first AT hike =), question...

[kraash]

ok so me and my bro are gunna start the AT. (about time to) We are starting in july and while ME and GA are about the same drive from us i think a Ga start looks like the better bet.
We will be on the trail for 3 days of hiking total and I was wondering what a good ending spot might be? We plan to start on the approach trail to springer.
Any help would be very helpful, thanks =)

[Cool AT Breeze]

Skip the approach, go up to Springer and hike to Neel Gap.

[Mountain Wildman]

ok so me and my bro are gunna start the AT. (about time to) We are starting in july and while ME and GA are about the same drive from us i think a Ga start looks like the better bet.
We will be on the trail for 3 days of hiking total and I was wondering what a good ending spot might be? We plan to start on the approach trail to springer.
Any help would be very helpful, thanks =)

Hey Kraash,
Welcome to Whiteblaze, I really don't have an answer for you since I live way up North, You may get better responses from others.
I would venture to say that where you end your 3 day hike will depend on conditions you encounter as well as you and your Bro's hiking ability.
How many miles per day will determine ending points.
Happy Trails!!

[kraash]

Skip the approach, go up to Springer and hike to Neel Gap.

well i was considering just that,, but i dont want to get to the end of this thing (20 years from now) and feel like i didnt do the whole thing. Dont all the hard core do the approach to?

[max patch]

With camping closed from Jarrad to Neels (the last closure lasted a month, don't know how long this one will last) a case could be made that AFSP (the approach trail) to Woody Gap would be a better hike than Springer to Neels.

Approach trail hasn't been a part of the AT for years so no need to worry about not doing "the whole thing" if you don't do it.

[Jester2000]

well i was considering just that,, but i dont want to get to the end of this thing (20 years from now) and feel like i didnt do the whole thing. Dont all the hard core do the approach to?

The approach isn't part of the AT. Don't worry about what other people do or don't do -- it's your hike. Personally, I'd skip the approach trail, unless there's some compelling reason to do it (such as, you're staying at Amicalola & don't have a car). But it's up to you.

[Blissful]

If you do hike to Neel Gap, look out for the bear problem from Woods Hole Shelter north.

[kraash]

With camping closed from Jarrad to Neels (the last closure lasted a month, don't know how long this one will last) a case could be made that AFSP (the approach trail) to Woody Gap would be a better hike than Springer to Neels.

Approach trail hasn't been a part of the AT for years so no need to worry about not doing "the whole thing" if you don't do it.

is there parking at woody? we plan to get a shuttle and end at the car.

[kraash]

If you do hike to Neel Gap, look out for the bear problem from Woods Hole Shelter north.

did the bears eat anyone is that after woody gap?

[Hikes in Rain]

is there parking at woody? we plan to get a shuttle and end at the car.

Fine parking at Woody Gap. Trash barrels and privy, if memory serves.

[Lugnut]

I wouldn't drive all the way from Detroit just to hike from Springer to Woody Gap. You can make it to Neel Gap easily in three days.

[modiyooch]

I would go to Maine and base out of Baxter State park. IMO, it would be more rewarding for the mileage and time.

[Tin Man]

doing 3 days on the trail all the way from michigan??? might want to consider taking more time or waiting until you can take more time.

[Kirby]

Skip the approach trail, waste of time, especially since you are only out for three days. You can get to Neel's Gap.

[Knees]

I'll be contrarian and say do the approach. I really like the approach trail. It now skips the jeep road and goes up under the falls-very cool. I always do it when I'm down in that area.

Depending on how strong you hike either hop off at Woody or Neel Gap.

Hope you have a good hike!

[bigmac_in]

Skip the approach, go up to Springer and hike to Neel Gap.

I would agree with Cool Breeze on this one. You got your best advice on the first answer. It's all downhill from here.

Have fun.

[max patch]

The reason I and others have suggested Woody is because of the camping ban S of Neels. No overnites at Slaughter Creek or Woods Hole.

[kraash]

I wouldn't drive all the way from Detroit just to hike from Springer to Woody Gap. You can make it to Neel Gap easily in three days.

think we could blast out the approach to neels?

[kraash]

I would go to Maine and base out of Baxter State park. IMO, it would be more rewarding for the mileage and time.

maine would be a 7 hour longer drive from us. GA is an easy drive right down I75

[kraash]

doing 3 days on the trail all the way from michigan??? might want to consider taking more time or waiting until you can take more time.

i have been saying that for 3 years already.. if I keep waiting for more or better time ill be saying "man that would have been fun" from my nursing home bed.