Thursday, November 11, 2004
I hiked the trail this last Saturday, November 6. 3 1/2 hours up and 3 1/2 hours down. I used my hiking poles even though I only had a light daypack and they did quite a bit to releive the strain on my back and hips. The trail runs for the most part through thick groves of oak trees, all of which had dropped their leaves by then. I am sure it is prettier when the leaves are green. Water at .5, 4.0, 4.5 and at the shelter on the top of Springer. The view from the top of Srpinger is definitely worth the hike.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Saturday, November 6, 2004 Hiked the trail from the top of the falls and back in one day. Good, moderate difficulty one day loop hike. I was only carrying a light backpack but I still used my hiking poles, and I found that those helped my back and hips quite a bit on the uphill grades. The trail runs mostly through thick groves of oaks, and at this time of year the leaves have all fallen. Still pretty scenery, but I am sure this trail is much prettier under green trees. Water is available at .5, 4.0, 4.5 miles and at the shelter on top of Springer. The view from Springer is defnitely worth seeing.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
just returned from walking S.T.A trail im 42 daughter 15.we left top of falls @ 7:45 am.reached the summit @ springer mt @ 11:15 am.1 backpack w/ 1 gallon of water,4 pop tarts and 4 granola bars.7.25 miles to springer mt.up and down was not easy but not terrible.hike in and summit are far better than words could describe.return to falls was quick to start,but began to slow as the miles passed.return trip mostly downhill, but took us equally as long (3 1/2 hours)
Monday, September 27, 2004
I'm planning a thru hike for the AT in March, 2006 and figured what better way to start than get a feel forthe approach trail. I just hiked the approach trail to Springer over this past weekend. By the time I arrived at Amicalola State Park from Greenville SC, I was left with insufficient time to complete a full ascent to the summit of Springer Mountain(major bummer). I fell just 3.5 miles short. The loop to the Len Foote/Hike Inn trail worked out great because we fell short on water and the Inn supplied water, lemonade, and sweet tea at no charge.(leave them a tip, they deserve it!!) I found the Len Foote trail back to Amicalola to be much more rewarding because of the beatiful scenery and slightly easier as well. Got back to Amicalola right as the sun had completely set.(Lucky us!!)I would definitely recommend hiking either trail to Springer, especially for those planning a thru-hike. You'll prosper greatly as a result of the strenuous conditioning this trail presents.
Thursday, June 3, 2004
My first attempt at the Approach Trail was not intended to be a complete hike to Springer Mountain. I only intended to get a feel for what a 48 year old frame would feel like after about 6 hours hitting the turf. I had a wonderful time losing several pounds of water weight, and did not have any real discomfort until I had to return to the Visitor's Center via the gravel drive way along the East Ridge Trail. Once off the rocks, the trail to the VC's backdoor was easy. In all, I estimate a total of 12 miles of hiking. The Approach Trail divided from the trail to the Len Foote Hike Inn not too far from the Amicalola Lodge, and I chose the Approach Trail. I eventually looped back from what I think was Frosty Mountain back to the Hike Inn, picking up the trail mentioned earlier. The mile markers on the Hike Inn trail were very much appreciated and the hospitality found at the Inn was wonderful. I wonder if I have estimated the total miles of this venture accurately. If any one has any feed back on this feel free to contact me. I have had no lasting discomfort from this adventure, but I am accustomed to hiking area gorges in Georgia. Our next trip will involve the full trek to Springer, and beyond, to a waiting vehicle for the return from Forest Road 48 back to Amicalola, should I decide to return to civilization. Decisions, decisions...
Monday, January 26, 2004
I started my hike on 1/24/04 at the visitor's center and ended it at USFS 42. I believe that was about 10 miles. Carrying a 35 pound pack, and being a novice hiker, I found the trail to be pretty tough . . . but a lot of fun.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Hike Dates: September 12-13 Weather: Sunny/Full Moon 80*-55* Hike Time: 17 miles in ~10 hours Lots of ups and downs on this trail, with some short periods of "relief" in between. The most strenuous is probably the first mile between the visitor center and the parking area at the top of the falls - which can really slow you down if you are shouldering a heavy pack. I believe that you gain a total of 800' of elevation over that first mile. The balance of the trail runs up and down a series of hills/ridges/mountains(?) pretty much througout. The wildflowers are pretty dense along the trail this time of year after the Hike Inn trail point, which could make it difficult staying on the trail at night. We did not encounter any real problems with insects or rodents along the way. Overall, this is a good trail but you should be prepared for the climbs and subsequent descents. The views were limited for us due to the foilage remaining on the trees, but I would guess that fall and winter would offer a much improved view. Springer Mtn was nice, but if it were not the Southern Terminus of the AT is would have been somewhat uninspiring (at least with the limited views) compared to other hikes. Get Up and Get Out!
