Items Needed - Day Trip Hiking

If you are a beginning hiker, here are a few tips for what you'll need:

• Comfortable hiking boots. Wear your boots a few times before your first hike for your feet to adjust to them.
• Especially in the fall/winter months - layer your clothing. Take a waterproof jacket or poncho. Remember to wear bright orange in case hunters are in the area.
• A Backpack--be sure to get aquainted with your backpack before the hike. There are extra straps that can make the carrying much more comfortable. Make sure you carry your pack high and "tight"...not uncomfortably so, but the positioning will save your lower back.
• In your backpack carry a first aid kit, a flashlight, toilet paper, sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, an extra shirt/pants, socks (depending on how far you're going), a baggy for trash, healthy snacks like nuts and fruit. For over night at a lodge take sleepwear and flips for the shower. Take your driver's license and cell phone - make sure to have an ICE (in case of emergency) number listed and only the cash you need.
• Pack plenty of water.
• A whistle in case you run into trouble.
• Sunglasses.
• Hiking Poles--get acquainted with your poles. Make sure they are at the correct height for you, with your forearm in a 45 degree position with your upper arm. Using poles will save your knees and back and will possibly prevent falls.
• A buddy. It's always best to hike with someone else. You never know when an emergency will occur.

Pura Vida,
Snowflake

Preacher's Rock

County: Lumpkin
Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 3,568
Difficulty: Moderate
Markings: Good - White Blaze

On October 25, 2008 my family and I went up to Preacher's Rock. The other chicks went up about 3 weeks ago...I was supposed to go, too, but work got in the way. I hate when that happens! I was able to get my husband, kids, and dog to go to Preacher's Rock with me, so that was pretty cool.

Preacher's Rock is on the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT), and is accessible from Woody Gap. I just read on a forum post that some think Woody Gap is one of the windiest places in the world. They have obviously never lived in Missouri. Even getting to Woody Gap, which is between Dahlonega and Suches, is full of "ooo's and ah's". There are views galore of pretty much anything south of the area before you even step out of the car.

This is a quick 1.5 mile hike and it took my family about 45 minutes to hike in, even with my husband's two "surgically enhanced" knees...praise the Lord for walking sticks! It's an easy hike until you get to the last quarter mile, which is full of switchbacks, steps, and rocks--and where you do most of the climb. Once you reach the rock, however, it's well worth the effort. Even the close mountains look small at this height (an elevation of about 3582). This makes it just shy of 500 feet in that mile and a half.

The rock itself is big and wide...smooth enough that I didn't want to look over the edge. We're assuming it's called Preacher's Rock because the world is your audience from this vantage. While we were there, a couple and their friend from Manchester, England walked up in street attire. They came 7,000 miles for the view and were happy for it.

Hiking out is even faster...just a bit over 35 minutes with my oldest son leading our group. We're thinking he was either hungry or in need of the restroom at the pace he was keeping. One thing I learned on this trail--although I really loved having Sable, our German Shepherd, with us, it's really not the right place. Most of the trails in North Georgia are very well-traveled and you just have to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Just not a doggie's world. I'll have to check out that book about dog-friendly trails.

Pura Vida,
Bubbles

Len Foote Hike Inn

County: Dawson
Distance: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 3,346
Difficulty: Moderate
Markings: Good - Green Blaze (some Yellow)

On October 21-22, 2008, the Hiking Chicks plus set off for the Len Foote Hike Inn. What an adventure!

If you're not familiar with the Inn, it is accessible via a 4.9 mile hike from Amicalola Falls or from Springer Mountain on the back side, which is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and somewhere around a 7 mile hike.

We're not hard-core...we took our time and rested whenever one of us heard our heartbeat pounding in our ears. Not a lot of wildlife, but any time in the woods is a good time!

The trip in is a bit more strenuous than the trip out. It took us about 4 hours, 15 minutes to get to the Inn, and 3 hours, 30 minutes to get back to Amicalola. There is a $3.00 fee to enter the Amicalola Falls State park and ample parking once you get there. We started out with breakfast at the Lodge located in the park, which is recommended. Although we passed only a handful of other hikers, this is a popular spot and going in the middle of the week seems like it was a good plan!

Once at the Inn, which is focused on being "green" and maintaining a minimal footprint in the natural environment, we found warm showers, great food, and no trash cans. They definitely maintain the "pack in, pack out" approach. The spartan rooms have bunk beds and heaters, which was all we needed. There's a spectacular sunrise awaiting you in the morning, as well as lots of hot coffee.

One of my favorite things on this trip was the fact that the staff at the Inn provided an educational overview of the area and its history. Since we're local girls, we knew some of it, but it was fascinating and refreshing that they take the time to add a cultural point of view for hikers.

All in all, it was kind of like camp for hikers...communal, spartan, and lots of fun! Happy to say we had no bruises or bumps on this trip.

Pura Vida,
Bubbles