General Disclaimer: While references are made to specific products and services throughout this document, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club does not endorse or promote any specific named service or product. They are provided for general reference only.

Guide Books and Maps?

The most commonly used guide books are: “The A.T. Guide” by David “AWOL” Miller, published by Jerelyn Press  and the “Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion” By The Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association and published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The guides are updated annually and are available in late winter. The trail descriptions include profiles, distances to shelters, camping locations, water, trail heads/parking, shuttle operators and hostels. Both guides are available at local outfitters. We strongly recommend that you plan your hike with a guide book and be sure to bring in along with you. Also, Guthook AT Guide app, for Android and iPhones is commonly used and is available at your app store.

Maps are available from the ATC, outfitters, National Geographic and others. Note that these are updated far less often and have much less detail than the guides. They are useful for finding trail heads and could assist in emergency situations requiring departure from the trail.

Bly Gap and the northern-most sections of the Georgia AT

These northern-most 9 miles of the trail, Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap, are road-less except for a usually very rough road to Blue Ridge Gap. There is no road access to Bly Gap. If hiking to or from Bly Gap, there is road access at Deep Gap, North Carolina, or at Dicks Creek Gap in Georgia.

Water availability/purification

Refer to a guide book for specific locations and to this web-site’s listing of Water Sources and Availability for recent water availability information. The longest section generally without water is between Hawk Mountain shelter and Justice Creek, about 6.3 miles, though drought conditions lengthen the distance considerably.

All water should be purified before using. Some common methods are Aquamira, Sawyer Filters, various filter pumps and the Steripen.

Another longer range indicator of water supply can be found at a site that monitors A.T. rainfall over a three month period using NASA’s precipitation stations along the AT.

Bear Canisters

There is a USFS requirement to use a rigid bear canister if overnighting between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap, between March 1 and June 1 each year. Northbound there is camping at Lance Creek and Jarrard Gap. Southbound there is camping before reaching Neel Gap. See www.fs.usda/detail/conf/news-events for additional information.

Permits/ranger notifications

Permits to hike and camp, and ranger notifications are not required in Georgia nor North Carolina south of GSMNP. Family or friends should know your plans and expected completion date. This will provide an emergency notification if you are delayed or injured.

Regulations concerning commercial uses of the Appalachian Trail are available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/passes-permits/event-commercial.

Thru-hikers are encouraged to pre-register your start at http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/thru-hiking/voluntary-thru-hiker-registration.

Section hikers and groups are encouraged to pre-register their hikes at https://www.atcamp.org

Getting to Springer Mountain or the Approach Trail at Amicalola State Park

For information about directions, parking and shuttle options, go to GATC's reference page.

Camping on the trail in Georgia

Refer to the guide books for locations. There is camping at all of the shelters or you may camp at one of the many established campsites along the trail or stay in one of the shelters. Learn about and follow Leave No Trace principles and use areas already hardened by use. If you have a fire, please use existing fire rings and be sure your fire is dead out before leaving the area. Be acquainted with no-fire zones such as on Blood Mountain. Refer to the Chattahoochee National Forest website for news and information about fire restrictions that may be in effect.

Food protection

Most shelters in Georgia have cable systems to assist in hanging food out of the reach of animals, the cable systems will be phased out in favor of bear proof steel boxes. The Hawk Mountain tenting area has bear proof steel boxes as does the Hawk Mountain Shelter. In other camping locations hang your food bag so that it is at least 10 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from the tree trunk. Also note the bear canister requirement discussed elsewhere and at the Chattahoochee National Forest news and information website.

Day hiking or slack packing the Georgia AT

The two terms mean the same thing. Basically, you will hike a section and leave the trail at the end of the day. Unless you are going to hike and return to your starting point, this will require a minimum of two vehicles or coordination with a shuttle service. Shuttle services are discussed elsewhere (see above).

