hiking THE trail

Southern terminus of the AT, Springer Mountain, Georgia

side trail toward shelter and water at Springer Mountain
(see the Indian trail tree pointing the way)

bear-proof food storage,
elaborate pulley system in the woods

Springer Mountain Shelter,
home sweet home for many hikers

Hiked to Springer Mountain today, the beginning or end of the Appalachian Trail, depending on which way you are going. No, I didn't hike the 8.4 mile approach trail from Amicalola Falls, but the 0.9 mile shorter trek from the parking area on Forest Service Road #42. Overcast cool day, good for hiking, up in the clouds today so no views but lots of wildflowers and mountain laurel.



Lots of hikers out today, a holiday 3-day weekend. Some were just hiking the 1.8 miles (like me), some were day hikers, some were going 8 miles or 20 miles or 30 miles over the weekend. Met one young lady who was going all the way to Maine - approximately 2175 miles - today was her first day on the trail, good luck to her!

Hikers are such nice folks, it felt good to be out on THE trail, rubbing elbows with real hikers.