Georgia AT trip planning help

[kk4df]

If you don't want to hike back over the same trail, you'd need transportation back to your start. Or you might be able to stay Thurs night at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega and have them take you to the start and pick you up from your finish. You could have them drop you at Woody Gap and pick you up at Hogpen Gap, perhaps. I think Goose Creek cabins also offers some shuttle and parking services in that area. Call Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap to get details if you want to check out shuttle services in that area.

Other options might be starting at Standing Indian in NC near Franklin and hiking the loop that is mostly AT, about 25 miles total.

[GeezerScouter]

Here are a number of web sites for you.

GeorgiaTrails.com - Appalachian Trail
http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Appa...ail_in_Georgia

Georgia Appalachian Trail Sections and Access
http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Geor...ons_and_Access

Georgia Appalacian Trail Club - you will find a link to road and trail closures that might save you a major headache. Click the "Hike the A.T." tab and scroll almost half way down the page and you will find a section for "Water Sources on the Georgia AT"
http://www.georgia-atclub.org/

Google custom map for the AT in Georgia.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http:...Georgia-gm.kmz

I have the following book and maps. The ATC web site has it for $28, or you can find it on Amazon for ~$40. For more detailed maps you need to visit TopoZone.com
Appalachian Trail Guide : North Carolina - Georgia
https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalo...id=62&compid=1

While I see a number of Hangers have spoken up, I would suggestion a slightly different approach. Use Lake Winfield Scott as a base -=> http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Lake_Winfield_Scott & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winfield_Scott it has approach trails to the AT and it is close to Blood Mountain. Another link -=> http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/...10528&actid=29

Our Scout troop uses the camping area as a base for 'newbie' scouts and the older Scouts will make a trip out and return the next day. This is part of our preparation for heading out to Philmont.

You can preview the USGS Quadrangle maps for the area at the Digital Library of Georgia. For example - Neels Gap Quadrangle => http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/meta/html...sgap-1938.html - all of the USGS quadrangle maps where the AT runs in Georgia are Cowrock, Neels, Suches, Noontootla, Tray Mt, Jacks Gap, Dillard, Hightower Bald, and Macedonia.

Regards,
GeezerScouter
"I used to be an Eagle, and a good old Eagle too..."
Eagle Patrol, S9-101-25
"I used to be a staffer, and a good old staffer too..."
Troop Guide, S9-101-29

[mdandashly]

Thanks for all the info everybody. I guess I need to pick a start point and take it from there. I was originally thinking of starting our at Springer for the view (I don't get much in the way of scenic mountaintop views down here in FL).

My best bet is to take 1 car and try to find a shuttle service back to the main point. I'll either drive through the night to start hiking in the morning or end up at a normal campsite the first night. On the trail I'm planning on staying away from campgrounds and just finding a nice spot off the trail.

My last trip to the AT in TN was a failure due to lack of proper planning so I am hoping this works out a little better.

Anyone know how ATT service is out there?

[GeezerScouter]

Anyone know how ATT service is out there?

Having lived in Georgia for over 40 years and been camping the Northeast Georgia mountains for the past 13 years, plus having had both Verizon and AT&T service at one time or another I think I can authoritatively state that Verizon has better signal than AT&T through the mountains.

Not by much, but it is better....

GeezerScouter

[TRDT]

A very nice portion of the AT is Woody Gap to Neels Gap. You will pass over Blood Mountain which is the second highest mtn in Ga. You can camp before the mtn, on the way up or on top if you want to. At Neels Gap is Mountain Crossing outfitters store. The AT passes through an archway in the store. I also have the name of a local shuttle who I've used before. M

[mdandashly]

A very nice portion of the AT is Woody Gap to Neels Gap. You will pass over Blood Mountain which is the second highest mtn in Ga. You can camp before the mtn, on the way up or on top if you want to. At Neels Gap is Mountain Crossing outfitters store. The AT passes through an archway in the store. I also have the name of a local shuttle who I've used before. M

Whats the mileage for that route?? Also I understand that in National Parks camping is allowed anywhere in the park, I don't have to be in a campground, correct?

[kk4df]

Woody to Neels is about 10.5 miles. Another 6.5 miles to Hogpen. Camping along the trail is OK, but campfires are limited in some areas. Last time I think fires were not permitted between Slaughter and Neels Gap. There was also a bear canister requirement from about March through June last year in this general area, I think. Others may know more details.

[Green Giant]

Another fun fact is that there is absolutely no water on Blood Mountain. It's relatively easy to cross, but you'll need to start with water there or refill before you get there. It's beautiful, though. As for phone service. I have AT&T, and I had decent service at Springer, 3 Forks, Hawk Mountain Shelter,Horse Gap, and Coopers Gap. I had spotty-at-best reception from there onto Neels Gap. I had great reception at the outfitter store at Neels Gap. Of course, there were stretches with nothing, but I had my phone off most of the time. My buddy has Verizon, and he had some success in places I had nothing. But the reverse was true in other parts. I kept my phone off mostly to conserve battery.

[lazyboy]

loop hike starting at Springer Mountain with the Benton Mcay Trail is perfect for a easy 2-3 day trip. Lots of streams and springs

[mdandashly]

loop hike starting at Springer Mountain with the Benton Mcay Trail is perfect for a easy 2-3 day trip. Lots of streams and springs

Lazyboy,

Whats the difficulty, mileage, and scenic value of doing that loop.

I wanted to at least hit blood mountain because of the height and scenic value.