Multi-day backpack of the AT in Georgia or section hike of GA

As with slack packing, multiple cars or a shuttle service is required.

Hotels, Motels, State Parks

Refer to the guide books for information about lodging in towns and near the trail heads. Besides Amicalola SP, there are two state parks near the trail in Georgia. They are Vogel SP and Unicoi SP. Note that they are off trail. Go to the Georgia State Parks website for more information.

Trail head parking

The largest parking lots are on paved roads i.e. Woody Gap, Neel Gap (at Byron Reese trail head), Hog Pen Gap. Unicoi Gap and Dicks Creek Gap. Parking is more limited at trail crossings on Forest Service roads. In general there has been little vandalism in Georgia. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or make sure they are hidden. There is a 14 day limit on parking at the Springer Mountain parking lot.

Section hiking the AT in Georgia

Due to many requests, we have laid out a sample hiking schedule for hiking the Georgia section of the AT.

Day 0 – Approach Trail to Springer Mountain 8.8 miles

Day 1 - Springer to Hawk Mountain campsites or shelter 7.9 miles

Day 2 - Hawk to Gooch Mountain shelter 7.7 miles

Day 3 - Gooch to Woods Hole shelter 12.3 miles

Day 4 - Woods Hole to Low Gap shelter 15.0 miles

Day 5 - Low Gap to Blue Mountain shelter 7.3 miles

Day 6 - Blue Mountain to Tray Mountain shelter 8.1 miles

Day 7 - Tray Mountain to Plum Orchard shelter 15.5 miles

Day 8 - Plum Orchard to Bly Gap 4.5 miles

Climate on the Georgia section of the AT

The following weather summary is provided by the USDA Forest Service for the Georgia mountains:

Temperature - The area experiences all four seasons. Summers typically consist of lengthy spells of warm and humid weather. Average afternoon high temperatures are in the lower 80s. Readings of 90 or higher can be expected on 15 to 25 days. Overnight lows are usually in the 60s.

Temperatures during winter months are more variable. Oftentimes, stretches of relatively mild weather will alternate with cold snaps. Winter high temperatures average in the 40s, with lows averaging in the 20s. Lows of 32 degrees or lower can be expected on 90 to 110 days each year.

Spring and autumn seasons are characterized by much variability from day to day and from year to year. The average dates of the first freeze in the autumn are in October. The average dates of the last freeze in the spring are in April.

Precipitation - Annual rainfall amounts average over 60 inches, with measurable amounts of rain typically recorded on around 140 days each year. Snow falls on a average of 5 days each year, producing average seasonal total snowfall of about 4 to 6 inches.

Averaging over many years, the driest months are September and October while the wettest month is March. Thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer months. In a typical year, thunder will be heard on 50 to 60 days.

Current or near term weather forecasts

These sites show current weather conditions at each shelter, AT Weather and sophiaknows.com.

Forest Service road conditions

USFS road conditions vary seasonally and by the amount of rain fall. The roads going into Springer Mountain are heavily used and involve long stretches of gravel road, To check on road conditions contact the Forest Service at 706-754-6221 or visit the Chattahoochee National Forest website.

Hostels

There are many hostels and other off-trail accomodations offered. Hostels offer services to hikers such as overnight lodging, shuttles between trail heads and rides to town for resupply. The guide books describe the services offered, location and phone numbers.

Georgia thru-hiker badge

If you have hiked all of the AT in Georgia, either as a thru hike or in sections, go to https://georgia-atclub.org/gatc-store to purchase your patch to commemorate your accomplishment.

Join The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club

Go to https://georgia-atclub.org/join-gatc.

Approach Trail

The Southern Terminus Access Trail begins behind the Amicalola State Park Visitors Center. This 8.8 mile, blue-blazed approach trail climbs to the top of Amicalola Falls (this portion is also called the East Ridge Trail), crosses the road to the lodge, then climbs through the Amicalola Watershed to Springer Mountain.   Frosty Mountain is at mile 4.1 of Approach Trail and Nimblewill Gap is at mile 6.0.

