Amicalola Falls Backpacking Adventure

Name: Amicalola Falls Backpacking Adventure
Start: 2025-08-16T08:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-08-17T17:00:00-04:00
Location: Amicalola Falls State Park

Hosted By

Wade I.

Details

## Overview

**Updated** Discover the legendary Appalachian Trail! Springer Mountain marks the beginning of the Appalachian Trail that stretches continuously for 2,190-miles to Mount Katahdin in Maine, and traversing 14 states. Our hike will begin at Amicalola Falls – a magnificent 729-foot waterfall that’s the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. We will then take Appalacian Approach Trail towards Springer Mountain, then take the Len Foote Trail back towards Amicalola State Park. All the while, we will be able to commune with those who are starting their journeys to backpack the entire Appalachian Trail.
This 1-night/2-day backpacking trip will introduce you to the joys of backpacking, while minimizing the barriers to entry (backpacking gear, planning, security, and logistics). This is a "through hike" meaning we will finish in a different location than we started. All you have to do is show up with a good pair of hiking boots or trail shoes, meals, and clothes, and we will take care of the rest. In addition to learning the fundamentals of backpacking and discovering the beauty of the wilderness, you will learn basic survival skills and commune this your fellow campers around a warm campfire, allowing you to disconnect and recharge.

***

## Trip Details

Day 1 – Hiking distance: Approximately 3.5 miles to campsite (top of Frosty Mountain)
Day 2 – Hiking distance: Approximately 6.4 miles to return to the trailhead
Total hiking distance: 9.9 miles
Driving time from Atlanta to trailhead: 1.5 hours
Maximum reservations available: 8 backpackers
Minimum required for trip: 4 backpackers (If the minimum is not met, you will be contacted 1 week before the trip to discuss options.)
Difficulty: (Strenuous) This is an intermediate level backpacking trip with some steep ascents, descents, rocky and rooty terrain, and creek crossings. You will be expected to carry your own backpacking gear (between 25-30 pounds) for 2 hours on the first day as we hike to our campsite and about 3.5 hours on the second day. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are required.

***

## What's Included

Backpacking gear: Backpack, tent (one-person or two-person), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chair, cooking kit, water filtration, water bladder (as needed), first aid kit
In-person pre-hike meet-up: Introductions, what to expect, food options and preparation, gear use, gear distribution and packing
Backcountry camping permits and fees
Backpacking instruction: Packing your backpack, maintaining healthy feet, navigation/mapping, water purification, food preparation and storage, and leave-no-trace principles
Wilderness instruction: Fire starting, water purification, animal encounters, strategic planning, strategic thinking, and first aid
Experienced guides: Guides have years of backpacking experience, throughout the USA and abroad, and are trained in wilderness first aid and CPR.

## What's Not Included