Approach Trail (AT/Springer Mountain), GA

The Approach Trail starts from the visitor center at Amicalola Falls State Park. The first mile is moderate to strenuous due to the steep slope and stairs, more than 600 steps. This section of the hike can be easily avoided by parking at the lot above the water falls. Of course the beauty of the falls will be missed. Because of that it's suggested to hike this section of the trail as well.


Above the falls the blue blazed approach continues on for 7.5 miles to the top of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Not far into the trail the green blazed Hike Inn Trail splits off that later joins again with the Approach Trail. Once in the National Forrest there are many backcountry campsites. Don't forget to hang your food since this is bear county. The Black Gap shelter with privi and creek water for filtering is reached after about seven miles. Not far past Springer Mountain is the Springer Shelter with privi and creek water for filtration.

2014-05-02 adventurelaus