 Hike Inn Trail

This 6-mile long trail parallels the Approach Trail, departing from it a short distance from the top of the falls and rejoining the Approach Trail a short distance from Nimblewill Gap. There is no camping along this trail, but snacks, drinks and water refills are available at the Hike Inn for a donation.

 

Georgia Appalachian Trail

Mile	Description
00.0	Springer Mountain (3782 ft) is Southern terminus of the AT Bronze plaque on rock, sign and register nearby. Good views to west. Mount Katahdin in Maine is 2,190 miles north via the white-blazed trail.
00.2	Springer Mountain Shelter (3700 ft) to trail east on side trail with privy and reliable spring. Established tent sites nearby.
00.9	USFS Road #42 (parking).
02.8	Stover Creek Shelter (2928 ft) with all-season stream nearby. Located trail east off the AT. Bear box and bear cables are available.
04.4	Three Forks (2517 ft), where three streams converge to form Noontootla Creek, USFS Road #58. Campsites available north of AT along Long Creek.
05.3	Blue blazed trail to Long Creek Falls. Worth a visit.
07.4	Hawk Mountain Campsites (3222 ft) with tent pads, privy and water. Trail to trail west. Bear boxes are available.
08.1	Hawk Mountain Shelter (3145 ft) with privy and water down path behind shelter. Limited camping outside shelter. Bear boxes and bear cables are provided.
08.6	Hightower Gap (2852 ft), junction with gravel USFS Roads #42 & #69.
12.3	Cooper Gap (2812 ft), junction with gravel USFS Roads #15, #42 and #80.
15.8	Gooch Mountain Shelter (2767 ft) and privy to left on short side trail. Excellent spring, tent sites. Bear boxes and cables are available.
17.1	Gooch Gap (2816 ft), USFS Road #42 leads 2.7 miles to Suches, Georgia.
20.6	Woody Gap (3164 ft), paved GA Hwy. 60 with good parking. Suches, Georgia is 1.9 miles to left. Trash cans and a privy are provided.
21.7	Big Cedar Mountain (3582 ft), with good views from rock ledges.
23.6	Dockery Lake Trail junction (3046 ft); trail leads southeast to USFS camping on Dockery Lake; parking available
24.0	Lance Creek tent pads (2869 ft); tent pads and cables available for hanging food.
26.4	Jarrard Gap (3284 ft), blue-blazed trail to left leads one mile to Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area (USFS) and GA Hwy 180. March 1 to June 1: Camping Restriction from Jarrard Gap to Neel Gap. Bear canister required during the restricted period due to increased bear activity at this time.
27.9	Woods Hole Shelter (3659 ft), privy 0.4 miles west on side trail. Water at mid-point on trail. Bear canister required March 1 to June 1.
27.9	Bird Gap (3,650 ft). Freeman Trail bypasses Blood Mountain summit and leads 1.8 miles to Flatrock Gap.
28.2	Slaughter Creek Trail (3805 ft), blue-blazed to left leads 2.7 miles to Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area (USFS). Stream at right turn is the last water before Neels Gap and is the water source for campsites ahead.
28.3	Slaughter Creek Campsite (3874 ft), eight tent pads built on sidehill. Fires are not allowed. Bear canister required March 1 to June 1.