Saturday, July 12, 2003
Did a round trip today from Amicalola Visitor Center to Springer Mountain (and back). It took just under 9 hours. The harderst thing about this is the toll it'll take on your feet. The ups and downs aren't to steep, but there are many.
My wife and I hiked the Southern Terminus Approach Trail on 6-28-03 and camped along the way about 3 miles in. Since she is a first-timer, I didn't want to push too hard, but we did manage to hike to the Len Foote/Hike-Inn cutoff and complete the loop. As usual the approach trail was great, though there was an extreme amount of poison ivy very close to the trail - narrowing it considerably - not a problem during cold weather. The Len Foote trail is incredibly beautiful and well maintainedI. Certainly a must for novice hikers. My wife and I are looking forward to the next trip.
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
We hiked the trail to Black Gap on April 17th, mostly in the rain. The trail is in good shape. If you stay at the shelter area, the bear there is not afraid of people. He has gotten food bags on April 10th, 14th, 16th and 17th. He came within about 25 yards of the shelter and did not scare when someone set off a firecracker.
Sunday, March 2, 2003
Hike date: Feburary 24th-25th. Distance: 8mi Weather: rainy then sunny but getting ready to rain again. Gear weight: 50lbs Did an overnight hike from the visitors center at Amacalola Falls State Park up to the Black Gap shelter, a mile short of Springer Mountain. The initital first mile or so is nothing but long switch backs and a steep gravel rode to the Hike Inn lodge parking lot. There you'll find a water and soda machine. At this point you can pretty much decide if you can make it or not. The next 8 miles will be very much like what you just did but the grade will be much steeper, decents are few and far between, and if you go during the colder months you'll be blasted with a constant wind. From the lodge parking lot follow the blue blazes as it begins the ascent towards Frosty Mountain; the name is very befitting. If you think a steep, rocky, constant incline is too much for you, you can circumvent the mountain via the "Hike Inn" trail. This five mail trail (with mile markers no less) leads to a pretty decent inn with food, beds, etc. NOTE: The Hike Inn has some soup and snacks in the kitchen for walk-in hikers. Just have to leave a small tip. However should you feel that you cannot continue or make it back the Hike Inn does not provide rides. You may have to wait around a few days for a ride or a recovery to return. Anywhos once you've crested Frosty Mountain you'll come to a big flat area with cement blocks. I believe this is where a fire tower once stood. It's a decent place to camp. The next three miles or so will vary. Sometimes it will go up long steep inclines, and sometimes it will go down for a long ways. It's not terribly consistant. Eventually you'll find yourself going down a long hill to a wide, open road with a reddish coloured dirt. A bronze plaque marks a memorial to a gentleman whos' plane crashed a long time ago. From here you have about a mile or so to go to Black Gap shelter. In this last mile or so there will be a sign marked "water". I suggest highly that you fill up here if you intend to stay at black gap. The Black Gap water source is down a VERY steep hill that's not very plesant to walk back up. The terrain in late Feburary was a little muddy though solid most of the way. It rained a bit the first day but cleared up to sunny but windy. Rain was coming in though on the second day. A word on Black Gap shelter: it's small. There are bear warnings, the water is a hike in itself to get to, and there is no front. If you go be sure to put your food up in a bear bag, and collect some wood putting it UNDER AND INSIDE the shelter to dry out for others. Honestly if you can make it, try pushing the extra two miles to Springer Mountain shelter. It's a little bigger and more people aim for that as a stopping point. You'll at least have company.
Sunday, February 9, 2003
I literally just got back from hiking the approach trail to Springer Mountain. I rate it as a moderate, not because it was easy, but based on the criteria set forth by the rating system of this site. I will admit that it is a fairly difficult trail, but the difficult sections are followed by easier sections which allow you to "rest" without stopping. Through the entire ascent I needed 2 breaks in the 4 hours it took, and the descent I only needed 1 in the 3 hours that it took. This may not be a fair way to rate this trail though. The weather was gorgeous (about 30* day, 22* night) and there was plenty of snow on the ground. Overall, my experience was very pleasurable. A great trail with some incredible views. I will definitely be back.
