I plan to arrive at the approach trail around noon or maybe later. I plan to to take it very easy the first few days/weeks and don’t want to HAVE to hike 8 miles or more on the first day if I am not up to it.
My question is, can you camp along the approach trial easily if you need to?
Mark Baker
Hi, My son and Hiked the approch trail and camped early on the way up because of severe storm warnings and the fact that it was steeper than I expected. There were some nice camping areas. If your backpack is to heavy you surly will find out on the approach trail. Both of our packs were to heavey and my son hiked back down with about 12lbs. to leave at the park building. Happy hiking. Cowboy
cowboy
Sure you can camp on the approach trail, heck there is even shelters on the approach trail.
SGT Rock
the only suorce of water on the approach trail, acording to wingfoot, is the black gap shelter, 7.3 miles up.
efart02
There are about 2 springs that I can recall on the approach. According to my NC/GA AT guide there are four, #1 is 1.3 miles from the trail head at Amicolola (stream), #2 is 4.8 miles from the start at Frosty Mountain (spring), #3 is at 6.2 (spring), and #4 is at 7.3 (spring) near the shelter. I only saw #1 and #3.
Wingfoot’s guide is good, but a lot of the water sources and little trail landmarks aren’t in his book. I belive “The Appalachian Trail Data Book” will give you a getter guide to trail landmarks. I plan to use both - taking them apart and only carrying what I need.
SGT Rock
And all the water sources SGT Rock mentioned are currently flowing well, not to mention the 2+ inches of rain we’ve had the last couple of days!
Hacksaw
If you were to choose only one book to give you the info you need to hike the AT. It would have to be “the Appalachian Trail Data Book” It got me from Ga. to Me. giving me enough info on water locations, shelters,food re-supplies,etc.etc. Other info sheets are helpful, but if you could take only one, this is it.!!
Beekeeper