If you have driven up USFS42 to the Springer Mtn. parking area could you let me know what kind of road it is and would a newer Suburban type vehicle be safe to take up and the wife to drive back. Thanks
_Bartender_USFS42 - Appalachian Trail
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#1
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#2
It's a fairly well graded gravel road so most cars would have no problem. A Suburban would be more than adequate. But the route is a little tricky. It took a little trial and error route finding the first time I went up. It would be a good idea to have a decent map that shows the forest service roads, maybe a GPS. You can apprach from the East side which is shorter but has more turns. The West appraoch is longer but simpler. You can get a simple (barely adequate) map from the Amicalola visitor center.
_Banks_
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#3
FS 42 depends on the last time it was serviced or smoothed out. Not sure what you mean by newer Suburban type vehicle, but you need some clearance. FS 42 is a dirt road, with some pot holes and some large rocks. You can google this information. I had two different routes, the other is shorter but perhaps a little more rough. The route is safe not like driving up Mt. Washington, where you can look out and see a 5oo foot drop. This is the west approach Banks wrote about.
Amicalola SP (706-265-4703) to Springer
25.3 mi – about 1 hour Via GA-52
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Turn right out of Park at GA-52, go 1.5 mi
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Slight right to stay on GA-52, go 6.3 mi
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Sharp right at Southern Rd, go 3.9 mi
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Turn right at Roy Rd, go 0.6 mi
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Continue on Double Hood Gap Rd, go 1.0 mi
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Slight left at Lowman Rd, go 1.0 mi
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Turn left toward Roy Rd 0.2 mi
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Slight left at Roy Rd 0.5 mi
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Continue straight to stay on Roy Rd 0.9 mi
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Slight right at Doublehead Gap Rd 2.1 mi
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Turn right toward FS 42-3 Rd 2.1 mi
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Slight left at FS 42-3 Rd 1.2 mi
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Continue on 13123 1.6 mi
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Continue on 13111 0.5 mi
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Continue on Forest Service Rd 1.3 mi to Springer MT.
_Bilko_
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#5
Suburban type vehicle = 07 Cadillac Escalade. Sounds like my wife could get lost coming back out with all those turns! Maybe a shuttle might be the best bet.
_Bartender_
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#6
I drove up there in a chevy lumina rental in 2000 with no problems. As I recall the road was narrow and windey in places and pretty rough but the car never bottomed out. As far as directions we stopped at the Forest Service headquarters in Dohlonega and the very helpful lady there gave me simple directions to find the trailhead. She also insisted on teaching me how to correctly pronounce some common names so I didn't sound like such a yankee. I can't imagine that the escalade will have any problems and finding your way back from the trailhead will not be a problem if you pay attention going in. Bilko's directions look complicated but if I remember the sinage was pretty good and going from Dohlonega was much easier. The FS HQ was worth the stop just for the displays and info about the region. Good luck and have a great hike.
_Big B_
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#7
I drove up to Springer about a month ago on a rainy day and the raods were pretty good. There were several sedan type vehicles in the parking lot. I drove a small pickup so and SUV type vehicle should pose no problem. Hope this helps!
_JustMike_
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#8
I know my wife would still be driving around in the woods after I had finished hiking.
Put out another message on Trailforums asking if anyone can help you get from Amicalola to Springer. There are many north Georgia people that could help you out.
There are alot of shuttle drivers in the area that can do it for a fee.
Contact Hiker Hostel, Josh and Leigh Saint run a nice hostel and shuttle service. Your wife could drop you off at their place. call (770)312-7342.
JOSHUA AND LEIGH SAINT
_Bilko_