About The Trail
The allure of the world’s longest footpath, the Appalachian Trail, draws hikers from all over the world to hike its entire length from Georgia to Maine over several months or to just sample a few miles of the trail on a day hike.
In Georgia, the A.T.’s southern terminus is located at the summit of 3,782-foot Springer Mountain. From Springer, the A.T. traverses the southernmost ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain, reaching elevations above 4,000 feet on several peaks as the path winds toward North Carolina.
The 78.6 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia pass through beautiful hardwood forests and over summits that afford breath-taking views. Abundant wildflowers in the spring and summer, lush green tunnels of rhododendron and mountain laurel, glorious fall leaf color, a variety of wildlife in any season, including black bears – all of that and more awaits hikers who walk those A.T. miles.
The entire length of the A.T. corridor in Georgia passes through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Within that national forest, the trail winds through five federally-designated wilderness areas and a national recreation area. The trail crosses five major roads that offer easy access to the trail or to nearby towns.
With 60 miles of blue-blazed connecting trails also maintained by GATC, plus 12 shelters along the A.T. and another two located on the 8.8-mile Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls State Park to the summit at Springer Mountain, the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail offers both a physical challenge and a wonderful opportunity to experience the very best of hiking on this national treasure.