InfoPhotos (24)Map

Description

This is the southernmost section of the Appalachian Trail, and it technically starts at the summit of Springer Mountain. Many people begin their hike at Amicalola Falls and hike the AT approach trail on their way up to Springer. (Note: the Google Maps location given is for the Springer Mountain parking lot, which is already a mile or two north of the official start of the AT.)

From the Southern Terminus, the trail travels north past the Springer Mountain parking lot, Stover Creek shelter, Three Forks area, and Hawk Mountain shelter to Hightower Gap on USFS 42.

Near Three Forks and the final split with the BMT is the gorgeous Long Creek Falls. Hiking in the 1 mile from the Three Forks parking area is a popular day hike.

(Note: when you continue on from Hightower onto section 2 of the AT, make sure that you take the singletrack that heads back up the ridge, and not the trail that drops down the side of the mountain. The trail that drops down the mountain is NOT the Appalachian Trail.)

The Benton MacKaye Trail also has its Southern Terminus near the top of Springer Mountain, and before they part ways for good the BMT and AT intersect 4 times near the Springer Mountain parking lot, forming 3 small loops of singletrack. These loops are very popular with casual day hikers due to the easy access, great views, short mileage, and loop design.



Best parking spot: see Google Map on the right.

Trail System

Appalachian Trail: Georgia

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Guidebooks

• Hiking Georgia
• Appalachian Trail Guide to North Carolina-Georgia
• 50 Hikes in the North Georgia Mountains

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Reviews of Appalachian Trail 001: Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap

Recommendations

Appalachian Trail 003: Woody Gap to Neels Gap (100%)
Tatum Lead-pinhoti (33%)
Long Creek Falls (33%)
Buck Gulch (33%)
Colorado Trail / Kenosha Pass To Lost Creek Wilderness Bound (33%)