Appalachian Trail - Georgia

• Trail Stats: 76.4 Trail Miles, 12 Hiker Shelters
• Georgia is where it all begins, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The journey begins for most long-distance trail hikers at the 8.8-mile approach trail that starts at the visitor center in Amicalola Falls State Park and leads to the official start of the trail at the AT plaque on Springer Mountain. From there, it’s a 2,178-mile trek up the spine of the Appalachian Mountains to Mount Katahdin in northern Maine.
• Blood Mountain, the highest point on the trail in Georgia, is the spot of a historic battle between the Creek and Cherokee nations. The battle was so deadly it is said the ground was stained red, hence the hill’s name. The old Blood Mountain Shelter at the summit gets heavy use (and as a result may not be open to future generations). Not three miles down the north side of the mountain, at Neels Gap, is where an estimated 10 percent of aspiring AT thru-hikers call it quits.
• Thick stands of rhododendron and many trickling creeks give northern Georgia a remote feel. The hiking has some laborious climbs, but few are sustained for more than a couple of miles, which makes it an ideal location for someone wanting a taste of the AT. Be warned though, if you plan a trip from late February to late April, expect to jockey for space at the shelters with leagues of aspiring thru-hikers.
• Recommended 1- to 2-Day Trip: This 17-mile overnight trip provides a great sampling of the Georgian backcountry. The highlight is Tray Mountain, with its stunning views of the southern Appalachian range. The Tray Mountain Shelter is the perfect place to take in sunset after dinner: It is conveniently located less than a half-mile from the summit and has a water source a short distance away. Directions: Georgia 75 (Unicoi Gap) near Helen, north to U.S. 76 (Dicks Creek Gap) near Hiawassee.   

Guidebook: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion (Appalachian Trail Conservancy )
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