Appalachian Trail in Georgia

Area Status: Open
The AT plaque can be seen on the rock outcrop below a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Stretching across 14 states, more than 76 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) are in Georgia. This stretch of the AT offers views of some of the state's most diverse and stunning ecosystems as it winds northward through the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area, and passes through five federally designated wilderness areas. 

 

 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) is open and trail shelter in Georgia are available. Hikers are advised to bring a personal tent and face coverings. Shelters might not be frequently maintained at all locations. Dispersed camping is also available. Not all privies are open or maintained. Guidance is available on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for trip planning, hiking safety and COVID-19 precautions.  
Operational Hours:

Appalachian Trail Limits of Stay

The U.S. Forest Service has established new limits of stay regulations at all Appalachian National Scenic Trail shelters, as well as one campsite and two overnight sites within the southern region. Overnight stays at all of the southern region Appalachian Trail shelters, Davis Path Overnight Site, Davis Farm Overnight Site, and Wayah Bald Shelter Camp are now limited to three days within a 30-day period.  For more detailed information about this regulation, refer to:
Best Season: April-May & September-October
Busiest Season: March
Restrictions: Bears can learn to associate people with food, and they are tenacious in their pursuit of something to eat. Good food storage habits greatly reduce the chance of aggressive interactions between bears and hikers during daytime activities and when sleeping in the forest. Leave No Trace partners with the USDA Forest Service to provide safety tips for outdoor recreation. Their video https://youtu.be/H0YDtPW6ntU shows how to pack a bear-resistant container, plus important safety tips for camping and cooking in bear country. FOREST CLOSURE ORDER 08-00-00-23-02R, signed 4/14/2023, regulating food and refuse on USFS property   https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/FSEPRD1102804.pdf     
Information Center: Below are links to websites that have the most up-to-date and accurate information on almost anything and everything you might want or need to know: 

General Information

General Notes:
The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail begins on the expansive rock outcrop overlook at the top of Springer Mountain at 3,782 feet above sea level. A plaque reading "Georgia to Maine--a footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness"  is embedded in the mountain to commemorate the Appalachian Trail.

The 76.4 miles of the AT passing through Georgia are protected by a one mile boundary secured by an agreement between the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.  

The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Click here for important safety and seasonal information about hiking the AT in Georgia. See also information about safety and crime prevention from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Although the section of the AT passing through Georgia can be accessed and enjoyed all year long, there are better times than others to make the trip. In March and early April Georgia receives a flood of Spring-Breakers and thu-hikers.  So if you're looking for a more solitary experience, you will most likely want to avoid these months.

 


Activities

Dispersed Camping

Status: Open

Day Hiking

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The AT in Georgia has many sections which are ideal for day hikes. These spur-trails are ideal for those who can't afford the time to complete longer portions of the trail, and ensure day-hikers the restorative experience that is the Appalachian Trail. 

These trails are blue-blazed and usually very clearly marked:

Backpacking

With elevations ranging 2,510-4,461, and a difficulty rating of 6 (1=Flat, 5=Strenuous ups and downs with only occasional flat sections, 10=Use of hands required, footing precarious--not recommended for those with fear of heights and not in good physical condition), this rugged trail runs north past Blood, Tray and Big Cedar Mountains, and through gaps named Addis, Neels, Unicoi, and Woody to name just a few.

The beginning of the southern terminus can be reached via FS 42 and hiking 1 mile south to the terminus.  It can also be reached through an 8-mile blue-blazed approach trail coming from Amicolola State Park.

The AT is clearly marked with white, rectangular blazes, however, in the wilderness, the blazes are positioned less often and the trail tends to be more rocky and rugged.

Viewing Wildlife

The southern chain of the Appalachian Mountains are home to a rich and diverse list of species, and some that can be found no where else on earth. Binoculars and cameras are most definitely nice things to have while on this trail.

Click here for details on wildlife on the AT!

Viewing Scenery

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The Appalachian trail in Georgia offers a wide range of scenic opportunities, full of breath-taking panoramic views and carved out and richly colored canyon walls.