The Len Foot Hike Inn with its rockin chairs provides a million dollar view. Thanks for posting–it is so good to read this much detail about your first nights.

60), Neel Gap (US Hwy. Siuper day on the trail. After I got past the inn that is within the park, the rain let up. As I pulled into Amicalola Falls State Park, it was raining almost comically hard. There's lots of hikers to chat w/ at the summit and overall just a really rewarding hike. Returning sept to complete the Smokies. In December 2015 I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Southern Illinois University. Definitely stop by before heading out. 348), Unicoi Gap (GA Hwy. The creek was narrow enough, so I thought that I would easily be able to lightly toss my boots over to the other side…. This section of the Appalachian trail is just gorgeous, is part of the great Smokey mountains... Took a trip to the Len Foote Hike Inn. Neels Gap delivered in an amazing way! Hogpen to Neels Gap. Nice campsites all over the trail (obviously, it’s the AT!) This hike turns from the Cowrock Mountain summit, retracing the Appalachian Trail westbound toward Neels Gap and Blood Mountain. My first time using a privy. The hike is moderate-to-difficult; I wouldn't recommend this stretch for beginners, young children or the physically unfit, as there are several very steep grades both ways and the trail is easy to lose at a couple points. No views but you won't mind since you actually get some extended flat sections. The path starts off level along a small creek, but quickly picks up the pace along several steep switchbacks and stone staircases. Top of the moountain was great sceens of mts to the south. Homeless, Tenderfoot, and Mama and Papa bear was amazing. I wonder what stories he’ll send back of those first few nights. Nice view of cliffs, leaves were starting turning colors, few SoBo thru hikers were in hurry to end their long journey. Casual hikers and families will enjoy the Georgia segments of the trail, as there is easy access and beautiful scenery. I did this in December. Deducted a star bc it’s SOO overgrown and I got tired of being smacked in the face with plants, We hiked this trail in 17 mph wind and rain. The rough rocky switchbacks were a challenge. There was a store called Moutains Crossing that was AMAZING! He then got into his car, drove away, and yelled some strange Indian sounding howl. Our original plan was to get to Uncoi gap but we didn't have cold weather gear. Some things you can only see in winter. Trail is purely natural, which means uncountable stones and tree roots. I looked in my iPhone camera and along with the black eye I gave myself I had dirt smeared across my forehead. I leave on the 3rd and traveling with my girlfriend to springer summit spend the night then me and my dog Jack (boarder collie ) on to Fontana Damm where I leave trail and go back to work. So happy to read about your journey!!! This trail will be my job and my life for the next 5 months. Not as crowded as the AT. A walking stick is absolutely helpful, trail boots as well.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. We had to camp off trail because winds direction. Approach Trail to Neels Gap . The hike scales Wolf Laurel Top and Levelland Mountains before crossing Neels Gap to return to the Byron Reece Trail. Not score. Once I arrived at the shelter, I met Mr. After he heard my response, he said “okay, I’ll set up camp over there”. There was nothing I could say considering I’m a solo woman and if he hunts for his food… that means he’s carrying weapons.

I can’t wait to get back out there. Beautiful day on the trail, no leaves on the trees so every mountain was spectacularly in view. Park at the Springer Mountain Trail parking lot (via gravel forest service road) and walk the Springer Mountain Loop. BRRRR. The staff was answered all of my questions are really helped me plan my course. Great trail! Well… I was mid-tent set up, so I didn’t lie. Be sure to rest a few minutes and take in the view when you get to the overlook There are also a couple more views to the south (left if SOBO) just after Cowrock. This was my first AT experience. There was an easy place location to park with no cost involved. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. I tossed the first boot, watched it bounce off of a rock. The others staying in the hostel that night did not sleep as well. GA. Save. One day…I may have the guts to do this…for now, I’m content with sections and local to me hikes. Did this section yesterday, ideal for a nice day hike if you have a shuttle at either gap; if starting at Walasi Yi, dont bail at Tesnatee @346 - do the final up and over to Hogpen - very challenging ascent but worth it...very little water along the way unless you go off trail quite a ways...great trail for winter when leaves dont block your view south to Cleveland, north to Brasstown Bald...Garmin disagrees and has length at around 7.2 miles one way, Early morning run, even saw a club (no sign of the mother bear though ) Those leaves must have solidified into concrete because I had no idea how my phone happened to shatter. Good luck on your trip! Would have missed so many sights without him.

