Springer Mountain, Georgia

Springer Mountain is where the Appalachian Trail begins. It isn't Georgia's tallest or its showiest peak. At about 3,780 feet, it's a wooded summit in the Chattahoochee National Forest, but it's the starting line for the long walk to Katahdin in Maine, and standing at the bronze plaque on top is a small thrill even if you're only out for the afternoon.

The summit sits on the Fannin and Gilmer county line, inside the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area. Getting there from Helen is a half-day commitment, because the last miles are on gravel Forest Service roads.

Distances come from the Forest Service trailhead page and published trail descriptions. Check conditions before you go.

The trail's southern end was once on Mount Oglethorpe. In 1958 it moved to Springer Mountain because of development pressure around the old terminus. The summit has a bronze plaque with the Appalachian Trail logo, a register to sign and a benchmark. About 0.2 mile away is the Springer Mountain Shelter, built in 1993 and maintained by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.

Most thru-hikers start at Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Drive in Dawsonville, and climb the Approach Trail. The route beside the 729-foot falls includes a staircase that the lodge puts at 604 stairs, and the climb continues steadily from there. Parking at the state park needs the $10 ParkPass. The park's East Ridge Trail is closed for maintenance, so check with the park before you plan a route.

If you want the full-body version of the experience but not the 16 miles, hike the Approach Trail out and back to the first overlook, or take the short route from Forest Service Road 42.

Plan on roughly two hours or more each way. From Dahlonega, the Forest Service directions follow Highway 52 west for about 9 miles, then Forest Service roads 28-1, 77 and finally 42 to the trailhead at the AT crossing. The Forest Service page also lists directions from Blue Ridge and Blairsville. The gravel roads are rough in places; go slowly, and expect weekend crowds at the lot, especially in spring when thru-hikers start.

A closer way to see the trail from Helen is to walk a stretch near Hogpen Gap or Unicoi Gap, where the AT crosses roads near town. See our Tray Mountain guide too.