Hiking approach trail up and back in a day difficult?

[hmkr]

I am wondering how difficult it is to hike this part of the trail and back. I've done springer to neels gap last month and had a great time especially thanks to all the great advice I've received on this forum prior to departing.

I've done 14 miles on the last day of my trip last month with 25lb ish pack and since this is only a day hike, I will be carrying just water and something for lunch which means I will be significantly lighter. I think I can do it but want to hear from someone more experienced and knowledgeable than I before departing.

[max patch]

If you did 14 miles carrying 25 pounds then you should be able to do 17.6 miles with a daypack. I'd recommend an early start so you can rest as needed without worrying about it getting dark.

[MkBibble]

Makes my knees hurt just THINKING about coming back down all those steps!

[kayak karl]

i met a guy on my way up. he was coming down from his day hike. his trail name is Brer Rabbit. first person i met that had thru hiked.(in person ) so yes it is possible.

[Canyonero]

I did it at the end of March. It took us about 6-7 hours round-trip. If you're in decent shape it's definitely doable; the only tough part was the steps down the falls at the end. We had to dodge LOTS of tourists!

[hmkr]

Awesome, that's good news to hear. Tomorrow can't come fast enough.

[WingedMonkey]

It's easy to go around the staircase. It's not like you are white-blazing.

[allen3150]

I did it when I was in my 20s and in so-so shape and had no problem. Now. in my 30s, I'd probably find a better alternative.

[The Old Boot]

It's easy to go around the staircase. It's not like you are white-blazing.

How easy...not like I'm going to do it tomorrow but I've kinda figured on skipping the approach in either direction BECAUSE of the stairs. I do fine on incline/decline but avoide stairs like the plague!!

[WingedMonkey]

How easy...not like I'm going to do it tomorrow but I've kinda figured on skipping the approach in either direction BECAUSE of the stairs. I do fine on incline/decline but avoide stairs like the plague!!

The East Ridge Trail is the original approach trail. Part of it is open to vehicles on gravel road. Still a steep climb. There are also some trails connecting to West Ridge Trail, but you'll be adding some distance to connect them.

http://www.gastateparks.org/content/...alolaFalls.pdf

[Cookerhiker]

My GF and I did it on Feb. 28, although from the lodge, not the VC. Started about 8:15, returned before 5.

[ChinMusic]

How easy...not like I'm going to do it tomorrow but I've kinda figured on skipping the approach in either direction BECAUSE of the stairs. I do fine on incline/decline but avoide stairs like the plague!!

There is a side trail from the bottom that goes east of the falls. Also, just start at the top if you wish to avoid that 800' climb/descent.

[Datto]

I started up the Approach Trail at 2:00pm and arrived at the plaque on Springer Mountain at 6:30pm. My pack was 37.5 pounds with food and water at the weigh-in inside the visitors center near the Approach Trail.


Datto

[hmkr]

Great! Thank you for all the feedback. I will be starting at 9 am and hope to be back by 6pm.

[jesse]

How easy...not like I'm going to do it tomorrow but I've kinda figured on skipping the approach in either direction BECAUSE of the stairs. I do fine on incline/decline but avoide stairs like the plague!!

Start at the lodge.

[hmkr]

That was pretty fun. 3h 50 min each way with frequent breaks. Saw wild turkey and bear on the trail, too bad I didn't take a picture.

[jesse]

Glad you had a good time.