Friday, January 31, 2003
Last Hiked: 2/14/02. An 8.4 miles that feels longer when you're carrying too much weight. I wouldn't call it difficult, but you'll definitely work. Best Part: View from Southern AT Terminus. A just reward for the work you've just done -- this is how summitting in the Appalachian's should feel: like you earned it AND it was worth it. Worst Part: The short gravel road-walk. Other advice: don't miss the falls.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
This trail is not for beginners... but if you can handle a "strenuous" day hike, it is a great choice. I hiked the trail on 6/31/02. My brother and I hiked up to Springer Mountain, back down to the Hike Inn and back to Amicalola Falls - about 18 miles. We enjoyed the challenge and the trail is beautiful.
Monday, March 11, 2002
This trail was fun to hike. The first mile up from the visitor center to the falls was hell but I survived. Overall I had a good time. It was my first time to do a major hiking excursion. We hiked to springer mountain and back. On the return trip we looped around to the Hike Inn and saw how cool that place was... Then it rained inbetween there and the Falls. Bummer. Didn't have pack protection so my pack weighed like 40 pounds extra. anyways i'd go back in a heartbeat and do some more of the AT. Loved IT!
Monday, February 4, 2002
The trail is well traveled and in excellent shape. We(my dog and I) hike alot. We left from the top of Amicalola Falls at 12:00 p.m. and made it to Springer Mountain (and then back) by 4:45 p.m. Springer Mountain overlooks Gilmer County and is a sight worth seeing. The Len Foote Hike Inn is interesting as well.
Monday, January 14, 2002
We hiked in late December in the pouring rain. It was pretty intense, especially on Frosty Mountain. It rained the whole day in and we finally made it to the Springer shelter, which is really cool. We were the only ones there. The next day it was perfectly clear (but freezing cold) and we could see what we had come through the day before. It's an awesome hike and gives you a solid workout. I will say that if you plan to go in the rain make sure you have the right waterproofs. My idiot friend had nothing and almost froze and spent the night in a wet sleeping bag.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
This trip was very COLD , and very strenuous...but altogether a very rewarding trip.I enjoyed hiking across the beautiful mountains, although I got little sleep at night(because of the cold weather)it wasn't all that bad.This was my second trip to springer mountain , the first time I went I was only seven, and everything iced over on the mountain,and this time,at 17..it snowed the last day.....Springer mountain never ceases to amaze me with it's unpredictable weather, and of course beauty.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
The trail was very fun,but it was very cold.I had a good time hiking up and down the beautiful mountains,except when I fell down on the ice.That was my first time hiking and I had alot of fun.It was a good experience for me.I was kind of happy that it snowed on the last day.My feet were hurting very bad because of all the rocks I walked over.I just couldn't wait until I got home to take a bath,and get REAL sleep.It was like training for me,so next time i'll know what to do.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
The trail was very fun,but it was very cold.I had a good time hiking up and down the beautiful mountains,except when I fell down on the ice.That was my first time doing it and I had alot of fun.It was a good experience for me.I was kind of happy that it snowed on the last day.My feet were hurting very bad because of all the rocks I walked over.I just couldn't wait until I got home to take a bath,and get REAL sleep.It was like training for me,so next time i'll know what to do.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
The trail was very fun,but it was veery cold.I had a good time hiking up and down the beautiful mountains,except when I fell down on the ice.That was my first time doing it and I had alot of fun.It was a good experience for me.I was kind of happy that it snowed on the last day.My feet were hurting very bad because of all the rocks I walked over.I just couldn't wait until I got home to take a bath,and get REAL sleep.It was like training for me,so next time i'll know what to do.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
The trail was very fun,but it was veery cold.I had a good time hiking up and down the beautiful mountains,except when I fell down on the ice.That was my first time doing it and I had alot of fun.It was a good experience for me.I was kind of happy that it snowed on the last day.
