best short southern ( GA) hike?

[jcozza]

I would like to take a short section hike in the southeast end of the AT this year. I am from FLA and have a toddler( he will be staying at home with Grandma) so my time is limited so I can return to my family. Any suggestions for a 2 - 4 day hike?

[moldy]

Springer Mt to Neal's Gap is 30 miles. It is an excellent place to start. Then when you come back next year because you will be infected with the bug, the hiking bug that is. You can continue on to Deep Gap just past the GA line....then the year after that......it's simple, start at the start...then follow the yellow brick road.

[jcozza]

Thanks!
I'll start looking into this. I am super excited. Any advice on best time of year?

[Tinker]

Springer Mt to Neal's Gap is 30 miles. It is an excellent place to start. Then when you come back next year because you will be infected with the bug, the hiking bug that is. You can continue on to Deep Gap just past the GA line....then the year after that......it's simple, start at the start...then follow the yellow brick road.

Good recommendation. Depending upon the OP's conditioning, it can take from 2-4 days, but pushing to do it in 2 days would mean missing out on meeting some aspiring thruhikers at shelters and campsites (unless he does it later than mid April, when it would be hot, muggy, and buggy).
For me, meeting the NOBOs (and newbies) was one of the high points of doing Ga. in March (though I would start mid-April if I did a nobo, myself - warmer nights = less insulation = less weight = easier miles = moremiles/day). Starting later than that I expect that it would be uncomfortably warm during the day for a Yankee who cut his hiking teeth in the White Mts. of NH.

[daddytwosticks]

You'll get lots of recommendations on the best time of year to hike this section. I love early May, right when the trees leaf out. You'll get some shade, long, comfortable days, and cool nights. You still may see some late starting NOBOs. Have fun.

[moytoy]

Here is what I do. It's about a 8-9 hour drive to Amicalola Falls hiker parking lot. If I'm going for 4 days on the trail I hike out 2 days and turn around when I please and hike back to my parked truck. I don't have to think about shuttles and I'm not trying to cover any particular distance. I just think about the fun I'm having. I never really get bored with the same trail but each year I do this I usually extend my stay and go further than I did the previous year. It takes no planning other than just being there and leaving there. I do my AT hike in October but anytime between April and November is good. Being a Florida person like me even July at night seems cool.

[daddytwosticks]

Moytoy...did I run into you at Stover Creek shelter this past October? Met a hiker from Florida about your age who was doing exactly what you described. Think he was carrying a ULA pack.

[moytoy]

Moytoy...did I run into you at Stover Creek shelter this past October? Met a hiker from Florida about your age who was doing exactly what you described. Think he was carrying a ULA pack.

I don't think it was me. I carry a Kelty external and I was with my brother. We were out from Oct. 7 thru Oct. 14. I am almost never in a shelter but I do stop and chat at shelters. Maybe next year.

[Summit]

You'll get lots of recommendations on the best time of year to hike this section. I love early May, right when the trees leaf out. You'll get some shade, long, comfortable days, and cool nights. You still may see some late starting NOBOs. Have fun.

I agree! First half of May . . . before it gets hot and buggy. Days (daylight) are getting pretty long by then. Unicoi Gap to Dick's Creek is a nice alternative section, but I'd also say why not start the AT at the start of the AT.

[daddytwosticks]

Yes, early May for me! Unfortunately, with so many family commitments at this time, I haven't done any long hikes in early May for many years.