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  • The A.T. in Georgia and the GATC
  • Put Your Money to Work on the AT
  • Road/Trail Closures

Springer Mtn Sunbeams cropThe Appalachian Trail in Georgia extends over 78 miles through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, passing through five federally designated wilderness areas, a national recreation area, and a protected corridor.

The Trail follows the southernmost segment of the Blue Ridge chain of the Appalachian Mountains, reaching elevations above 4,000 feet at several locations. With over 50 miles of connected, GATC-maintained side trails, hiking opportunities that challenge, provide variety and breath-taking views abound. The A.T. continues into North Carolina at Bly Gap where hikers may continue their journey into the Nantahala National Forest on trail that is maintained by the Nantahala Hiking Club.

The Trail's southern terminus, located on the summit of Springer Mountain, is marked with an Appalachian Trail plaque and white blaze. You will find more information about how to prepare for a hike or backpacking trip and how to access the Appalachian Trail throughout this website.

The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club was founded on November 1, 1930 in Dahlonega, Georgia. We are an all-volunteer trail maintaining club responsible for the maintenance of over 130 miles of trail and trail facilities such as blazes, signs, shelters and privies in the north Georgia mountains. Our members, whether they have hiked the entire A.T. or are more casual about their outdoor recreation, come from all walks of life and share a passion for the Appalachian Trail and its protection for today and the future. Members of the GATC have served in leadership positions with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and previously the Appalachian Trail Conference from its earliest days. Many of our members serve on regional and trail-wide committees that direct and guide the present and future of the Appalachian Trail, as well.

In addition to maintaining and planning for the future of the A.T., we enjoy many recreational opportunities throughout the year. These trips have included day hikes, backpacks, photography, bicycle, canoeing and kayaking trips. These activities are not only in the mountains of north Georgia but in the city of Atlanta, the lakes of South Carolina, the coasts of Georgia and Florida and in many other locations throughout the southeast. We invite you to JOIN US and become a member of the leading trail maintaining club in Georgia and a leader in outdoor recreation!

Help Preserve the AT in Georgia

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As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charitable Organization, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club can accept your financial donation in any amount. Donations of $100 or more may be designated to one or more of the following specific purposes:

  • General Donation
  • GATC Building Fund
  • Trail Ambassador Program
  • Outreach Programs
  • Conservation
  • Activities
  • Trail Maintenance/Repairs

Donated amounts of less than $100 will be considered a general donation. Click here to make a donation.

Sport your support when you have a Georgia AT License Plate!GATCNewPlate

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) receives $10 annually for each Georgia specialty A.T. plate purchased or renewed. Since the plate became available in 2013, Georgia license plate holders have raised over $300,000 for ATC.

Apply for Your Georgia A.T. Plate

Apply for your plate by visiting your local Tax Commissioner’s tag office, or by choosing the “Appalachian Trail Conservancy of Georgia” specialty plate when you renew your registration online. In addition to the regular vehicle registration fees, a standard, numerical A.T. license plate costs $35. There is also a one-time manufacturing fee of $25 when you first purchase your tag.

Georgia A.T. License Plate Grant Program

Each year, the ATC uses funds from the sale of Georgia A.T. license plates to provide grants to organizations and individuals who are working to help fulfill the ATC’s mission within the state of Georgia. As of 2021, nearly $500,000 has been raised through this program in support of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Click here for a year-by-year summary of previous grantees and projects that received funding.

Create a Facebook Fundraiser in Support of Your Trail

Are you at a point in your life where those gifts you get for birthdays or other celebrations aren’t so special anymore? You can easily turn those potential gifts into a GATC Facebook Fundraisingmeaningful donation to your favorite trail – the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. If you have a Facebook account, you can set up a fundraiser that benefits the GATC, a 501c3 nonprofit. Your friends and family could donate the money they would spend on a gift to the club and perhaps get a tax benefit as a result as well. The funds generated by your Facebook fundraiser would amount to a generous gift to the Appalachian Trail here in Georgia.