28.6	Duncan Ridge Trail junction (4128 ft), blue-blazed to left connects to the Benton MacKaye Trail creating the Georgia Loop, 55 miles in length.
29.0	Blood Mountain (4442 ft, highest point on the AT in Georgia). Blood Mountain Shelter with privy located on summit. Closest water is creek at AT and Slaughter Creek trail junction. Panoramic views in all directions. Fires are not allowed. Bear canister required to stay in shelter March 1 to June 1.
30.4	Flatrock Gap (3447 ft), Trail to Byron Reece Memorial, west .6 mi. Parking; Freeman Trail bypasses Blood Mountain summit and leads 1.8 miles to Bird Gap.
31.4	Neel Gap (3100 ft), paved US 19/129 with parking at Byron Reese Memorial north on highway. Walasi-Yi Center has hiker supplies, equipment and hostel available on first come, first serve basis.
32.5	Bull Gap (3642 ft), campsite with water 0.2 miles on side trail to west.
35.2	Wolf Laurel Top (3763 ft), views to east in clearing.
37.4	Tesnatee Gap (3140 ft), paved GA Hwy. 348 (Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway) with parking.
38.1	Whitley Gap Shelter trail (3623 ft), shelter with privy is trail east 1.2 miles down trail; magnificent views in season, dependable spring. There are several good camp sites near the shelter. Bear cables are provided.
38.3	Hogpen Gap (3461 ft) on GA Hwy. 348 with parking.
42.9	Low Gap Shelter (2966 ft), shelter, privy and water trail east via side trail into cove. Bear cables are provided.
47.9	Chattahoochee Gap (3523 ft), spring trail east via side trail to headwaters of Chattahoochee River.
49.2	Site of former Rocky Knob shelter. Area still usable as campsite. Spring downhill below old shelter site.
50.2	Blue Mountain Shelter (3889 ft), privy via side trail to trail west. Spring on AT just before turnoff to shelter. Bear cables provided.
52.6	Unicoi Gap (2940 ft), paved GA Hwy 75 with parking.
55.2	Indian Grave Gap (3117 ft), cross USFS Road #79; Andrews Cove Trail leads trail north to Andrews Cove Campground (USFS)
56.3	Cheese Factory campsite (3578 ft), several campsites with nearby water available
57.0	Tray Gap (3841 ft), junction with Tray Mountain Road (USFS Road #79).
57.8	Tray Mountain (4398 ft) with outstanding views from summit. Descending to north, trail is rough, rocky and steep.
58.3	Tray Mountain Shelter (4216 ft), shelter with privy is trail west via side trail, good spring downhill behind shelter. Bear cables provided.
63.8	Addis Gap (3334 ft) campsite with stream to trail east 0.5 mile down old fire road.
64.8	Kelly Knob (4144 ft), summit is 0.2 mile to trail west.
65.7	Deep Gap Shelter (3554 ft), shelter and privy is 0.3 mile to trail east. Water in piped spring just before shelter. Bear box and cables provided.
66.7	Vista side trail (3886 ft), beautiful view 0.1 mile to east - worth the side trip
69.3	Dicks Creek Gap (2654 ft), paved US 76 with picnic tables and seasonal stream.
73.8	Plumorchard Gap Shelter (3008 ft), shelter with privy is located to trail east of gap, down side trail. Spring trail west near shelter. Bear box and cables provided.
78.2	Bly Gap (3835 ft), on Georgia/North Carolina state line, is marked by gnarled oak tree and fine views to north. Good campsite and water to right below clearing.

