Springer Mountain

Overview

Springer Mountain is where the Official Southern Terminus of the Appalachian trail (AT) begins. The AT runs for 79 miles in Georgia and Springer Mountain is one of the most visited spots on the trail. It can be reached three ways. The first and the easiest is by driving on forest service road 42 (FS 42) to the approach trail. From the parking lot it is .09 tenths of a mile to the top. It is a moderately steep climb with beautiful views. If you want to take a longer hike, I suggest the Springer Mountain Loop trail. This trail begins and ends at FS 42 as well, but takes you back on a portion of the Benton Mackaye trail. This hike is 4.4 total miles and takes about 3.5 hrs to complete. The Benton Mackaye trail is the original AT trail and offers a change of pace. The last way to reach Springer Mountain is from the Amicalola falls visitor center. This is the most strenuous and challenging way to get there. To do this, make your way to Amicalola falls state park and begin the trail at the visitors center. This is a 8.3 mile hike and takes about 5.5 hours. However you choose to get there you will not be dissappointed! The views on a clear day are breathtaking. Be sure to sign the book tucked away in the rock and read the plaques. If you choose to camp, there is a nice shelter and several campsites. Directions to FS 42 can be a bit challenging so I am posting a link below to a site I think does a good job with directions and has great information with pictures. The dot on the Green Map is approximate.
http://www.emapstore.com/sc_blue_ridge_mountains/Hike/springer_mtn_ga.htm

North Georgia Goes Green
updated 03/2012 by lelacaron