Advice on Southern AT stretch

**amwolffman** · 02-23-2013, 02:19

Looking to do a 3-4 day hike on the AT somewhere in Georgia/NC/VA in March and was looking for some suggestions for the best section to do.

Anyone have any advice?

**UncleClark** · 02-23-2013, 08:39

I haven't hiked NC or GA but the AT thru Shenandoah National Park is nice. The park also has a lot of side trails, so you could overnite at the AT shelters in the park, or go "backcountry".

You might also take a look at the Lineville Gorge, NC. (That's not the AT however).

**UncleClark** · 02-23-2013, 08:40

Also you might take a look at the Mt. Rogers area in southern Virginia. The AT goes right thru there. Mt. Rogers is the higest point in Virginia, they have wild ponies up there. Plenty of videos on YouTube to look at too.

**louisfb** · 02-23-2013, 08:46

If you start at Springer then 3 days puts you in Neels Gap and 5 would be ****'s Creek. Doing the approach will add another day.

--louis

**BIG JEFF** · 02-23-2013, 09:09

When are you planing to make this trip. Seems like they don't like switchbacks in Ga. The B-Team will be doing trail magic between Tray gap GA and the NC line April 27-29 hope to see you there. JEFF

**Softouch333** · 02-23-2013, 09:20

Mount Rogers is a must see in Virginia and three days will be plenty. Wilburn Ridge and the Crest Zone gets pretty busy with day hikers, even in March. Be ready for weather though; I've been in a total whiteout in April.

**amwolffman** · 02-23-2013, 11:41

I'm headed to hike around March 10.
Hopefully no snow as I won't have enough time to finish my down UQ and only have a makeshift.

Also I will be bringing a hiking newbie so bad weather hopefully will stay away from us.

**amwolffman** · 02-23-2013, 11:58

Forecast for the first week of March shows snow and chillllly temps in VA.
Looking to be a little warmer.

**Rain Man** · 02-23-2013, 13:56

All things said, I'd recommend you do the first miles of the AT, in Georgia. Can be very cold, but still not as cold as higher elevations in NC/TN and as far north as VA.

I'd start with the Approach Trail. Getting to Neel's Gap will be a good hike for you. Plus, you'll be in some of the bunch starting their thru-hike attempts, which can be fun socially and even entertaining.

Of course, you can't go wrong doing any 3-4 day AT hike from GA to VA, in my opinion.

Rain Man

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**wayniac** · 02-23-2013, 16:01

As far as 3-4 days goes... I guess that depends on the type of mileage you want to cover in a day... But the section from Davenport Gap to Hot Springs, NC is a lot of fun... You'll see Max Patch and get to spend a night in the tubs in Hot Springs... Plus it's easily accessible for arranging rides and the such.... You can go to Hot Springs, leave your car and catch a shuttle from Bluff Mountain Outfitters, or one of the hostels, to wherever you decide you want to start your hike... and there are plenty of day hikes from Hot Springs if you get back there and have an extra day.... http://www.bluffmountain.com/-shuttles