To set up a benefit fundraiser, open your Facebook account and look for Menu items. Locate the Fundraiser tab (note: you may need to select "See more" to find it.) Search for the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club then set your preferences for the fundraiser.

All the money raised through your fundraiser will benefit the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Your fundraiser will also help spread the word about the good work this club does to protect, maintain and advocate for the Appalachian Trail here in Georgia.

The Approach Trail is rerouted from the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center to the top of the falls due to storm damage and reconstruction. Hikers can follow either the AFSP TrailsWest Ridge or East Ridge Trails to bypass the area. More details are available at the park visitor center.

I can’t believe this is my last Presidential Pondering! After three years it seems strange starting my “last” things, board meeting, general meeting, Town Hall etc.  It has been a privilege leading our club for the past three years.  While I am stepping down from this position I will still be around.  I will continue to be involved with our Trail Ambassador program and the Trail Skills Workshop.

Over the last eight years I have had the privilege of working with some great club members.  Your board demonstrates a high level of commitment, energy and enthusiasm which is amazing.  And there are many committee members who make significant contributions.

There are several members who perform duties year after year, our club would not be as strong as it is without people like:  Bruce Kreitman as Tool Manager, Ron Hamlin and Lisa Williams managing our web site and database, Olin Batchelor running the Photography Committee, Martha Miller engaging new members, Doug Haas keeping our books, John Turner editing our monthly newsletter, Mike Cordisco as Sawyer Coordinator, Tom Cross overseeing activities, Melanie Spamer assembling the year book, David & Pat Stelts maintaining structures, Margaret Bryant calculating the work trip database and counting hours and many others

The 2021 Board has four new members to the board, including Don Converse as president.  These people will bring new ideas and energy to the board to see our club through the Coronavirus pandemic. It is exciting to see new people join the board and bring new ideas and actions.

Three years ago a board retreat was held at the Hike Inn with Elizabeth Marsala conducting a strategic planning process.  From this the single most important take away was the need to engage more members in all areas of the club.  This involves mentoring prospective members to bring them into the club culture, assessing their strength, potential contributions and getting them involved.  Each board member as a committee chair has the responsibility to foster engagement and to develop a succession plan.

I also feel that our membership base should grow by up to 300 people.  That number would bring ten to twenty individuals getting sufficiently involved, from sections maintainers to filling many board positions.  For this to happen a marketing plan should be developed to promote the club and solicit members.

Consider there are approximately 7,000 Appalachian Trail license plates in Georgia.  That means there are a lot of people out there that feel a connection to our trail.  By reaching out we should be able to make a number of them members.  For those not able to commit to a membership our new Friends program allows people to be connected.  We can also reach potential members through our relationship with REI.  Additionally, tabling at various events provides great exposure, and with a provision to take applications and money an opportunity to gain members.

Of course, I have a concern about the immediate future we all have been hoping the Coronavirus would be dissipating by now.  It seems there may be another wave as the weather brings us inside.  I am slightly pessimistic about next years through hiker season.  There is a distinct possibility that the pandemic and social distancing will be back in full swing causing measure to be taken.

The season will be either full speed or a trickle.  If the trail is open, we should see record numbers of hikers starting.  In this case we will need an army of Trail Ambassadors to help visitors mitigate their impacts.  If the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the Chattahoochee National Forest (C-ONF) close the trail, there will still be many flaunting the rule and hiking.

I long for the day when we can get back to “normal”.  I miss our third Saturday work trips and seeing friends.  Fortunately, the trail remains in good condition, testament to the quality of our work.  Our sawyer team has been diligent about clearing blowdowns.  I hope we can get together next October for our annual meeting and celebration of 90 years of stewardship.

There will be a Town Hall meeting Thursday November 19 at 5:00pm. Also, make plans to participate in the annual Holiday Party Saturday December 5 at 10:00am.  Soon I will send out notice soon to register for these events. 

By next October I hope we can gather together for our annual meeting, and the postponed celebration of our 90th anniversary.  Until then, I’ll see you on the trail.