What Ridgerunners in Georgia Wish Hikers Knew About Their Section

March 27, 2025
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Each spring, as thousands of eager hikers set out on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Georgia, a dedicated team of Ridgerunners is already at work helping to protect the Trail and educate hikers. These highly skilled seasonal stewards, hired by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or local trail clubs, serve as the first point of contact for many new backpackers, offering guidance on Leave No Trace principles, safety, and Trail conditions. 

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But what do Georgia’s Ridgerunners wish more hikers knew before visiting the A.T. in Georgia? With a competitive selection process, extensive trail experience, and rigorous training in wilderness first aid and local regulations, these professionals have lots of wisdom to share. From February through April, when the Georgia section of the A.T. is at its busiest, they work tirelessly to support both the land and the people who walk it. In this post, we’ll share insights from Georgia Ridgerunners Lauren, Chris, Tonya, and Kara.

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Lauren: Respect Georgia’s Terrain 

“The terrain in Georgia is harder than many people expect. While a lot of hikers are eager to start hiking big miles, pushing too hard in the beginning often leads to injury and can also make it more difficult to interact with the land in a positive way. Walking 200 feet away from camp and water sources to clean dishes and brush your teeth or taking the time to find a good branch for a PCT hang can seem like much bigger tasks when it hurts to take a step!” 

The North Georgia mountains are tall and rugged — the highest peak in the state is Blood Mountain at 4,461 feet — taller than 3.5 Empire State Buildings! The lowest elevation is still over 2,500 feet—higher than any point on the A.T. from northern Virginia to Massachusetts. Plus, nearly half of the A.T. in Georgia passes through federally designated wilderness, so hikers in the state should be prepared with the supplies and knowledge they need to support themselves through wilderness sections.

Chris: Keep Georgia Waterways Clean 

“Whether you are a day user or an overnight backpacker, a trowel should be one of the first items you pack. They weigh next to nothing and do what a stick or tent stake simply cannot do well. Clean water is one of the most valuable resources we have along the Trail in Georgia and properly burying human waste and toilet paper helps protect the clean water we all share.” 

Essential gear items like trowels not only make the hiking experience better, but they also directly help protect the Trail. Leaving uncovered human waste and toilet paper along the A.T. is not only gross — it’s a public health risk that could spread viruses and parasites. Taking care to pack a trowel and learning about how to manage waste on the A.T. are some of the most impactful things that hikers can do to leave the Trail better than they found it.

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Tonya: Don’t Underestimate Georgia’s Weather 

“Plan and prepare for Georgia to be cold, even in April!”

Weather conditions change rapidly on the A.T., especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall. It may be warm one day and cold the next, or temperatures could drastically rise or fall depending on the elevation you’re hiking at. Hikers may be eager to send their cold weather gear home to cut weight from their packs only to be caught off-guard by a surprising cold snap — even in Georgia. 

Kara: Prepare for the Physical Challenge

“I always hear people say, ‘you don’t need to train for a thru hike.’ The reality is that starting out in Georgia can be pretty tough! If you take some time to prepare physically, you’ll have so much more fun in the beginning and set yourself up for success for the rest of your hike.”

This advice doesn’t just apply to thru-hikes. Anyone visiting the A.T. should carefully assess their fitness and select a route that suits their abilities. Doing some endurance and strength training prior to taking on longer hikes can help reduce injuries and fatigue.

Ridgerunners play a vital role in keeping the Appalachian Trail in Georgia (and most other Trail states) safe and enjoyable for all. Their guidance helps hikers navigate challenges and minimize their impacts on the Trail.

Learn more about the Ridgerunner program and how you can support their work.