From February 12 until April 17, 2026, volunteers with the
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club and staff with the ATC will set up
Basecamp in the Arch Room of the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center to lead the Start Smart presentation (a ~15-minute Leave No Trace discussion), distribute hiker hangtags, and talk with people interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Basecamp is generally open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during peak northbound hiking season (note that Basecamp hours on dependent on volunteer availability and may vary slightly). Attending a Start Smart presentation is great way for people attempting thru-hikes, as well as interested members of the public, to get the latest information on the A.T. in Georgia and important Leave No Trace reminders. Start Smart presentations are free and open to everyone, and required for thru-hikers and section hikers to get their A.T. hangtag. Start Smart presentations occur on a rolling basis throughout the day.
A.T. hangtags will be available at Amicalola Falls during Basecamp.
