Appalachian Trail Southern Terminus - Ellijay, Georgia

Franklin P.

Aquí vamos

THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL.
CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST
SPRINGER MOUNTAIN

Nada más relajante como unos cuantos km de trail en el extremo sur del Appalachian Trail.

Este refugio de naturaleza es el hiking trail más largo del mundo, recorre más de 3500 km, cruzando 14 estados desde éste sitio en Georgia hasta el Monte Katahdin en Maine.

El Monte Springer, con sus 1100 msnm es parte de Blue Ridge Mountains, que junto con los Appalaches forman la cadena montañosa del este de los US.

Brian T. (.

Easy trail section to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. There is a 6 mile dirt road to drive to reach the Springer Mountain trailhead but it’s in very good condition, just be careful after a storm it may get muddy.

LJ

South terminus is accessible a couple of different ways, I came from Blue Ridge Georgia which seemed the easiest and Google Maps will take you all the way there. Not far mile wise but will be a slow drive due to hills and curves. Once at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area the gravel road is nearly 8 miles to the top. Be prepared for a slow rough drive and remain alert to the blind curves. There is a parking area on the left and wasn't too crowded when I went. From there follow the path marked on the north end of the parking area, follow the white blaze marks for 1 mile to the top. Very rocky and could be slippery and wet. You'll know when you reach the top. Beautiful view anytime of the year but I imagine it may get busy during fall peak colors and maybe summer. Happy hiking.

Scott K.

The trail from the parking area to the summit is very rocky but not very steep. There is a good view from the top looking out at the mountains. Of course, the two plaques are there at the summit marking the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Overall, it is a nice hike.

Sidd J.

The hike is not too strenuous, it is about a mile in from the trail head. The road is gravel road so be aware of that, after it rains it gets hard to drive on it unless you have an appropriate vehicle. It’s the start/end of the Appalachian trail so that is cool but the view of the mountains in the summer/spring time is obstructed by the canopy. I will have to come back in the winter months to explore again. The positives are because it’s secluded there aren’t as many folks on the trail and so you can get some peace. Highly recommend it but I gave it 4 stars because of the access and the lack of Mountain View’s. The views in the picture with the uninterrupted views is with the help of a big stick

Lourdes D.

Beautiful summit! Very rocky trail and about 1,000'+ elevation gain. For backpacking I'd highly encourage the use of trekking poles as the trail is so uneven and rocky. The shelter and camping area isn't far from there. Loved it!

Darren M.

I am tempted to leave a fake review, like "too many rocks" because what is there to rate about the AT Southern Terminus? It was an easy mile hike from the parking area. Good views from the summit of Springer Mt. The most strenuous part was driving the 6.5 miles along the windy dirt access road fretting about what would happen if encountering someone coming from the other direction. Luckily, no one did 🙂

Karl M.

First time at the Southern Terminous. The GPS is off. You have to take the trail close to the parking area, farther up the road.