Starter day hike?

[dhackbar]

My son and I are looking to try a day hike on the trail in georgia this July. Any recommendations for a good hike that we can handle in a day? We are just starting to gather some gear, but don't really have everything for an overnighter yet.

Initially I'm thinking Neels to Hogpen gap (6-ish miles) might be a feasible in a day, although I wonder if the terrain could make it more than a day.

I can't wait until we've gotten enough gear together to be able to take a few nights on the trail too!

Thanks!

[MuddyWaters]

Not knowing ages, physical condition, etc it pretty difficult for anyone to forecast how far you could go. 6 miles is pretty short, most folks would do that in half a day with a full backpack. Depends on what you believe your capabilities are, but with only a light daypack with water, raingear, snacks, Id say 10+ miles would be a snap for anyone in reasonably good shape.

[max patch]

One of my favorite day hikes is to park at Lake Winfield Scott, hike the Jarrad Gap Trail to the AT, hike the AT N to the Slaughter Creek Trail, and take the Slaughter Crrek Trail back to LWS. At LWS there is a lake with a sandy beach and a pier out in the lake; that post hike swim always feels great. Especially in July. Restrooms to change in. This is about a 6 mile hike. You'll pass a shelter, and if you are so inclined, you can extend the hike by going up to the top of Blood Mountain (great views) and back.

[max patch]

Another 6ish mile hike is to park at the Springer Mtn lot on FS42, take the AT S to Springer, take the BMT N to its interesection with the AT, then take the AT S back to the parking lot. You'll see the start of the trail, the Springer MTn shelter, and a great view from the BMT.

Like above, this is a loop so only one car needed.

[Whack-a-mole]

It's a long drive up to Springer, but a nice trip could be from the parking lot to Long Creek Falls. Enjoy some lunch, cool your feet in the creek or go wading, whatever you like. Hike back to the parking lot. If you have had enough, depending on heat, condition, etc, you could call it a day, or if you want a little more, walk up Springer to the trail head, which will add about two miles to your trip. The falls are very pretty and worth the trip. Have a great hike whatever you choose to do.

[barf_jay]

You could hike the Bear Hair trail in Vogel state park, short with a good overlook of the lake.

[Sugarfoot]

You might contact the good folk at the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. They sometimes have day hikes and that might be a pretty good way to ease into a new activity and benefit from the experience of others. I'm not a member, but the ones I have met have all been wonderful people. I don't enjoy group hikes, but GATC could change my mind.

[dhackbar]

Doh... I suppose it would have helped to include our ability I'm 40 and he's 11. We do alot of Florida hiking, and miles of biking so our abilities are probably average. We've done a bit of 1/2 day hiking up in the mountains - probably the most advanced was the hike up to MacRae Peak and the less technical climb up to waterrock knob a few times.

My wife can shuttle us as needed, but a loop trail might be nice as well.

Thanks! Can't wait to get to the trails again soon!

[TallyAbt]

My son and I are looking to do about the same type of hike. We decided to try the hike from Amicalola Falls SP to the Len Foote Hike Inn. It's close to a 5 mile hike to the inn. We are heading up at the end of July.
My hope is that he likes it enough to want to do a longer trip on the Florida Trail near us, or a sectin of the AT.

[max patch]

We decided to try the hike from Amicalola Falls SP to the Len Foote Hike Inn. It's close to a 5 mile hike to the inn.

If you are planning to spend the nite there don't show up without a reservation. Just wanted to make sure you knew that.