APPALACHIAN TRAIL (SPRINGER MOUNTAIN TO BLY GAP)

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.