inn, there are ones located in the shower area in case you need to juice your phone or GPS. The third building is the family-style dining room with picnic like seating around the room. They keep beverages available all night and throughout the day. The last building is the Sunrise room filled with games and puzzles. The Inn is something special and it was wonderful to wake up and see the sunrise over the mountains. There are actually two trails to get to the Inn so on the way back out we took the opposite way (a 5.3 mile hike and much more strenuous then the way we came in.) Along that trail you can divert off and head the extra 4 miles up to Springer Mountain and visit the southern terminus of the AT. They also provide sack lunches for a $6 fee. My only real negative: I wasn't a big fan of the game selection in the Sunrise room. I was really looking forward to Battleship as it was pictured on their site but I was out of luck. Many of the games were geared toward kids or families which is understandable. The manager actually told us that they maintain their game supply from people bringing ones to leave or in some cases even mailing them in advance so they don't have to hike in with them. I couldn't have been happier with our stay and we're hoping to get back during the Fall, although that is their peak season. read more

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Battleship is back in the Game Room @ Len Foote Hike Inn!!! Ok, that's cool but that is probably not why you want to check this place out. :) Very relaxing and serene. Great place to get away from it all as cell phones are to be turned OFF @ the Inn. I live and die by my cell phone so it was nice for one, that I must turn it off and two, coverage is spotty so you really can just RELAX. I have taken both my boys here when they turned 7 and both have said it is the most fun they have ever had. They get to hike 5 miles on a trail, play horseshoes in the back, eat a FANTASTIC dinner, play killer games in the game room and stay up until 10! What could be more fun for a seven year old and you get to keep them away from video games for a weekend (awesome for you!). This place is even better if you don't have kids as you can just get away. There is no shouting, running around, etc. Watch the sunrise, hike to Springer Mountain or just do NOTHING. Recommend. If you are into hiking and the outdoors, something that must be done! read more

I just spent Halloween night at the Hike Inn and it was my first visit in three years. I can't believe I waited so long to go back - this place is hidden gem. It is surprising to me that so many people in Georgia have never heard of this place and yet people come from as far away as England to experience it. The hike in and out is not difficult, but be vigilant for roots and rocks or you may find yourself lurching around. Go as soon as you can. read more

Great place, Great people, great food. But best of all, I love the Earthworm or lets call it Vermicomposting setup. simular to Herron Farms just down the road. If the earthworm set up interests you, you will have to buy some at Herron Farms in Dawsonville, as the Hike Inn cant sell them to you. read more

I'm really torn. I loved the Hike, the Inn, the food, and it's environmentally friendly amenities. The view is beautiful. We had a fun game night. All was amazing until my boyfriend woke up to find an engorged bed bug laying in the bed with him. Him smashing it looked like a mini crime scene. We were very anxious and instantly horrified. The people running the Inn were not concerned in the slightest...and couldn't even be bothered enough to come look. We checked out and bought a poncho for the rainy walk back. No mention was ever made, empathy given or concern for our health (or future guest's health) was ever raised. I'm far too scared to return, and unnerved at their disregard. Total shame, since all else was fun. A little empathetic concern goes a long way. Sadly we were shown none. read more

Loved this place for SO many reasons: 1) The drive from ATL is less than 2 hours (with midday, pre-rush hour traffic). 2) Once you arrive, it's super easy to check-in with the Amicalola park staff to get to the parking area. 3) The hike is really nice and relaxing. I'd categorize the trail as moderate. There are lots of ups and downs, mostly ups on the way to the Inn, but it's got a few nice rest trees, that have placed themselves perfectly for sitting. 4) After the nearly 5 mile hike, you see the inn as a surprise through the trees, it almost just appears, at the perfect time. 5) The inn is super welcoming and relaxing. Everything is super realistic and easy to find. We gave ourselves a quick tour and were able to sneak a snack from the dining hall. 6) The no-cell-phone policy is FANTASTIC. It is one of many reasons that I'd love to return. It's amazing to feel the vibes that people have around a family-style dinner table, when they aren't just looking down at their phones. 7) There are lots of games to entertain the guests and if games aren't you're thing, you can bring a book or sewing project or other easy to carry hobby. 8) In the morning, on days when there is a particularly fabulous sunrise, they wake you up with a soft beating drum, almost lulling you outside to watch it rise over the foothills. 9) The rooms were cozy and simple. Not more than what you need for an overnight. The bed was your typical camp bed, but again, only one night. 10) The shower room has hot water and is nice and clean. 11) Staff and food were great, again... meeting the simple needs in life. 12) Last, but not least... the place prides itself on being sustainable. It has composting toilets, solar panels, and is built in such a way to minimize its impact on the environment. I'll definitely be back, will just need to figure out how to disconnect again. read more

We're just back from our second stay at the Hike Inn and our visit is without a doubt one of the highlights of our year. I think there are a lot of different types of people who would enjoy the Hike Inn, but the main things they would share in common would be an interest in getting away from the regular world and a love of hiking. We enjoy this place because we used to be backpackers, but got tired of not having a hot shower and toilets. Another bonus: heated rooms to sleep in, eat in, and hang around in. I also really enjoy being forced to unplug and leave my phone behind. For me personally, I would rate the hike to the Inn as strenuous but it is the kind of hiking trail (very hilly, fairly rough in places) that is not that common in the area where I live (Nashville) and we've got a small child along. This is a doable hike for a younger child, but just remember with a small child along it will probably take longer than the 2-3 hour estimated hike length. Our solution for this involves leaving early, taking lots of breaks, and making sure we have some treats along to lift spirits when legs are tired out. The hike out feels easier to me than the hike in, because the steepest hills are closer to the Inn. I personally can't imagine just staying for one night, because it would be hard for our family to hike in, stay overnight, and then turn around and hike out again. Plus, hanging out in the sunrise room playing boardgames or doing puzzles, getting to know the (cool, awesome, friendly) staff, drinking unlimited hot chocolate, and having time to kick back and relax are all things I wouldn't want to miss out on. FWIW, I feel like going to places like this is one of the best gifts you can give your kids and yourself. Tip: make sure you tell them in advance about any dietary restrictions or food allergies. They are very accommodating to a variety of needs - we are vegetarians and have a peanut allergy, they work around this. read more

