Annually, almost 4,000 inspired thru-hikers began their ambitious journeys at the Appalachian Trail’s southern terminus at Springer Mountain in Georgia, with the goal of hiking the entire Trail north through 14 states to Maine. The entire Trail in Georgia is in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and almost half of it passes through federally designated wilderness.
78.3
A.T. Miles in State
12
Shelters
2,510'–4,461'
Elevation Range
The A.T.’s southern terminus, Springer Mountain, rises 3,782 feet towards the sky, beckoning both beginner hikers and Trail-tested southbound thru-hikers at the end of their A.T. journeys. Whether at the start or end of an A.T. hike, or out for the day, Springer makes a memorable destination for thousands each year.
North Georgia mountains are nothing like the rest of Georgia. The mountains are tall and rugged—the highest peak on the A.T. in Georgia (Blood Mountain) is 4,461 feet—taller than 3 1/2 Empire State Buildings. The lowest elevation is over 2500 feet—higher than any point on the A.T. from northern Virginia to Massachusetts.
Springer Mountain
CT, GA, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV | Alert
In March and early April, the Appalachian Trail in Georgia can crowded. Campsites can be very crowded with thru-hikers starting their treks to Maine and students on spring break. We recommend that spring break students and other groups avoid this section in spring. See our list of suggested other trails for alternatives!
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Because of the elevation, the mountains of North Georgia can be miserably cold; snowfall and cold temperatures can rival lower mountains a thousand Trail miles north. You can encounter snow from November through March or April. During cold snaps temperatures can dip to single digits. We recommend that hikers bring winter gear with them until at least mid-April and that northbound thru-hikers keep their cold weather gear until they pass the Grayson Highlands in southwest Virginia.
On the Path
Check our list of alternate hiking trails.
The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club manages, maintains and protects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia with volunteers from its membership and the interested public. The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club promotes the appreciation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and natural outdoor places through education and recreational activities, with an emphasis on conservation ethics and protection of the forests, their natural resources and wilderness areas.
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Cindi Youngblood
Ridgerunners in Georgia work hard each spring to educate hikers, protect the Appalachian Trail, and promote responsible outdoor practices. In this post, they share insights on common challenges such as Georgia’s tough terrain, unpredictable weather, and the importance of Leave No Trace principles to help hikers start their journey on the right foot.
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Take a look at these popular day hikes to explore in Georgia
While the Appalachian Trail is a relatively safe place to visit, that does not mean that there are not potential dangers while you are hiking or camping. If you see something, say something — this will help us keep the A.T. as safe as possible for our visitors.
Incident Reporting
