Anyone ever start the AT by hiking the approach trail from Amicalola Falls to the AT trailhead? Do you recommend it? Is it hard getting to the AT trailhead by car?
Kirkbro
Appalachian Approach Trail
system
#2
Nobody will suggest the approach trial from the bottom of the falls, it sucks. You can get drive directly to the trailhead on a steep dirt road. I’ve even taken a cab directly to the trailhead from Gainesville.
David
system
#3
Most thru hikers use the Approach Trail. It’s a fun trail with waterfalls. It can be a source of conversation with others as you head North. It’s a good gauge for you. If load or pace adjustments are needed it will be obvious from the start. If you end up dropping over with a heart attack it will be easier for the rescue squad on the Approach Trail. You can’t drive to the top of Springer Mountain anyway. The dirt road up there is open most of the year. It will put you about a mile North of the top. It is not hard to get there.
Francis
system
#5
Kirkbro. I have started the AT by using the approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park. I recommend doing so. In the park there is a Ranger Station where you can weigh your pack, get your picture taken, sign in, and they have a small store. You can park your car in the park with permission (not sure for how long). The approach trail is strenuous. For those out of shape it is a good measure of what is ahead, I have known a couple of what-to-be Thru hikers that gave up after hiking to Springer. If the Approach Trail is too much, then hikers should reconsider. It is not a terrible drive up to the trailhead, last 8 miles on dirt roads, winter time roads are tough. If you plan on a Thru hike there are several hostels that will take you to the trailhead, or to Amicalola SP.
Canoeman
system
#6
On all three of my thru’s i did the approach trail and i don’t have any regrets doing it, i think every prospective thru should start under the arche’s.
RED-DOG
system
#7
I definitely recommend doing the Approach Trail. I’ve done it many times including my Thru. It’s your hike but I wouldn’t miss it.
Sub 03
Subman
system
#8
I liked the approach trail, plus we did a side trail. I tell everyone hiked 2200 miles- easier # to remember 
Mythe
system
#9
I absolutely think hiking the approach trail is a good way to start… my motto usually is, “What’s a few more miles?”
Rocky Mountain High
system
#10
The Approach Trail was once part of the actual trail. Originally, the southern terminus was at Mount Oglethorpe, some 20 miles or so south of Springer. The trail coursed north through what is now the Amicalola Falls State Park to Springer Mountain.
For reasons I really can’t explain, I consider the Approach Trail part of the real AT. I guess I read so much about it before beginning my backpacking career that it seemed “necessary” to hike it. I did so in August 2007, when I started section hiking the trail. That was during an unusual heat wave (even for Georgia in August). It laid a hurting on me that I’ll never forget. But I did it!
Dan Roper
system
#11
I did it this fall on a section hike and liked it. The stairs definitely suck but as others have said its a good gauge of whats ahead. Also the Ranger station at the park is a good place to start, especially if you have family dropping you off to start your thru hike. You can sign in the register to start your hike, take pictures, weigh your bag and check out some of the trail memorabilia they have there.
Old Fozzy