A pretty good hike...tough, if it has been a while since you hiked. Here is the catch...you eat your food in the cafeteria..then they weigh it. HUH? Yes, they weigh what you don't eat..then cut you down if you grabbed more than you could eat. Who cares...I mean I paid to stay here and now I gotta hear lip cause I didn't finish my burger? :) Anyway, clean facilities, bathrooms etc. I get enough "green" talk when I'm at sea level. :) No smoking inside the fire trail..oh well..so much for the good cigar :) read more

Spent one memorable night up there in later June. While the weather was not that agreeable (rainy), we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Hike Inn. The trail to get there and back was moderate, but beautiful even in the downpour. Our host, Rachel and our cook, Cobi were pleasant and informative. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. Will definitely be back again. read more

I concur with all the good points stated better than I ever could on previous reviews. When we went, it seemed like someone had to get up and walk around constantly during the night. The bathrooms are not in the rooms so people who have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night walk on this boardwalk which is so noisy. And it was mostly big people in flip flops flapping down the boardwalks all night long. And talking loudly. So I would give the Inn five plus stars, but the guests 2 minus. I would definitely go again, but the thought of putting up with inconsiderate people around me, I don't know. If you are looking to get sleep and rest at night ... don't expect it. read more

This place is a really unique treat. Basically, you go to Amicalola Falls State Park, park your car and go on a moderate 5 mile hike up to the Hike Inn. It isn't accessible by car...at least not for guests. The common areas are modeled on the architecture of Japanese tea houses...wood, high ceilings, views of nature. Rooms are small with bunk beds, a fan, a heater and a screen door for ventilation. The grounds are charming...Georgia native plants, porches, adirondack chairs, and lovely views. The food is highly enjoyable. The bathhouse is way more civilized than I was expecting...this may be the world's best composting toilet system...clean, odor-free due to constant ventilation and there was plenty of hot water for showers. Nature programs round out the experience. Definitely worth a visit! read more

The Len Foote Hike Inn is the most hiker-friendly and eco-friendly Inn I have EVER experienced. The staff is simply AMAZING to all hikers. They are friendly, supportive, knowledgeable, etc. I could go on and on. I can't express in words how exceptional are. They saved us from a wicked storm and helped us at a critical moment. I don't often recommend hotels due to their commonality, we all expect hotels to provide us with food and shelter in a clean environment, but this place provides SO MUCH MORE than that. Don't pass by this GEM in the woods. I highly recommend this Inn. Awesome!! Peaceful, quiet, simply wonderful. read more

My friend and I took a hike to the Inn over the weekend and stayed a night. It was a very memorable experience. The weather wasn't so great on the 5 mile hike up to the inn. We didn't cancel, since the inn requires many days' notice. The weather forecast changed drastically right before our visit, so we weren't prepared. Despite the storms, everyone who had reserved a room made the hike. We arrived just in time to take a tour of the facility, which was very interesting. We were taught the techniques for composting the sewage and leftover food and all things "green" about the facility. After the tour, we had a great family style dinner in the dining hall. Whether you are a vegetarian or a carnivore, there will be plenty to eat. After the dinner, we listened to Wade give a presentation on his 2,000+ mile hike through the AT. It was a fascinating presentation and I learned so much. After the presentation, my friend and I played some Trivial Pursuit in the game room and then we went to our room to sleep. Neither of us slept. It was cold and we didn't realize that we had a heater. Also, the mattresses are covered in plastic and the sheets kept slipping off. My friend was sleeping on the top bunk and kept whacking the wall. I also had to get up three times to go to the bathhouse, which sucked. The bathhouse is a little creepy at 3:00 a.m., especially when you find someone standing behind the door when you least expect it. We met some of the nicest people. There were also a very few "not so nice" people, but not enough to ruin the experience. All of the employees went out of their way to make the stay a memorable experience. I will definitely do it again, but I will use the extra blanket to cover the mattress and I will remember that there is a heater in the room. I will also try to refrain from drinking three bottles of water, two glasses of tea and some lemonade before bedtime. As for the hike, it isn't terribly difficult. Anyone can do it if they take their time. If you are used to hiking, it should be pretty easy. There are some areas that require balancing logs to cross small streams. The landscape is so beautiful that the 5 miles seems to fly. read more

This review is for the 800# you are required to call if you want to cancel a reservation at the Hike Inn, not the Hike Inn itself (which I have been to and LOVE). I have called the 800# 4 times during the limited working hours (10:00am-5:00pm M-F, lunch from 12:00-12:30 daily). I have left a message with every phone call. It is three weekdays since my first message and no one has called me back. Why? The message says it is The Hike Inn, I know I have the right number. I state my call back number very clearly two times in each message. I just want to cancel one room when I made a two room reservation. This should be a three minute transaction, instead here I am making multiple phone calls, leaving multiple messages all with a concern that when I check in they will charge me for two rooms and say I didn't call to cancel in time! Ugh. I just don't understand why something simple has become such a headache. Hope it doesn't show in other parts of my visit to the Hike Inn. Update: I emailed my cancellation and she got back to me a few hours later. They get 40-60 calls a day and seem to only have one person answering and responding. Maybe time to hire more folks? She said it takes typically 3-4 days for a response. read more