Could someone give me a better understanding of what to expect at Springer Mtn. I understand you have to hike 8.1 miles to reach the start of th AT. Is that the only way to get to the start? Do most people hike to the start spend the night and then start the AT the next morning? What is the best way to do it?
Bartender
The 8.1 miles is the approach trail from Amicola State Park. You can catch a shuttle or drive to within 1 mile of the top of Springer. If you have one of the guide books on the AT, all of this information is fully explained, Phone numbers for shuttles and hostels. The entire AT is explained and more. Thru Hikers Companion, Appalachian Pages, etc. are common guide books, but there are many more. You can also get state guides and maps from the ATC. If you are thru hiking, you will need one of these books. If you are section hiking, it might be helpful to have a guide book. This information is also on the web. I am sure you will get more specific information from others on this site as to which web site is the most helpful. Happy Hiking!
Margaret
the approach trail is fun and it will take to the trail head, however, You can accomplish what you wish to do, hike the AT, by beginning at the actual beginning. Take the shuttle to the trailhead parking lot and walk up the mile or so from there. Once you begin, you are beginning you adventure. Most of those I have met left the Approach trail for another day or did a day hike to acclimate to the trail itself.
Have fun
J D Cool
i would NOT miss the approach trail!..(LOVED the anticipation!..and there’s just something about those last few moments as you approach the summit of springer with all those beautifully gnarled trees and ageless boulders that is just sheer MAGIC!)…if you’re in decent shape (paw and i are geezers and had a MINIMAL amount of ‘training’) and your pack weight is down, the approach trail isn’t as ‘horrendous’ as a lot of folks make it out to be…on each of our hikes we hiked over the summit of springer and down to stover creek shelter EASILY by suppertime on our first day (starting at about 11am in ‘03 and not until 1pm in ‘06!)…you’ve got that ‘adrenalin rush’ goin’, y’ know! :^) BUT WE HAVE ALWAYS STARTED AT THE TOP OF THE FALLS (up by the lodge, not from the park office)…i would skip that little section (gravel road, steep, UN-scenic)…just sign in at the office, weigh your packs, take pics, etc, and then have your shuttle drop you off at the top of the falls where the approach trail begins in a much ‘easier’, prettier ‘neck of the woods’!..if you DO decide to spend the night on springer, the shelter is CHARMING! (and the water from the spring is delicious!)…but be aware!..it’s COLD up there on that beautiful old mountain!..even if you start later…
maw-ee
If I did the whole thing over again…which I someday hope to…I’d hike the approach trail again as well. I agree with Maw-ee about starting from the top of the falls, though.
I spent the night before hiking the approach trail sleeping under the stars in Amicalola. Not that I slept; I was too excited. So I got up before dawn and started walking north. I had so much adreneline going, those 8 miles seemed to go by really fast. It was like my first day started all over again when I signed the register on Springer.
ramkitten
A great place to stay the night before you start and a shuttle provider is the Hiker Hostel. (Clean rooms and a large breakfast with other hikers ) Check the website under the same name. The access trail used to not go near the falls, be sure to take the steps up that go right next to them. See photos. Hiker Hostel shuttle will get you to within one easy mile to the summit, actually up the AT or to Amicaola. Have a great hike. PS One guy solved the problem by parachuting to the summit of Springer.
rambler
Just say NO.
I have to defend our side of the age old debate on the trail.
Pish! the Approach trail doesn’t count. It’s not part of the AT. No more than any other side trail. Waste of time. Get on with it! haha.
Good hikers may disagree.
I’d done plenty of prep hikes so i didn’t feel the need to hike the extra 8 miles to acclimatize. But I’m not a purist, either.
To each his own.
FedEx