Information stated here is subject to change and is beyond the control of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. All information should be confirmed head of time. Last update June 2023.

The Appalachian Trail in Georgia extends 78.4 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 of challenge, variety, and breath-taking views abound.

The Trail's southern terminus, located on the summit of Springer Mountain, is marked with an Appalachian Trail plaque and white blaze. Forest Service Road 42 crosses the Appalachian Trail approximately one mile trail north, and provides vehicular access off of Double Head Gap Road in Gilmer County. Springer Mountain Summit is connected to the south by the 8.5 mile Springer Mountain Approach Trail, beginning behind the Visitors Center at Amicalola Falls State Park, off Georgia State Highway 52. A detailed guide book with maps is available from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Book Store.

 

 

Hike Preparation

The Georgia section is very often the point where many who have the desire to thru-hike the trail begin their journey. It's also used by scouts, spring-breakers, section hikers, day hikers and a whole assortment of other individuals and groups. Because of this, it's also one of the most heavily traveled portions of the AT, especially in March and April. The ATC maintains a Thru-Hiker Registry to help you start your trek at the ideal time to find the experience you hope to have, minimize the impact on the environment and help make the Trail more sustainable for the future.

The volunteer trail maintainers of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club see many hikers unprepared for the journey they're about to embark on. In fact, about 25-30% of the hikers who start in Georgia, sometimes at considerable expense, fail in the first thirty miles of the Trail because of the lack of adequate preparation or a good understanding of what it takes to complete a 2,190+ mile walk. There are a lot of resources available to help you prepare, from books to websites. Your local outfitter may be able to help you, too.

A good understanding of Leave No Trace principles and how they apply to your experience is also a good tool to have. An excellent YouTube video series is available at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's website.

Another invaluable source is the GATC YouTube Channel with helpful videos produced by
GATC members to help hikers prepare for their trek through Georgia. You'll find that series by clicking here.

We want you to succeed in your hike, no matter the distance you plan. Prepare yourself well for Happy Hiking!

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Trail Markings

The A.T is marked with both signs and blazes, the latter being the most common. These 2” X 6” vertical white rectangles are painted on trees and sometimes, rocks. Similar sized blue blazes mark recognized and maintained side trails connecting with the AT. Two blazes marked one above the other alert hikers to a change in direction.

Trail Shelters

There are 12 shelters located close to the Georgia AT. These are intended for use by Appalachian Trail hikers on a first come, first served basis.

Privies are near each shelter.  With the exception of the stone cabin on Blood Mountain, spring water sources and food hanging cables are near the shelters.

Water Sources

Water sources, mostly springs, can be found along or near the trail at the lower elevations. Access to these is frequently marked with blue blazes. All water should be boiled, filtered or chemically treated before consumption.

Hiking Concerns

Mountain hiking is a strenuous activity. Appalachian Trail hikers should anticipate that and be prepared for it. The Trail passes through a natural environment, the home of poisonous snakes and plants, stinging insects, and animals that enjoy eating hikers’ food as much as they do. Reasonable precaution should be taken. The AT also passes through public lands open for seasonal hunting. The encouraged precaution is the wearing of blaze orange during hunting season.

Management of the Trail

The Appalachian Trail in Georgia is managed, maintained, protected, and promoted by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, first entered into in 1930.

Out-of-state hikers who come to Georgia will probably arrive in either Atlanta or Gainesville, GA.  Gainesville, about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, is the closest town to the trail served by public transportation. Amicalola Falls State Park is about 38 miles from Gainesville.

If you are arriving at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, make an advance reservation with a shuttle service (see below). The shuttle may pick you up at the airport or ask that you take public transportation (MARTA) from the airport to a station outside the city. This is easily done since there is a MARTA train station in the airport terminal.

The MARTA station farthest north from the airport is North Springs, however there is no direct access to shopping or services. One stop earlier, near the Sandy Springs station, there is shopping including an REI and Target, plus many restaurants and shops.

It you are traveling by train or bus, you may arrive in Atlanta or Gainesville. Again you will need a shuttle to the trail or Amicalola Falls SP. Be sure to make a reservation for a shuttle.

Shuttle Sources:

Lists of shuttle operators along the trail are maintained on the following websites:

• Whiteblaze website
• The Trek website

Gainesville from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you decide to travel between Gainesville and the Atlanta Airport, AMTRAK and Greyhound Bus Lines operate connecting services.  The easiest and least expensive way to get from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the bus station in downtown Atlanta, or to the AMTRAK station in Midtown Atlanta is to use the Atlanta public transportation system, MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).

