Rocky, Not sure what hiking shape your in for 65, seems like you stay active. Not sure of your experience hiking, doesn’t appear to be a lot. I would do as much research on the AT as possible, this site and Whiteblaze.com. One of my favorite sites is the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion on-line. It will give you all the information you will need.
April is a great time to start hiking the AT. There will be many other hikers starting in April as well. 7-10 miles a day is a great goal. Take your time and don’t get caught up trying to hike to fast. You will be able to re-supply along the trail about every 3-4 days. You do not need for someone to bring you food!
You will be able to resupply with food in about 3-4 days from Springer. This depends if you do the approach trail. Neels Gap is 30 miles north of Springer. Moutain Crossings is a re-supply stop at Neels Gap. Winton Porter(owner)is a great supporter of the AT. The trail goes through the building, it is impossible to miss. You will be able to get whatever you need there. They also have a place in which you can sleep and take a shower.
After Mountain Crossings you will be ready to hike to Dicks Creek Gap(36 miles). The AT crosses US 76 at Dicks Creek Gap. You can hitch (or call) for a ride into Hiawassee, GA(11 miles). In Hiawassee you can get whatever you want. There are hotels, hostels and restaurants. Blueberry Patch is a nice little hostel to stay in, it is 3.5 miles off the trail towards Hiawassee. They have been in business along time.
After a little R&R in Hiawassee, you can get back on the AT and hike 40 miles to Winding Stair Gap. A nice 3 or 4 day hike. Winding Stair Gap crosses US 64 and into Franklin, NC. Franklin is about 10 miles off the AT. By this time you have hiked a little over 100 miles.
From Franklin you will now feel like a pro. From Winding Stair Gap you have 30 miles to get to the NOC. A great place to hang out for a couple of hours or days. From the NOC it is 30 miles to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
I tried to keep it simple. But remember that there are many hills, mountains and valleys to cross. Start getting in shape now. 10 miles in Ohio are not the same as 10 miles on the AT in Georgia.
You can drive your car down to Amicalola State Park in Dawsonville, GA. You can park your car there (talk with the Park Rangers)it should be for free and start hiking the approach trail (8 miles) to Springer. You can pay for a shuttle from the Park that will take you about a mile from Springer. I would suggest you do this. When you are finished with your section hike you will be able to get a shuttle back to Amicalola. Good Luck and you can email me if you need additional info.
Bilko
