Gear List

Our journey to the Hike Inn was an experience we will remember for a lifetime, in fact it is an experience that will probably become a tradition in our family.  From Amicolola Falls it is 5.5 miles through the beautiful foothills in Dahlonega Georgia.  The hike is just long enough to make you feel as if you have accomplished something and not to long as to deter you from wanting to do it again.  Our journey this time out was a little unique however.  Not only were we traveling with our 2 year old daughter but Noelle is 21 weeks pregnant.

With the Kelty Kid Carrier on my back she had to carry our backpack and a baby.  She is a real trooper and much stronger than I am.  It was a little crisp on the hike but this may have been a blessing in disguise because as we started our up hill ascent we warmed up quickly.  The hike there was mostly up hill with long stretches of flat ground that made you grateful as soon as you broke the crest.  The average hike time for just an adult is 3 hours and I am proud to say we did it in 4, and that includes stopping to cook some lunch.

We stopped on the trail about half way in for lunch.  We cooked a Mountain House dehydrated meal for the first time, Chicken Teriyaki with Rice. I was a little skeptical but I have to say it was better than I thought it would be, in fact my daughter ate more than we did.  It was a great way to break up the trip, rest and enjoy the view.  I was happy we did because it was just the boost we needed to carry on our journey.

After arriving at the Hike Inn we were pleasantly greeted by a friendly staff who gave us the run down of the facilities and directed us to the hot chocolate.  The rooms were cozy with bunk beds, clean sheets and fresh towels.  There is a common restroom and bath house that is shared by all, which is kept very clean and the toilets are waterless composting toilets.  Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay and are served family style where everyone gathers in the kitchen to enjoy a hot meal and conversation with other guests.  The food was fresh cooked and delicious and the kitchen staff were friendly and courteous.  Hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea and water are always available through out the day and you even get to personalize your cup.

At 5 p.m, just before dinner is served, a tour of the facility is given and at 6 p.m dinner is served.  After dinner everyone gathers in the common area from games and puzzles, or you can find a quiet place to sit in the main house and catch up on a good book.  There were as many kids as adults during our visit and all seemed to be enjoying themselves.

After dinner we all piled into the game room where we played Jenga with 2 other kids and had a blast as we tried to keep the tower from falling on a table with wobbly legs.  Books, puzzles and games for children of all ages fill the shelves and provide hours of fun.  Our stay was memorable and one that I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a new experience.