By Greyhound Bus:

Address:
Atlanta Bus Station
232 Forsyth St
Atlanta, GA 30303

Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Greyhound Depot:

• Take the MARTA train from the airport to Garnett Station (S1). Go out Garnett Station, turn left to Forsyth St. The bus depot is to your right on Forsyth St.
• OR take Atlanta Airport Shuttle bus to bus depot.
• OR take taxi to bus depot.

Call Greyhound at 1-800-231-2222 or log on to their website (Greyhound.com) to confirm the latest schedule and fare information.

By AMTRAK train:

Address:
Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta Airport to AMTRAK station:

• Take MARTA train to Arts Center Station (N5), transfer to MARTA bus #110 at the Arts Center Station ; or walk to left uphill on 15th Street to Peachtree Street and walk one mile north (left) on Peachtree Street to AMTRAK station. The small AMTRAK station is on your left just after crossing over Interstate 85 on Peachtree Street;
• OR take Atlanta Airport Shuttle bus to AMTRAK station.
• OR take taxi, Uber or Lyft from airport to AMTRAK station.

Call AMTRAK at 1-800-872-7245 or log onto their website (Amtrak.com) to confirm the latest schedule and fare information.

MARTA bus routes and schedules are subject to change.  Verify all information directly with MARTA prior to planning your trip at their website: itsmarta.com

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website also maintains a list of shuttle provider services connecting the airport to Gainesville, Georgia.

Approach Trail To Springer Mountain

The usual approach is to start at Amicalola Falls State Park off paved GA Hwy. 52 and hike the 8.8 mile blue-blazed Approach Trail to Springer Mountain.

Driving to the Approach Trail

From Dahlonega, Georgia (about 60 miles north of downtown Atlanta via GA Hwy. 400) take GA Hwy. 52 west approximately 20 miles to Amicalola Falls State Park.  Parking is available near the visitor center.  There is a small daily entrance fee. If you want to leave a vehicle at the park while you hike you must register your car at the visitor center and there is a fee to do so.

Driving to Springer Mountain

The shortest approach involves driving north of Springer to where the AT crosses USFS Road #42, then hiking south on the white-blazed AT one mile to the summit of Springer Mountain. Note that you cross USFS 42 and follow the white blaze trail south to the summit before backtracking to the parking area and on northward.

From GA Hwy. 52, 9.5 miles east of Amicalola Falls State Park or 8.5 miles west of Dahlonega, turn right on Nimblewill Church Gap Road at Grizzle's old store (closed, sign for store is damaged).

Go 2.0 miles and turn right on USFS Road #28 (look for sign that points to Georgia Wildlife Management Area on left and sign to Jones Creek Road on right).

After 2.2 miles, bear left at fork onto USFS Road #77 and go 5.1 miles.

Take hard left onto USFS Road #42 and go 2.7 miles to AT, passing a Benton MacKaye Trail crossing (diamond blazes) along the way. There is a large parking area on the right side of the road. To reach the summit, cross the road and follow the white blazed trail southbound.

- Alternative Route -

From GA Hwy. 52 in Cartecay (12.1 miles west of Amicalola Falls State Park or 7.4 miles east of Ellijay), turn on Roy Road between the Methodist Church and Stanley's Grocery and go 9.7 miles to end of road.

Turn right onto Doublehead Gap Road and go 2.2 miles to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (these are paved roads).

Turn right onto gravel USFS Road #42 and go 6.8 miles to the parking area on left side of road. To reach the summit, cross the road and follow the white blazed trail southbound.

NOTE: These Forest Service roads can be quite rough, and may be impassable by car or van in winter or very wet weather. Contact the Chattahoochee National Forest Toccoa Ranger District in Blue Ridge, Georgia (706) 632-3031 for current road conditions.

Trailhead Parking:

Available at the major paved road crossings: Woody Gap (GA Hwy. 60), Neel Gap (US Hwy. 129/19), Tesnatee Gap (GA Hwy. 348), Hogpen Gap (GA Hwy. 348), Unicoi Gap (GA Hwy. 75/17) and Dicks Creek Gap (US Hwy. 76).  Limited parking, max 14 days, is available in the Springer Mountain parking lot on FS 42. For extended backpacks, cars may be registered and parked at Amicalola Falls State Park.  Contact the park for more details.

