APPALACHIAN TRAIL (SPRINGER MOUNTAIN TO BLY GAP)
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 West Washington Street
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 535-6331
Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and 90% of thru-hikers start at this location. In Georgia, the Appalachian Trail is fairly rugged with frequent ascents and descents. From Blood Mountain, it descends steeply to Neels Gap where the A.T. passes under it’s first and only building on the entire 2100+ mile footpath. The Trail climbs gradually out of Neels Gap (and US 19) and continues northbound to Tray Mountain (4,430 feet) which is near the small town of Helen. Tray Mountain has spectacular views back to Blood Mountain, and Standing Indian is visible to the north across the border in North Carolina.
In Georgia, the Appalachian Trail is fairly rugged with frequent ascents and descents. The elevations range from 2,510 at Devil’s Kitchen to 4,461 feet at Blood Mountain, the highest point on the A.T. in Georgia. Although the trail is much lower than the neighboring states of North Carolina and Tennessee, it is still quite challenging. From Blood Mountain, it descends steeply to Neels Gap where the A.T. passes under it’s first and only building on the entire 2100+ mile footpath. Restrooms, a picnic area, a hiker hostel, and a backpacking store are located on the premises.
The Trail climbs gradually out of Neels Gap (and US 19) and continues northbound to Tray Mountain (4,430 feet) which is near the small town of Helen. Tray Mountain has spectacular views back to Blood Mountain, and Standing Indian is visible to the north across the border in North Carolina. Bly Gap marks the official A.T. boundary between Georgia and North Carolina, however, and it is designated by a metal pipe with the initials GA/NC just before you reach Bly Gap.
- click to view a short video slideshow of my 1994 hike on the Appalachian Trail
- click to see trail photos from this backpacking trip to Springer Mountain: April 10-19, 1994
- click to view a detailed trail journal from this hike along the Appalachian Trail: April 10-19, 1994
- click to view maps from this hike in Georgia: Appalachian Trail In Georgia Area Map, Georgia Appalachian Trail Overview Map (password required), Georgia Appalachian Trail Profile Map (password required)
- click for more information on the Appalachian Trail
- click for the Long Trail discussion forum
- click for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
- click for Appalachian Trail hiking and backpacking books
- click to access the guidebook Appalachian Trail: Georgia-North Carolina which has details on this destination
- click for other Georgia hiking and backpacking books
- click for other hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia
- click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination
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