Springer Mt - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Few Questions regarding the start of the AT NB.

What is the closest place to stay to the start of the trail? Can you stay right there at the Inn? or is there a better spot? I have a few friends driving me up there and want to make sure we can all secure a place to stay.

Also, do you have to take the Approach trail? I am having a debate with a friend that says you have to take the approach trail and that there is no other way to get to the starting point.

Any clarification on both issues would be appreciated

Thanks

Big Slick

#2

The closest place to stay before you start the trail is the shelter behind the approach trail. Or you can stay at the Inn at the top of the hill or stay at one of the cabins at the park.(Amicalola State Park) There are at least two other roads you can drive on to take you to FS road 42. Stop at the ranger station and they can tell you how to get there. Also look under georgia state parks for more information about Amicalola State Park. Have a great hike.

bluelight

#3

Dear Big~
The Approach Trail is optional, but I would encourage you to do the 8.8 extra miles. It is a difficult beginning to one’s thru-hike but well worth the beauty. If you stay at The Lodge at Amicalola Falls, the logistics are easier for a group seeing you off. The Lodge has great food and is a very comfortable setting for a send-off. Good Luck!

Ladybug

#4

I’m going to do the approach trail. This is awefull superstitious but somehow I believe that if I don’t hike the approach trail I’ll be disrespecting the mountain. If I respect Springer perhaps she’ll whisper kind words to the other mountains to the north Somehow; in the long run, the trail will be kinder to me if I do the approach trail.

Besides what’s another mountain and 8 miles when your going 2K+ anyway. :cheers

Tu

Tu

#5

Not necessary to take the approach trail, a strenuos approx. 8 mi. hike to the summit which is less than a mile from FS road 42 parking area. A shelter is nearby. The front of the handbook explains how to get to the summit with little retracing of your steps if you choose to skip the approach trail. The lodge is beautiful. I like the cabins - better hurry if you choose this option I think they book pretty fast.

bgone

#6

Will you need a truck for FS 42, or will a car get you there? I say 8 miles isn’t much compared to 2K+ but it’s still 8 miles.

Buckwheat

#7

I did the Approach trail on my 03 Thru-Hike and would reccommend doing it. You can stay in the shelter behind the Visitors center just inside the park. You can also stay at the Hiker Hostel Near Woody gap. Check hikerhostel.com. Staying at the Lodge or renting a cabin is great if you have the bucks. The people at the Hiker Hostel can shuttle you to Amicalola or Springer. You can use any kind of vehicle to drive the Forest service road up the Spring just need to take it slow.

Sub 03

Subman

#8

I didn’t do the approach trail and don’t feel like I missed anything or disrespected the mountain. My other half did the approach trail, so who knows in the long run what’s the “right” or “true” way. HYOH, right?

As far as getting there, you don’t need a truck or 4 wheel drive. We made it in a van, but it is a rough drive and it takes awhile to get there.

Xena