SPRINGER MOUNTAIN (VIA NIMBLEWILL GAP – USFS 28)

LOCATION: North Georgia
HIKE STARTS: USFS 28
HIKE ENDS: USFS 28
TOTAL DISTANCE: 5.0 Miles
HIKE TYPE: In and Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TRAILS USED: Approach, Appalachian Trails
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Heavy
TRIP TYPE: Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT: Georgia ATC

HIGHLIGHTS: Springer Mountain is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and it is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Every spring, 2000-3000 thru-hikers (or individuals that plan to hike the entire A.T. in a single year) leave from the summit of Springer to attempt a 2100+ mile journey to the northern terminus at Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Springer Mountain (3,782 feet) has a bronze plaque (showing a hiker facing north) that is set in stone next to the first white blaze marking the Appalachian Trail. There is also a terminus plaque set in a rock behind the blaze that has a compartment with a trail register of entries from day hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers that have visited the area. This hike approaches Springer Mountain from Nimblewill Gap at USFS 28 and makes a gradual climb to the summit passing the Black Shelter on the way at 3410 feet.

A.T. Approach Trail Guidebook

A.T. Approach Trail Map

MORE DETAILS

bullet click to see trail photos from this hike to Springer Mountain: April 10, 2004
bullet click to view a detailed trip report from this walk on the blue-blazed Approach Trail: April 10, 2004 (password required)
bullet click to view or add a brief trip report from this backpacking trip to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail: March 23, 2007
bullet click to view hiking and backpacking maps from the Chattahooche National Forest: area map, detailed map, profile map
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bullet click to access the guidebook Best Hikes With Dogs Georgia And South Carolina which has details on this destination
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