Appalacion Trail overnight advice

[aboyd]

My family will be in north Georgia in early June and my son and I want to try and do an overnight somewhere on the AT. Kinda thinking starting at Springer Mountain and just staying out one night. Not sure if we will plan an out and back or do do a point to point and have my wife pick us up. Doubt we will do more than one night.

So, if we were to start and Springer, is it hammock friendly along that section? Think out and back or do a section and have wife meet at end? Just looking for some advice. Gonna do some reading on some AT sites also, but wanted to check here also.

***Update****

Thanks for all the great info, our current plan is to hike from the Springer parking lot off US FSR 42 and go to Hawk Mountain Shelter, maybe with a side trip to Long Creek Falls. Plan to spend one night and then hike back. My question is, how is the drive up to the Springer Parking lot and cell coverage in the area (Verizon)? My wife is going to come back and get us the next day, and she is just slightly concerned. She hates driving in places she is not familiar with. We will be staying in Cartersville for the week while my daughter is at camp, so the son and I are gonna take a night and enjoy some hiking. Will drive up from Cartersville and leave from Springer lot, then wife will come back and get us the next afternoon. Any info on the drive up to the parking are on the forest service road would be great. I know it is a pretty minor deal, but my wife gets nervous about the smallest things.

Thanks

[Ofemur]

A practice run to the pickup point may needed. It is not a bad idea for everyone to be familiar with the pickup point. It is pretty easy to miss a trail crossing sometimes.

[Nodust]

Woody Gap to Neels Gap is 11.3 miles and both on nice paved roads. You could start at Woody and hike to Lance creek which is just about the half way point and short of the hard bear canister requirement that starts at Jarrard Gap. Day two would take you over Blood Mountain and into Neels Gap which is a good climb but not impossible, but will reward with really good views.

Cell phones worked on most of that part of the trail. Especially on the mountain tops I had good service with ATT. No issues at Neels Gap and you can get a pizza

On top of Blood Mountain last week.

[aboyd]

A practice run to the pickup point may needed. It is not a bad idea for everyone to be familiar with the pickup point. It is pretty easy to miss a trail crossing sometimes.

Definitely be a practice run first, as I would drive up with her for the drop off. Thanks

[aboyd]

Woody Gap to Neels Gap is 11.3 miles and both on nice paved roads. You could start at Woody and hike to Lance creek which is just about the half way point and short of the hard bear canister requirement that starts at Jarrard Gap. Day two would take you over Blood Mountain and into Neels Gap which is a good climb but not impossible, but will reward with really good views.

Cell phones worked on most of that part of the trail. Especially on the mountain tops I had good service with ATT. No issues at Neels Gap and you can get a pizza

On top of Blood Mountain last week.

Might look at that option as well, thanks.

[Nodust]

Might look at that option as well, thanks.

I camped at Springer Mountain Shelter and that was great. Other than that the first 8 miles is not that scenic other than the .8 from Springer to the parking area and Lone Creek Falls. Those you could easily day hike too.

The flowers on top of Blood Mountain were unreal. Not sure how long they will stay in bloom.


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[MadUncleAndy]

Depending on your vehicle, and your son's age, Springer may not be your best bet. Nodust has a good idea with Woody - Neel, as there is paved road on both sides. To make it longer, go to Tesnatee. To make it shorter, do Neel - Tesnatee. Paved roads and parking lots all around. Hard to miss.

[MadUncleAndy]

... short of the hard bear canister requirement that starts at Jarrard Gap.

Actually I think that just ended this last week.

[Nodust]

Yes it ended on June 1st. Forgot about that.


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[aboyd]

Thanks for the input guys, really appreciate it. Looking at maybe Woody Gap to Neels for now.