APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Georgia
Just under 79 miles, the “Peachtree State” is anything but with rugged mountains including nearly 5,000-foot Blood. The entire time, the hiker is higher than any point on the A.T. from northern Virginia to Massachusetts.
Appalachian Trail: Atlanta
I’m reading about a pro long distance walker as I set out for Springer Mountain. Edward Payson Weston preached of walking’s benefits at the dawn of the automobile age.
Appalachian Trail: Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain
I add nine miles on the ‘approach trail’ through Amicalola Falls State Patk, the highest cataract in Georgia, walking to mile 0.
Appalachian Trail: Springer to Gooch
The real first day is glorious, though hot, with birds singing loudly and flowers lining the walk.
Appalachian Trail: Gooch to Blood Mountain
It’s a fantastic day of up and down with magical spring green mountain views and sunset on the highest peak on-trail in Georgia.
Appalachian Trail: Blood Mt to Poplar Stamp Gap
It’s a five mountain day through Neels Gap and into a spectacular spring day.
Appalachian Trail: Poplar Stamp to Unicoi Gap
As forecasted, it rains all day, but even in mist, the forest is magical – as is the wee German town of Helen where we get dry.
Appalachian Trail: Unicoi to Dick’s Creek
The day after spitting rain and a town rest is glorious with views to Lake Burton and camping alone.
Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek to Standing Indian
A spectacular arrival in North Carolina ends with sunset/moonrise camp atop a 5,000-foot peak.
