Appalachian Trail in Georgia

Each time I approach the starting point of the Appalachian Trail here at Springer Mountain I wonder what thru-hikers must feel at this almost-holy ground. Or what north to south hikers think when they reach the end, only to find an additional 8-mile hike on the Southern Terminus Approach Trail. I have always wanted to make this trek, but time and family have prohibited it.

Some who hike north from Amicalola Falls State Park stay overnight in the shelter at Black Gap, a mile south of craggy Springer Mountain although there is an excellent shelter with privy shortly after the start. Two plaques at the start (or end) of the trail marks the southern terminus for America's "First Trail." Excellent views from the top of Springer Mountain, especially to the west make a stay at the Springer Mountain shelter. Two-tenths of a mile north of the start is Springer Mountain Shelter with a reliable spring. A few steps north of that the Benton MacKaye, Sec. I turns right at a sign, following the original route of the AT in this area. From here the trail slopes easily down to Forest Service Road 42, where a day use parking area allows people walk to the top of Springer Mountain as a day hike). Past the parking area the trail climbs easily, and the Benton MacKaye rejoins the AT to follow the ridge of Rich Mountain. After the AT turns left, leaving the Benton MacKaye and dropping down Rich Mountain, is the Stover Creek Shelter to the left down an old logging road. The AT follows this logging road to the right as it parallels Stover Creek for the next mile or so.

On the trail at Woody Gap

Mile 4.1 is known as Three Forks. Stover, Long and Chester Creeks are cool mountain streams that merge to form Noontootla Creek in the midst of a white pine, hemlock and rhododendron forest. Stover has meandered by your side earlier, and Chester passes under you at Three Forks. The AT now follows Long Creek up to Long Creek Falls. Here the trail gradually ascends an unnamed mountain. The ascent is so gradual that hikers are surprised when Long Creek runs 50-80 below them.

This section of the trail has been relatively easy. The Benton MacKaye Trail leaves the AT a few steps after Long Creek Falls. This also marks the start of Georgia's Duncan Ridge Trail, perhaps the most challenging hike in the state. Shortly after the junction the AT winds past a Hickory Flat Cemetery and Hickory Flat Church.

The trail continues past Hawk Mountain (shelter at 7.6) to Hightower Gap. Hightower is probably a corruption of the word "itawa," an American Indian word for town. This marks what we have always considered the halfway point for the first section (its about two miles short of the actual halfway point) and F. S. 42 can be used for access. From here to Gooch Gap the trail is notably tougher, passing into the more mountainous climes of Lumpkin County. It is this portion of the trail that earns the footpath a "hard" rating. After climbing Sassafras Mountain the trail descends Winding Stair Gap to meet our old friend, F. S. 42. Two more times in this area the path will climb mountains only to descend to a gap it shares with this road. Just before meeting F.S. 42 once again, Gooch Gap Shelter is off to the left.

The next 4 miles of the trail, from Gooch Gap to Woody Gap are heavily traveled by day hikers. This portion of the hike is less difficult than the portion from Hightower Gap to Gooch Gap. This section ends at Georgia 60 in Woody Gap.

South: Southern Terminus Approach Trail
North: AT Woody Gap to Neels Gap

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AT Woody Gap to Neels Gap
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