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
I went on my first backpacking trip on this one and it was easier coming back than it was going up. Of course I was the youngest, I am eight years old. I really liked the backpacking food. I don't care for the Chicken Terriyuki but the Chili Mac was good and spicy. It was a pretty view. I had 15 pounds on my back and it was hard. But I made it. I will go some where different next time. The mountains are hard climb, if you are eight years old and just got new shoes. Don't carry new shoes. Some people starting to feel bad, it was hard getting up those hills, but the easiest part was finding water and ice sicles. Found broom that bear had got and someone left their food in the shelter. Had to stay 2 steps away from other person. But I got patches for the trip and I am proud of them and my mommy got a pin and lost a lot of weight. Don't go to the end with a lot of pounds on you.
| Collin Pike / Cub Scout / Pack 22 / Roanoke, Alabama |
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
It was hard, EXTREMELY, roughest was Frosty not gravel up to falls. This was my first long hike and first ever with a backpack. Never camped far from civilation before. Extreme cold from front that came in. Black Gap shelter was great. I twisted my ankle and rested there for awhile. My son did very well, my venturer scouts did very well. I am proud of them, they did not let their pains be known. You can do it, and when it is over you might kiss your car or the ground.
| Anna Pike / Associate Advisor / Crew 26, Roanoke, Alabama |
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
Venturing Crew 26 of Roanoke, Alabama tackled the Approach trail from the Visitor Center to Springer Mtn for their first Backpacking Trip, Hikes included. Our crew has camped in the winter before and took short city and 5 mile hikes in the country. We have cycling experienced scouts. The venturers are also experienced in sailing, snorkeling, caving, climbing and long term camping. All of that said, I would have to say that you are taking a big chance setting a group up for a hike on this, a strenuous trail and especially under these conditions. The temperature dropped below 0 where they were at, a cold front BLEW in and each time I spoke with them you could hear the wind. It was very windy and cold. Now all of the things that their backpacking trainer and I tried to tell them means a little more. Now they will not argue about extra shoes, keeping their load light, not buying new shoes for the trip, etc... They survived, their three leaders, one inexperienced and two ventures and a cub scout. There will be pictures at www.alabamascout.com on the venturing section soon. YOU CAN DO IT!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
A most challenging hike up Springer Mt on New years weekend turned out fantastic. One of my bigest adventures to date with my venturing crew. Everyone should try it once in their life.The hike up and the temperature were the hardest things to deal with , but the scenery was well worth it.When your on top of one of the montains and you look out onto the distince , what you will see in front of you will take you breath away. With a difficulty rating of 86 the trail itself is challenging but beautiful. If I ever get another chance to hike there again, I will take it without hesitation. Well I might think twice if it is winter!!!!! Jennifer Roberts Venturer Crew 26 Roanoke, Alabama
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
The hike up and the temperatures were the hardest things to deal with,but the scenery was well worth it!The trail it self was amazing.On the hike back down it started to snow!Believe me, if I can do it, you can because, come on i'm just thirteen years old.So go for it!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
My wife and I have just completed our third trip on the trail, with four new backpackers that did outstanding. The climbs were still tough, and the views were still breathtaking. We highly recommend this trail to anyone who enjoys backpacking. The icecicle snack on the way out was refreshing.
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
Monday Dec 31, 2001 Just finished my third trip on the trail.The temp drop to about 15 both nights,with the wind blowing around 20 mph.The climbs are still hard as they were the first time.And the views are as breath taking as they always were.Though this is a very hard trail to do, something about it keeps calling me back. If you are true Backpacker you have got to do this trail at least once
Monday, December 31, 2001
Out of shape, and with a group of 9 aging from 8yrs to 51yrs (me), we spent 2.5 days to traverse the Approach Trail. We found the view to be breathtaking, water plentiful, and the challenge of the trail to be within our abilities. Though I wouldn't recommend this trail as a training ground for new hikers (we had 3), the trail offered enough easy going sections to provide rest from the strenous climb up Frosty Mountain. Once past Frosty Mountain we found the trail to be medium in difficulty. Anyone who truly enjoys hiking, the outdoors, and beautiful mountain scenery would not agree with the person who only wrote "this trail sucks."
