Springer Mountain (via USFS 42)

The Chattahoochee National Forest is one of two national forests in Georgia and takes its name from the Chattahoochee River, whose headwaters begin in the North Georgia mountains. English settlers adopted the name from the Native Americans who once lived in the region. The forest was established in 1911 when the U.S. Forest Service purchased 31,000 acres from the Gennett family in Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, and Union Counties for $7 per acre. Originally managed as part of the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Chattahoochee eventually expanded through additional land purchases to its current size of nearly 750,000 acres. Located within the forest is Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, where thousands of thru-hikers begin their 2,100+ mile journey to Mt. Katahdin in Maine each spring. The 3,782-foot summit features the famous bronze Appalachian Trail plaque, the first white blaze of the trail, and a nearby register signed by day hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers from around the world.

Springer Mountain is crossed by three major trails: the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail, and the blue-blazed Approach Trail that connects the summit to Amicalola Falls State Park. A shelter located about 0.2 miles north of the summit provides overnight accommodations and access to water from a nearby spring, making the area a popular destination for both day hikers and backpackers. Because of its significance as the start of the Appalachian Trail, Springer sees heavy foot traffic throughout the year. I’ve reached the summit from several directions, including the Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls State Park, the Benton MacKaye Trail from Big Stamp Gap, and the Appalachian Trail from USFS 42. This particular hike begins at USFS 42 and is the shortest and easiest route to the summit, though it does require a long drive on Forest Service roads through the mountains of North Georgia.