Georgia - Week 1 - Appalachian Trail Weeklong Hikes

Week 1: Georgia

The AT in Georgia is a roller coaster of climbs from gaps to knobs with little change in elevation between the North Carolina line and Springer Mountain.  Bears are common on along the AT in Georgia.  Although rising at times to elevations of more than 4400 feet, the AT mostly follows ridges of between 3000 and 3500 feet.  It offers a hiking adventure of exceptional challenge and variety.  Steep ascents and descents reward hikers with vistas from rocky outcrops and open summits.

A normally high annual rainfall ensures lush vegetation.  Many hillsides are covered with may apple.  Flowers can be found in early spring such as trillium.  Flowering shrubs include rhododendron.  Deer and wild turkey are often seen, as well as bears.  Hawks and vultures can be seen sailing on the wind currents.

Section 1: Springer Mtn as the highest point in this section and where the AT starts is the highlight.  The Three Forks area has beautiful mountain streams, waterfalls, majecstic trees, and rhododendron tunnels.

Section 2:  It consists of long ridges and is the lowest on the Georgia AT.  Ridgetops offer fine views.

Section 3:  Blood Mtn, the highlight of this section is the highest point on the Georgia AT.  Its open, rocky summit affords spectacular views.  

Section 4:  This section follows broad, rocky ridgetops offering excellent viewpoints.

Section 5:  This section skirts the headwaters of the Chattahoochee.  The trail passes over rocky slopes that are the home to a variety of interesting and unique plant life.

Section 6:  This section contains some of the longest climbs and highest peaks of the Georgia AT.  It rarely descends below 3500 feet.  

Each week

The plan is to do a 70 mile section of the Appalachian Trail each week.  Each weeklong crew has the option of daypacking or backpacking or a mix of both trekking types.

I will have a guidebook and a phone app with the latest trail information as to lodging and shuttles.  These services are customarily booked a day in advance based on the latest read of where you are on the trail.

Road crossings are typically available every 4 - 15 miles but in cases such as the Smokys and Southwest Virginia can be as far apart as 20 - 32 miles.  In any case, the opportunity exists to resupply every 1-2 days which can also involve in-town lodging and breakfast/dinner.

Daily mileage will vary with road crossings and weather.  While 70 miles in 7 days suggests daily mileage of 10 days actual mileage will vary and one needs to be physically prepared for a mix of D6 days with possible "zero days" or "nero days".  A D6 day is typically followed by a zero or nero day for recovery.

You can search the treks on Google or YouTube to get a sense of the section(s) you might have interest.

An email will be sent once the crew roster is completely settled.

A series of fifteen weeklong hikes is planned to be offered over March 28 - July 9 that will cross 5 states.  All trips are Sunday to Saturday.  The date listed is the Sunday start date:

1.  March 28 - Georgia

North Carolina

2.  April 4 - Bly Gap to Nantahala River Outdoor Center

3.  April 11 - Nantahala River Outdoor Center to Clingmans Dome

4.  April 18 - Clingmans Dome to Hot Springs

Tennessee

5.  April 25 - Hot Springs to Beauty Spot

6.  May 2 - Beauty Spot to Laurel Falls

7.  May 9 - Laurel Falls to Grayson Highlands

Virginia

8.  May 16 - Grayson Highlands to Chestnut Ridge

9.  May 23 - Chestnut Ridge to Pearisburg

10.  May 30 - Pearisburg to Dragon's Tooth

11.  June 6 - Dragon's Tooth to The Guillotine

12.  June 13 - The Guillotine to Three Ridges

13.  June 20 - Three Ridges to Big Meadows

14.  June 27 - Big Meadows to Front Royal

15.  July 4 - Front Royal to Harpers Ferry

Each week will be posted approximately 6 weeks in advance.

The trek recordings will be posted daily on AllTrails under my Member name if you would like to follow that week's daily progress.

Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our E tiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

A non-refundable AOC Service Fee $25 required by AOC.

The payment due date is March, 26, 2021.

A non-refundable AOC Service Fee $25 required by AOC.

Make a Payment:

Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW

 A non-refundable AOC Service Fee $25 required by AOC.  series.

There is no refund for cancellation.