Trek On The Appalachian Trail Approach via East Trail Ridge (Amicalola Falls) - Backpack Training Hike (18 lbs. Minimum)

This Backpack training hike is approximately 13.5 +/- miles round trip with a few short rest breaks and a longer one at the Hike Inn. Hiking pace can vary depending on group, but expect around a moderate pace. To participate and receive credit for this event, your pack needs to weigh a minimum of 18 lbs. I plan to carry 32-35 lbs. Packs will be weighed at the beginning of the hike and at the Hike Inn.  

We're going to start our hike at the back of the park store/visitor center (Under construction) and hike up the East Trail Ridge to the AT Approach and continue pass the Hike Inn Trail to Nimblewill Gap at 4.9 miles and turn around at the metal sign commemorating the 1968 crash site of a small airplane. From Nimblewill Gap, we will hike back to the Hike Inn Trail and continue to the Hike Inn and take a brief break. We will return back to our starting point via the Len Foote Trail and East Ridge Trail.

Note: The East Ridge Trail at Amicalola Falls is actually the first mile of a much longer trail, the Southern Terminus Approach Trail to the start of the Appalachi an Trail in Georgia on Springer Mountain. The East Ridge Trail climbs to the top of Amicalola Falls, rising an average of 80 feet for each 500 feet of trail.  It is one of a handful of trails considered strenuous simply because of the climb.

We will meet at the Amicalola Park store/visitor center at 7 AM. You can park across the street or down the road. Please arrive a few minutes early for introductions and to weigh packs. Finishing time can vary so please flexible.

Tips:

1. Carry some water to exceed your minimum 18 lb. pack weight. You can always dump some water out later to reduce carry weight, if needed.

2. REI Link:  Conditioning for Backpacking & Hiking | REI Co-op

3. 5 Reasons To Ditch Your Hiking Boots — CleverHiker

 Trip itinerary is subject to change before and during the event.

If you're a Garmin user, please join our 'Atlanta Outdoor Club (AOC) Garmin Users' group to connect with other AOC Garmin users and track your activity. Join us at: https://connect. garmin.com/modern/group/2255568

Go north on Georgia 400 past the outlet Mall to GA 136. Left on 136 till GA 52. Right until the park entrance. Park store/visitor center near the park entrance on the right side. There is a visitor parking lot across the street from the park store/visitor center. and also parking spaces down the road.  

Will this event occur rain or shine? Maybe

$5.00 State Park Fee unless you have an annual park pass