SPRINGER MOUNTAIN
(VIA USFS 42)
|
 |
| LOCATION:
North Georgia |
| HIKE
STARTS: USFS 42 |
| HIKE ENDS:
USFS 42 |
| TOTAL
DISTANCE: 1.8 Miles |
| HIKE TYPE:
In and Out, Backtrack Hike |
| HIKE
DIFFICULTY: Moderate |
| TRAILS
USED: Appalachian Trail |
| 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 an A.T. parking area on USFS 42 and makes a
gentle 0.9 mile climb to the summit.
