Appalachian Trail: Georgia!! April 18-22 Guide: Beth Monarch limit 7 participants. Registration Opens On March 18th.
Springer Mountain (the southern terminus) to Neels Gap/Mountain Crossing about 33 miles
Active STA membership and backpacking experience (like Hiker Challenge, etc) required.The Georgia section of the AT has many sustained climbs and descents, so although the daily planned mileage is low, this is still a moderately difficult itinerary.
Thursday, 4/18/2024- Leave Lexington by 7:30 am, participants will drive their own cars or carpool to Byron Reese Parking lot where we meet the shuttle at 3:30pm. . It's a 5 hr 36 minute drive according to Google maps. Leaving time for lunch and gas stops. It takes 1 1/5 hours to drive to Springer Mtn. trailhead, putting us there by about 5:00p. Hike up to Springer Mtn. and then to Shelter and set up camp for the night. Sunset is 8:11 pm on this day, so this would give plenty of time for hike up and complete camp chores. 1.2 mile hike to Springer Trailhead and then shelter. Shelter, tent sites, water source, food hanging cables, and privy available.
Friday, 4/19/2024- Visit the Southern Terminus and first/last AT blaze, then Hike Springer Mountain to Hawk Mtn. Shelter. Shelter, tent sites, water source, food hanging cables, and privy available. Might need to camp in tent sites .8 miles prior to shelter. 8.1 mile hike (unless in tent sites, then 7.3 miles)
Saturday, 4/20/2024- Hike Hawk Mtn. Shelter to Gooch Mtn. Shelter. Shelter, water, tent sites, privy, and food hanging cables available. 7.6 Mile hike (or 8.4 if camped in tent sites the night before)
Sunday, 4/21/2024- Hike Gooch Mtn. Shelter to Lance Creek Restoration area. Tent sites, water, and food hanging cables available. 8.2 mile hike There is a shelter in 3.3 more miles, but bear canisters are required between Lance Creek and Neels Gap. If someone needs to exit the hike or needs to leave on Sunday, Woody Gap would be the place to do so. Above the Clouds Hostel is close by and can shuttle for a fee or leave a car there for anyone who knows ahead of time that they'll need to leave on Sunday.
Monday, 4/22/2024- Hike Lance Creek Restoration area to Neels Gap* 7.4 miles. This day includes a hike over the famous Blood Mountain, with beautiful views (weather permitting)
*Neel Gap is the only place the AT crosses under a building. It is an outfitter specializing in AT gear. Also offers showers, restroom, microwave foods, snacks, and cold drinks. The Byron Reece Parking area is a short walk downhill from Neel’s Gap back to the cars, drive home.
Total miles hiked 31.3.... not counting first night to Springer Shelter from trailhead
Cost: $175 which includes the shuttle from the trailhead. (Getting TO the trailhead from home and back is on your own) tip for the shuttle driver, and a donation to the STA to offset the cost and time of planning/organizing field trip excursions. Beth will provide instruction about how to use FarOut on the AT, lots of AT lore and culture and tips for planning your own hikes in the area. There will still be many thru hiker hopefuls starting out this time of year, so you’re sure to meet some folks you can follow on the socials and root along the way!