Monday, August 6, 2001
.... and in continuation of the report below. Some people like to start from the top of Amicalola, and avoid the first half mile. I feel this cheats you of what is a tough, but integral part of hte trip. Yes, it's rough on your legs to follow the switchbacks and then climb the gravel road, but you'll feel a whole lot better about the view of the falls once you've walked there. If you want to lighten your load for the first part, take very little water. There is a water spigot at the top of the falls you can fill up for the rest of the trip. Plus, you can always drop your packs, and meander around the falls for a while to stretch out, catch your breath, and just relax a little.
Monday, August 6, 2001
I love the "I thougth I was gonna die" rating. It's probably true for most people. Even if in shape, the start of the trail when your muscles are cold and unstretched can definitely make you start wondering why you came out. But, once past the initial half mile of gravel path hell, the rest is relatively straight forward hiking. And the view from Springer? Absolutely breathtaking on a nice day. There are 4 or 5 campsites at the top (much better than the Inn), with water just a short quarter mile down the other side. While it may not be so recently with the fire ban, there used to be an amazine view of campsites popping up along the AT, and neighboring trails as dusk settled in, leaving a snaking trail of fire winding through the mountains. While the hike is pretty horrible to start with, and concludes with an exhausting struggle to the top of Springer itself, I love doing it just for the satisfaction of getting there, and enjoying one of the best vista points along the AT in Georgia. I would not recommend this trail for beginners to backpacking, but if you've got a little experience under your belt, this can be a tough, but rewarding trail.
Sunday, December 17, 2000
Found it tough,but was rewarded when I got to the top.
Saturday, September 30, 2000
This trail is a very nice hike. Don't start from the visitor center. If you do the first mile is a 700 foot rise via an old gravel old. You can take a short cut via the hike in if you want to save time; It is also much easier.
Monday, July 17, 2000
I've hiked this trail several times, each time WITHOUT a pack, and each time round trip. Expect this round trip hike to take up most of the day, especially during the summer months when the heat is absolutely BRUTAL! However, the round-trip hike isn't that difficult without a pack. It's between 17 and 19 miles total from the Ranger's station to Springer and back. It usually takes me 6 to 7 hours. Bring plenty of water because you can't count on the spring by the shelter being wet. I learned this the hard way. I would recommend at least 100 oz of water per person as a minimum. Bring food too. Without a pack, the trail is probably moderate but with a pack, I'd say it's difficult but do-able.
Thursday, June 22, 2000
The rock on the trail make it most difficult at times
Friday, January 14, 2000
One of the easiest pitfalls to avoid when starting an extended hike on the AT is overdoing it on the first day. Start slow and take your time (especially on the approach). After all, it's not a race! If you start early enough in the morning and set a moderate pace (about 2 mph), then you should easily reach Stover Creek shelter and still have plenty of daylight to set-up camp, prepare a hot meal, and enjoy the surroundings. In subsequent days you can begin to add daily mileage and approach 3+ mph as you begin to develop your "trail legs."
Tuesday, November 23, 1999
Thought I was Gonna' die!!
Tuesday, November 2, 1999
I hiked the Approach Trail on my way to the Len Foote Hike Inn on October 29th, 1999. I started at the parking area on FS42 and hiked south, over Springer Mountain, through Black Gap, over Black Mountain into Nimblewill Gap and up the northern face of Frosty Mountain to the junction with the Hike Inn Loop Trail, about half a mile south of Nimblewill Gap. The Loop Trail is yellow blazed and marked by a trail sign at the junction. From this junction, the trail descends moderately through rhododendron and laurel groves for about one mile to the Inn. I rate this trail as moderate, comparing it to the AT from Neels Gap to Blood Mountain, which I consider difficult. The total distance is 4.5 miles, estimated by the hiking time of 2 1/2 hours.
Sunday, October 3, 1999
I rate this trail as difficult for new to moderate hikers. The changes in elevation and relative uneven-ness of the trail make for a rough go for newbies. On the other hand it is a beautiful walk. I alternately suggest taking the hike from the park to the Len Foote hike-in and then continuing on from there up the trail. A good 10.5 mile circuit hike is to go out to the hike in and then circle back into the park from the AT Approach.
Tuesday, September 21, 1999
this trail sucks
Sunday, July 18, 1999
Trail Length:8.4 miles
Location: Dawson Gilmer Lumpkin County
Features:ATaccess, picnicking, camping, visitors center.
Last hiked:07/05/1999 | Type of trail:Point-to-point
Our rating:Difficult
Your rating:Hard (138)
Date added:01/01/1996
Trail Usage:
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