One because it was bear season and I was solo, but two, Blood Mountain had a ton more people. Great intermediate backpacking trail. This is a must for any outdoor enthusiast in Georgia and a great taste of one of the best sections of the AT w/o having to do the entire AT :). Not to mention hiking up Blood Mountain, a historical site that is rich in Native American legend. I never once slept in a shelter on my thru, and there’s a reason for that , Great Strides: Peace Pilgrim, the First Woman to Thru-Hike the AT, Never Stopped Walking, Native American History on the Appalachian Trail: 9 Iconic Places, [Updated] Man Found Dead at Baxter Peak in Third Katahdin SAR Incident This Week, Everyone’s Got Baggage: Why We Don’t Weigh Sentimental Items, 7 Thru-Hiking Mistakes Rookie Hikers Make on the AT, The Leaf Peeper’s Guide to Fall Foliage Hikes in the Appalachian Mountains, Bear Canisters: Which Fit in Which Packs, Where You Need Them, and How to Pack One, Smokies Hikes for Healing: Conversations on Racial Justice, [Book Review] The Trail is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail, I Need Some Space: Hiking with Partners, Solo, and with Trail Families. Towards the summit there are rock out-croppings that are shown in the photos that provide some great views. I put a frozen brick of a Cliff Bar in my pocket and started my journey to Mountain Crossings. Checked out the mountain store which was awesome! Appalachian Trail: Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap. It's not a hard section as there are numerous switchbacks to help ease the elevation gain. We pushed on past Hogpen Gap and camped at White Oak Stamp about a mile past the road crossing. There was a store called Moutains Crossing that was AMAZING! Mama and Papa Wolf were already there getting water. I only ran into one person on my path up the summit of Springer and it was a guy running in Bedrock sandals (woot!). Returning sept to complete the Smokies. Turn off your ad blocker to see a map of this trail, Duncan Ridge Trail: Vogel State Park to Amicalola Falls, Lake Winfield Scott to Bryon Herbert Reece Trail, Blood Mountain via Bear Hair Gap and Coosa Backcountry Loop, Coosa Bald via Coosa Backcountry/Duncan Ridge Trail, Byron Reece to Blood Mountain via Appalachian Trail to Slaughter Creek Loop. Plenty of camping spots. Say hi as you pass me. Pump filter would be better than a Sawyer for this ridge line hike. I really like this being “alone” thing.

1 a.m. rolls around and I’m still not sleeping because Mad Dog was coughing and strangely kicking his feet every 5 minutes or so. It starts off near a stream and about mile .75 it stars climbing steeply with a number of switchbacks. Some parts were very steep but the views were worth it!! My girlfriend and I recently hiked the majority of the georgia AT. They had tons of really cool gear and supplies that were really helpful. My name is Emily and I’m from the middle of nowhere Illinois. They had tons of really cool gear and supplies that were really helpful. Appalachian Trail: Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap is a 16.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Dahlonega, Georgia that features beautiful wild flowers. But, I also ran into some amazing people who had nothing but my best interest in mind. Good luck and have fun!! Gnarly simple trail lots of hill and camp sites not much water. Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out.

After all this time planning, I was finally hiking up the mountain I have dreamed about for 4 years. Instead of figuring it out in the dark, I packed up camp, put on my head lamp, and did an hour and a half of hiking in the dark. Hiked from Neel Gap to Dicks Creek Gap this past weekend. He had only done 2.9 miles to the shelter that day and his stories didn’t seem to match up either.

I was determined to start my hike anyways! The beauty was overwhelming. We are novice hikers so we hired a local man, Jeff Moon, who usually shuttles (Jeff's Appalachian Shuttles) as a trail guide It sounded like someone pounding and trying to get into the shelter. I hiked back to the trail and wasn’t pleased with the visibility. No rain, no Maine is what they always say…. I had bought a size bigger in shoe, but my toes were still slamming into the front of my boots. A spooky white line at the start… Amicalola Falls Ghost? I slept a lot better in my tent than at the shelter the night before so I was grateful for that. I was so happy to not be out in the cold wind. Score… but all my food was hard as a rock. Keep going and always know how strong you are! Neels Gap delivered in an amazing way! I did this trail from the Bryon Reece trail. My Darn Tough sock didn’t survive though. Homeless, Tenderfoot, and Will were all good people from what I could tell, and I felt safe staying in the shelter with their company. Great trail. Homeless, Tenderfoot, and I were eating dinner when Mad Dog arrived… he is a strange character with one squinted eye, an intense limp, and an 80+ lb pack. But, I also ran into some amazing people who had nothing but my best interest in mind. Downhill was a prominent feature of this second day of the trail, and my toes were killing me. Thanks for your support! The couple was planning on hiking into Suches to the hostel there. The aspect of my thru hike that most people find the most shocking is fact that I’m going “alone”. My experiences could be taken as negative, but I enjoyed the trial hike thoroughly. I hate that just by virtue of being a woman, there are more scary situations. I dreamt of the sun. I’d rather go outside. This meant I would be staying at this shelter, alone, with a man named Wild Card who had booze. It is rated as stenous but if you are in decent shape, drink plenty of water/drinks, and take it slow I think anyone in decent shape will be able to complete this trail.