Medical service:

Union General Hospital Clinic, Suches 

North on GA 60, 2.2 miles, 56 Firewater Lane, Suches, GA 30572

(706) 747-1036

Open for medical needs Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 5:00

Hospitals and clinics are also available in Dahlonega, Blairsville and Hiawassee.

 

Disclaimer

The information provided here is subject to change and is beyond the control of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.

There are abundant opportunities to explore and connect with nature along the Georgia Appalachian Trail.  Whether you're planning your first day hike or preparing for an extended section or thru hike, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club can help. The GATC has developed a YouTube channel with videos designed to help you prepare for a hike in the north Georgia mountains.

As a member of GATC, you can participate in the many day hikes, backpacking trips, and hiking seminars offered throughout the year.  We also offer valuable information about hiking etiquette, safety tips, shuttle lists, suppliers, water sources, and hunting seasons to help you plan your hike.

If you're new to hiking and backpacking or want to improve your skills, you can start with these two sources. For a good hiking primer that equips you with what you need to know and what you can expect while hiking on the Appalachian Trail, look at the Hiker Resource Library developed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Another resource to consider that was developed by the ATC is the ebook "Step by Step, An Introduction to Walking the Appalachian Trail."

About This Data

This data was gathered by volunteers from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club over a number of years.  It is believed to be accurate but there is always the possibility of errors or omissions.  The trail route is updated soon after changes in the trail are made.  We are continuing to gather and refine data on trail features.  We suggest for planning trips on the AT that you use the guide books and maps produced by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  For access to the AT from Forest Service roads, consult the Chattahoochee National Forest Map available from the USFS and outdoor stores as well as a PDF version on the web.

• Georgia Appalachian Trail Map  – This map in PDF format is intended to show the general location of the AT in Georgia and mileages between access points and shelters. To view and print more detailed maps, see the interactive map, below.
• Georgia Appalachian Trail Profile - These pages are also in PDF format and are intended to provide a representation of the trail elevation changes in Georgia in diagram format. The profiles include the AT in Georgia, the Approach Trail and the Hike Inn Trail, which parallels the Approach Trail.
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Be sure and look for our partner communities below!

Click on the links below for more information about each item.

Springer Mountain Area

Amicalola Falls State Park 

418 Amicalola Falls Road Dawsonville, GA 30534

(706) 344-1500

Beautiful lodge and restaurant at the top of the mountain, campsites that include showers and a laundry facility with the fee, and walk-in primitive campsites with a privy for late arrivals. Soft drink machines are located near the park office at bottom of falls and at the top of the falls near the Hike Inn parking lot.  Park office closes at 5:00 p.m.

 

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Len Foote Hike Inn

5 miles by trail north of Amicalola Falls State Park and 4.5 miles by trail south of Springer Mountain.

(800) 581-8032, M-F, 8am-5pm, EST

Guests hike in from Amicalola Falls State Park.  For overnight guests, the inn has hot showers, hearty, family style dinners and breakfasts (trail lunches are available for guests), educational programs and environmental demonstrations. Snacks, water refills and other hot and cold beverages are available to hikers for a donation.

 

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Woody Gap Area (GA Hwy 60)

Two Wheels of Suches 

North on GA 60, 2 miles, at intersection of Hwy 180

(706) 979-1671

Restaurant, camping with no reservations required, Cabins also available.

