Atlanta TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
 

The Appalachian Trail begins its northbound trek to Maine’s Mount Katahdin in the rolling southern Appalachians of North Georgia, beginning a 2000+ mile northbound journey through fourteen states. The epic-length trail travels 78.6 miles in Georgia, beginning at the southernmost blaze at Springer Mountain. On the Springer summit, a bronze plaque commemorates the trail’s southern beginning, and a vault holds a trail log, inscribed by hikers beginning their journey to Maine, or enjoying a summit celebration at the finish of their incredible adventure.

Departing Springer Mountain, the AT follows its iconic, white trail blazes through the southern Appalachian Mountains, meandering through North Georgia’s rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and exploring some of this state’s most beautiful terrain. Wildlife frequent the trail, including wild turkey, black bear, deer, wild hog, and songbirds. Throughout the state, wildflowers, rhododendron, laurel, leafy hardwoods and towering pine line the trail in an ever-changing mix of plant and tree life. And in springtime, the trail explodes in an array of abundant blooming wildflowers, including the beautiful native trillium.

Headed northbound (NOBO) to Maine? Visit Trailful, our full-service hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee, Georgia, an official trail community along the Appalachian Trail. We’re located ten miles from the Appalachian Trail at Dicks Creek Gap (A.T. mile 69.2 from Springer Mountain) and Unicoi Gap (A.T. mile 52.5 from Springer Mountain). Check out our North Georgia A.T. thru-hiker resupply and outfitter info for details on our A.T. thru-hiker services, including mail drops, backpacking gear, technical apparel, footwear, and our hiker-friendly trail town in the Georgia mountains.

New to the trail, or looking for a shorter, beginner-friendly hike? Check out our favorite Georgia AT day hikes under six miles.

Hike, run or backpack the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, climbing to mountain summits, exploring mossy creek valleys, visiting waterfalls, and catching some seriously stunning views. #hiking #running #camping #backpacking #atlanta #georgia #travel #outdoors #adventure

Appalachian Trail in Georgia: our favorite day hikes and backpacking adventures

Plan a day hike or a backpacking adventure with our guide to the best hikes on this iconic white-blazed trail. Explore some incredible North Georgia beauty on our favorite AT day hikes and backpacking trips, divided into the trail’s major sections in our state, and listed from south to north. Or check out these hikes plotted on our Appalachian Trail Georgia Map. Wherever your adventures take you, please remember to pack out everything you pack in, and to leave no trace, to help preserve the trail and its surrounding natural beauty.

 
Leave No Trace: Atlanta Trails, Asheville Trails and Trailful are official Leave No Trace partners

Please Remember

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.