Approach trail for poorer folk?

imported
#1

And now for something completely unwarranted . . .uh, I mean different

I was reading Jeff Alt’s book the other day. He got left off at the Springer trailhead (meaning he walked south to the AT terminus).

That’s when a very odd thought occured to me.:,

Is it even remotely possible, in a far out moons-of-Pluto kind of way, that the more affluent hikers go to Springer’s trailhead, and others . . . shall I say
financially concise . . . choose to go to Amicalola’s trailhead?

Boy, that doesn’t sound good coming off the bat . . . but what the hey.

P.S. I am still waiting for my summit photos from Crazy Cootie and Rodeo or whoever they were . . . :slight_smile:

Kineo Kid

#2

My only shuttle experience is with Hiker Hostel. They charge the same for a shuttle to either place, assuming they pick you up in Atlanta and you stay overnight at the hostel.

I paid for a ride directly from Atlanta to Springer…but it was no cheaper to get to Amicalola, at least as I understand it. I must admit that I had no interest in hiking the Approach Trail, so I would’ve paid more if I’d had to use another shuttle service.

Pacer

#3

We had always planned to hike south up Springer to the summit from the parking lot instead of using the approach trail.
The approach trail isnt technically part of the AT, so I saw no reason in wasting 8 miles of trail legs to hike a useless part of the trail frequented by tourists.

I think the reason the “financially concise” folks use the approach trail is probably because they arrive in a sedan or other small car that they either dont want, or cant drive up 42 to the trailhead.

Rd 42 is graded and paved, but can be almost impassable for some really small cars. We went up it in a Ford Focus, and there were a few times when we “bottomed out”.

I think most experienced hikers, just want to get to the gettin’ and skip all the other stuff.

bryan

#4

The approach trail is hardly a “useless part of the trail frequented by tourists” It is maintained by members of the GATC and is a beautiful part of the trail system…

fraser fir

#5

“…beautiful part of the trail system…” designed to get the financially concise folks to blow their last hard earned money in amicalola falls direction.

Sorry…still a little sore at them for trying to charge us $20 a tent at 4:30am for 1hr’s worth of use before daybreak, and not mentioning the free campsite for hikers right around the corner.:evil

Im sure it has some beautiful scenery along it, but I’d rather save that 8 miles for the mansion instead of the driveway.

Bryan

#6

I’ll agree with Frasier Fir. It was my choice to start with the approach trail right from the visitor center. I think it’s a good reality check for what lies ahead.

Hike your own hike.

Peaks

#7

The approach trail has actually end more hikes than the rest of Georgia. A lot of hikers start up the trail and have to turn back due to the difficulty. It’s is 8 bonus miles at the start of your hike so it’s really a personal choice which way you go. I think “purist” go with the approach trail more often. I say to each his own. Hiker your own hike!

Darth Pacman

#8

When I started the AT the taxi wouldn’t drive up the road, only to the park. Taking the train to town and a taxi to the park was less expensive than a shuttle - so in my case, finances did make a difference.

Ginny

#9

I drove up USFS 42 to the Springer parking lot in my friend’s Chevy Cavalier with no problems. I could have driven that road in most any roadworthy car with no ill effects, as FS42 was in good condition. I never planned to hike the approach trail. Not a part of the AT. heard about a guy who boke his ankle on the approach trail, though. He never even saw a white blaze. Wealth has nothing to do with who walks or drives to Springer. Drive your own drive, fart your own fart.

Chevy Beater

#10

Interesting point Darth…the approach trail kinda wakes up the hikers that aren’t ready or haven’t made up their minds yet whether they really want to do this or not.

Im kinda curious. I hear alot about “purists”. But the trail changes all the time, and even the original footpaths have been changed in some spots multiple times due to overuse, natural changes, etc. Are there any hikers that have actually done research to find out where the original paths were back in 1934 and actually went “off trail” in an attempt to exactly duplicate the original path.

bryan

#11

I was out on the approach Trail this past weekend and it was an awesome hike. I know its not part of the AT but I started there, at the visitors center, on my Thru in 03. Its a tough hike but rewarding when you reach Springer. I recommend it for anyone doing a Thru. But its up to you.

Subman Class of 03

Subman

#12

The approach trail is a waste of time if you have done any serious hiking on the AT(IMHO). It’s not that exciting of a hike, and the hike between Unicoi Gap and Dick’s Creek Gap is just as strenuous. Why waste your time on this 8 miles. Most people start with too much weight, so it’s not really a fair estimation to determine by way of the approach if you’re ready for the hike or not. Now, if you have never hiked in the mountains, then HYOH, well, actually, HYOH anyways, but if you’re out of shape then the .8 miles from USFS 42 to the summit will tell you alot, and if not then the hike over Sassafras will nail it down.

As for hiking the trail from 1934, it would be impossible as Springer was not the original terminus, rather it was about 30 miles south on Mt. Oglethorpe. That area has been built up significantly since.

Almost There

#13

If I may interject, anyone looking to add an extra 8 miles to the other 2,170, at least make it 8 great miles.

The Gulf Hagas loop trail, approximately 8 miles long, is probably MUCH better than Amicalola. I’ve hiked it many times, and this year I ran into many thru-hikers that hiked it as well. Can’t remember everyone’s names, but I’m sure Pacer (might have the name wrong) intended to hike it, as did Serenity.

Ask them about it.

Kineo Kid

#14

I’ve always wondered why the approach trail was not made part of the “official” AT when the southern terminus was moved. Anyone know? Is it a “requirement” to start and end on the top of a mountain?

Locomotive Breath

#15

This is getting a bit off topic…but yeah, I enjoyed Gulf Hagas, it was a nice change of pace. Here’s a photo of Buttermilk Falls, one of the many falls along the trail.

It seemed like NOBOs didn’t hike it 'cause they were too focused on Katahdin, and SOBOs didn’t hike it 'cause they were afraid they’d run out of food before Monson.

Pacer

#16

because it’s anti-climactic enough for us SOBOS to end our hikes on the summit of springer, it would really suck to end at the base.

the goat

#17

Goat - Well that’s what you get for hiking the wrong way! Seriously, I can’t imagine that was part of the decision making process in 1934.

Locomotive Breath

#18

ROFLMAO…aw come on goat…Springer aint that bad.I know springer isnt a 6000ft+ stopping point, but its not that bad.
The only reason the Katadin is so high is because everyone built it up with pebbles they took off Springer.:smiley:

Perhaps we should get the SOBO’s to bring 2 pebbles back with them.

Your right though…it wouldnt be any fun to end a 2000+ mile hike at a tourist trap.

bryan

#19

The AT has to end on top of a mountian. That was the vision. As for the wrong, the says Maine to Georgia. It’s the NOBO’s going the wrong way. It’s okay since it leaves more peace and quite for the SOBOs.

Darth Pacman

#20

Actually the Bronze plaque on Springer says…
“Appalachian Trail
Georgia To Maine
AT 1934
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club”

But oddly enough…the hiker embossed on it is …you guessed it…facing south.
:frowning:

bryan