High Valley Resort 

North, 2 miles on GA 60, then right on Hwy 180 for 0.8 miles

(404) 720-0087

Camping and cabins, as well as other amenities

Above the Clouds Hostel

North on GA 60 at the intersection with Cooper Gap Rd. (USFS 42)

(678) 983-0954

Wolf Pen Gap Store

North on GA 60, 2 miles, at intersection of Hwy 180

(706) 747-2271

Open 7 days a week, the store carries a little bit of everything including groceries, pizza, gas, ice, area maps, prepared foods, fishing gear and camping supplies. No longer a hostel at this location.

 
Union General Hospital Clinic, Suches 

North on GA 60, 2.2 miles, 56 Firewater Lane, Suches, GA 30572

(706) 747-1036

Open for medical needs Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 5:00

Post Office, Suches, GA

North on GA 60, 2.1 miles, #2078 Hwy 60

(706) 747-2611

Open Monday - Friday from 12:15 pm to 4:15 pm.

Dahlonega, GA - Appalachian Trail Community

South on GA 60, 14 miles

Shopping, accommodations, restaurants, laundry, grocery stores, fast food, Post Office, Outfitter.

Hiker Hostel at Barefoot Hills: Barefoot Hills Hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Dahlonega, Georgia.  Its convenient location near Springer Mountain, the official beginning point of the Appalachian Trail, as well as numerous other prized mountain gaps, has long made it a favorite spot for the trail hiking community.  Cyclists, mountain bikers, rock climbers, kayakers, fly-fishing aficionados, boaters, golfers and outdoor enthusiasts from all walks also find Barefoot Hills Hotel conveniently located to some of the finest recreational outings in the southeastern United States. Reserve online or call (770) 312-7342.

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Neel Gap Area (US Hwy 19/129)

Mountain Crossings a.k.a. The Walasi-Yi Center

12471 Gainesville Hwy., US 19, Blairsville, GA 30512

(706) 745-6095)

Full service outfitter and short-term grocery resupply store located directly on the Appalachian Trail at Neel Gap. The store is run by Logan and Georganna Seamon. Logan, George and their staff provide terrific support to the long-distance hikers who come through every spring. The center is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

The hiker hostel, which includes a shower w/towel and a bunk, is available for all hikers on a first come first served basis for $20. No dogs are allowed to stay inside the hostel, but free camping for all is located out back behind the building.

A mail drop service is available, but it is requested that people mail packages within one week of their arrival. Calling to inform the store of an incoming package would be appreciated. The store can also mail out packages using USPS services.

 

Vogel State Park

North on US 19/129, 3.0 miles

(706) 745-2628

Vogel State Park has cabins, campsites, limited supplies, laundry, telephone, hot showers and friendly folks.

 

Blood Mountain Cabins
South on US 19/129, 0.3 miles

(706) 745-9454 or (800) 284-6866.

Cabins sleep up to 6 with showers and kitchens. Call for details on their Thru-hiker rates which are for first come first served hikers.

Blairsville, GA – Appalachian Trail Community

North on US 19, 13 miles

Shopping, accommodations, restaurants, laundry, grocery stores, fast food, Post Office.

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Unicoi Gap Area (GA Hwy 75)

Helen, GA -  Appalachian Trail Community

South on GA Hwy 75, 10 Miles

Alpine tourist theme. Shopping, accommodations, restaurants, laundry, grocery stores, fast food, Post Office, small hiking shop.

Hiawassee, GA - Appalachian Trail Community

North on GA Hwy 75,  12 miles.

Shopping, accommodations, restaurants, laundry, grocery stores, fast food, Post Office. Everything is centralized for easy walking

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Dicks Creek Gap Area (US Hwy 76)

Clayton, GA

East on US 76, 18 Miles

Shopping, accommodations, restaurants, laundry, grocery stores, fast food, Post Office.

Hiawassee, GA - Appalachian Trail Community

West on US 76, 11 miles

Shopping, accommodations, restaurants, laundry, grocery stores, fast food, Post Office. Everything is centralized for easy walking.

 

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Disclaimer

The information provided here is subject to change and is beyond the control of the  Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. All information should be confirmed ahead of time.