There is about a foot of snow on Springer Mt. and all the high peaks and ridges north of Springer in GA. FS roads are very treacherous with icy ruts cut through the deep snow. 4wd at least is advised. A through hiker reported between Springer & Woody Gap, many knee deep drifts, some 6 ft.+ drifts he had to wade through, blown down trees slow the pace considerably. A full shelter meant he camped in the snow, a very wet and miserable night, he called from a motel in Dahlonega where he’s drying out, warming up and movin on today.
Hogpen Gap, between Neel’s Gap and Unicoi Gap, is covered with over a foot of snow, state highway 348 crossing the AT at Hogpen gap is closed. The road up from hgwy 75/348 intersection was clear half way, but deep snow with icy tire ruts from where the plow quit plowing.
Reaching the trail at FS intersections will likely be very difficult for another day or two due to snow, then mud as it melts. Road access to the AT at Amicalola, Woody Gap, Neals Gap, Unicoi Gap, and Dick’s Creek Gaps are okay.
Warming weather will fix this mess, but night temps are in the 20’s, high in the 40’s up high, snow will remain on N. slopoes for probably a week+.
Richard Anderson