Appalachian Trail - Springer Mountain (via USFS 42) - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Appalachian Trail - Springer Mountain (via USFS 42) |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | Georgia |
| Nearby Town: | Dahlonega |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | (USFS 42): From the intersection of GA 400N , 19N and GA 53 at the Georgia Mills Outlet Mall, take GA 53 West for 9.3 miles to GA 183. Veer right at GA 183 and continue northbound for 10.8 miles to GA 52. Stay left at GA 52 and follow it northwest for 12 miles to Roy Road. Turn right onto Roy Road (the site of an old gas station) and continue 9.8 miles to a stop sign at the intersection of Nimbellwell Road. Turn right onto Nimbelwell Road, and drive 2.2 miles to a white church (Mt. Pleasant Church) on the left and US Forest Road 42 on the right. Turn right onto USFS 42 and follow a gravel road uphill for 6.8 miles to the USFS 42 parking area on the Appalachian Trail. The start of the A.T. at Springer Mountain is a short 0.9 mile walk southbound on the Appalachian Trail from the parking area. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 1.80 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Easy to Moderate |
| Permit Required: | Yes |
| Hike Type: | In & Out, Backtrack Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | USFS 42 |
| Trails Used: | Appalachian Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Springs |
| Management: | U.S. Forest Service |
| Contact Information: | Chattahoochee National Forest National Forest Service 508 Oak Street NW, Gainesville, GA 30501 (404) 536-0541 |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Users: | Hikers, Dogs |
| Road Conditions: | Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads |
| Hike Summary: | Springer Mountain is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and it is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Every spring, 2000-3000 thru-hikers (or individuals that plan to hike the entire A.T. in a single year) leave from the summit of Springer to attempt a 2100+ mile journey to the northern terminus at Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Springer Mountain (3,782 feet) has a bronze plaque (showing a hiker facing north) that is set in stone next to the first white blaze marking the Appalachian Trail. There is also a terminus plaque set in a rock behind the blaze that has a compartment with a trail register of entries from day hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers that have visited the area. This hike approaches Springer Mountain from an A.T. parking area on USFS 42 and makes a gentle 0.9 mile climb to the summit. |
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