AT Segment 1 - Springer Mountain to Woody Gap

The goal of this series is to systematically do a bunch of the AT in as few trips as possible.  Do you step into the batter's box, close your eyes and swing as hard as you can for the fences?  If yes, great news!

This is the first foray through the woods starting at Springer Mountain and heading north for 20.1-miles.  The additional 0.9-miles include backtracking from the start of the AT towards the trailhead.  Elevation gain is approximately 6,100-feet.

Although this hike is 21-miles, it won’t include as much elevation gain as the subsequent hikes in the series.  However, 21-miles are still 21-miles.  The pace will be brisk, the fun factor will be high and not one ounce of your Saturday will be wasted.  The description of the hike is very simple.  Follow the little white blazes.

This hike and accompanying car shuttle requires a little “strategery.”  It will take about an hour from Highway 60 along forest service roads to the trailhead at Springer.  The plan will be for the faster hikers to be in possession of the car keys at the end so that they may retrieve the vehicles at the Springer trailhead while the rest finish this little traipse through the woods.  

Please be objective in your ability to complete this hike.  If you do not enjoy medium-rare prime rib with a loaded baked potato at Danny’s after hiking 21-miles, this may not be the hike for you....La Cabana is not an option…..

Head north on GA-400 for 27.7 miles. 
Slight right to stay on GA-400 N/US-19N for 9.6 miles.
Turn left onto GA-60 N/US-19 N/S Chestatee/Co Rd 19/Co Rd 249.
Continue to follow GA-60 N/US-19 N/S Chestatee/Co Rd 249 for 5.1 miles.
Turn right onto GA-9 N/Morrison Moore Pkwy E. Continue to follow GA-9 N for 8.0 miles.
Turn left onto GA-60 and travel 5.4 miles to Woody Gap.