This blog post is part of “YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA OUTDOORS” blog series.
The challenging Appalachian Trail in Georgia is a beautiful trek. Reaching over 4,000 feet above sea level and traversing the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest for over 75 miles, this southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain offers over fifty miles of connected side trails, breath-taking views, trail shelters and privies.
Great Smokey Mountains Photo by Kirk Thornton on Unsplash
Appalachian Trail Access Starts In Georgia
Access to the trail is made on foot. Starting with the 8.8-mile approach trail at Amicalola Falls State Park, the trail winds its way across the western edge of Springer Mountain and ends at an area called Bly Gap on the Georgia North Carolina Border.
Throughout the length of the Georgia Appalachian Trail, there are many day hikes and paths you can enjoy. Or for the more adventurous, this could be the start of hiking the entire trail to its end north in Maine.
Animals on the Appalachian Trail
When hiking in the Georgia Mountains, keep in mind that the wilderness is home to bears. While they normally avoid humans, garbage and food left on the trail have attracted them to shelter areas looking for food.
Possums Raccoons and other small animals will steal your food if not secured properly on the bear cables found at many of the trail shelters. Rattlesnakes and Copperhead snakes will typically avoid humans but watch for snakes warming themselves on rock outcroppings, or nestled against crossover logs.
Amicalola Falls State Park Photo by Christopher Carson on Unsplash
Weather on the Appalachian Trail
The elevation varies from a low point of about 2600 feet at Dick's Creek Gap to a peak elevation of about 4500 feet at Blood Mountain.
The higher elevation along the length of the Trail means the temperature will remain considerably colder than in other parts of the state.
When hiking in the Spring, be prepared for cold-weather camping, and be adaptable towards rain throughout the year.
Photo by Savannah Lakes Village on Unsplash
Trail Markings
The Trail system uses blazes to mark the trail.
Ablaze is a white or colored stripe that is painted on the trail or on rocks or trees marking the direction of the path. White blazes mark the path and blue blazes mark side or approach trails and trails leading to the water. A double stripe blaze indicates a change in direction or turn.
These marking are consistent throughout the 2,100 miles of trails from Georgia to Maine.
Safety on the Appalachian Trail
Crime is rare on the Trail but common sense should prevail.
Don't tell strangers where you are camping and stay away from sleeping near forest roads that have seen recent vehicle use. It is always a good idea for hikers to imply that they are hiking with a larger group, even if hiking alone.
Before setting out, hikers should inform someone, a relative, or friend (or the innkeeper) of their hiking itinerary and expected return time as a precautionary measure that could save a life in the event of an accident or lost hikers.
Wrapping Up
Hiking in the mountains in Georgia promises to be a fun and rewarding experience. Keeping the trail pristine is an important part of using the trail in order to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The Georgia Trail is maintained by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club through an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.
Rocky Mount Photo by Shep McAllister on Unsplash
Additional Appalachian Trail Hiking Resources
- If you'd like a deeper dive into hiking the Appalachian Trail, Hike & Cycle have you covered here in their complete guide for beginners.
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This blog post is part of “YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA OUTDOORS” blog series.
