View Full Version : Georgia Day Hikes
We are heading for Georgia in December and may have time for one or two day hikes on the AT while there. We already have plans to touch the terminus on Springer Mountain. What are your suggestions?
Our criteria:
1. We will have one car, so these will be out and back hikes.
2. Our range is in the 8-12 mile range, depending on terrain.
3. Easy access to the AT itself.
Any suggestions on towns to stay in while hiking are also appreciated.
Members of this forum have been especially helpful in helping us find wonderful AT hikes in PA and NC on previous trips east. I'll thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Rosemary, Tucson AZ
Maineiac64
08-25-2017, 23:25
If you plan to do terminus there are some good loops with BMT. Look at blood mountain and blood mountain cabins too. Blue ridge is good fun place as is Hiawassee.
Uncle Joe
08-26-2017, 08:12
+1 for Blood if you've never done it. An out-and-back from the terminus to Long Creek Falls is nice. Unicoi / Indian Grave / Rock Mountain Loop is nice too with views.
cneill13
08-26-2017, 14:57
Not on the AT but check out coosa backcountry trail out of Vogel park in NE Georgia. Very challenging.
Coosa Backcountry Trail, while only 12 miles, is NOT recommended as a day hike except for very skilled hikers. A free permit is required, and if you plan a day hike, the ranger will question you to make sure you understand what you are taking on.
Can you recommend a community as a "base of operations" for these hikes? Are the trailheads easy to reach?
Thanks
Uncle Joe
08-27-2017, 12:10
FWIW, I video all of my hikes and you can find them on Youtube. Search "Uncle Joe Hikes" if you're interested. They might give you some ideas.
As a base, Dahlonega might be prime. You're relatively close to Springer, Woody Gap, and even Mountain Crossings if you want to hit Blood Mtn. Dockery Creek Trail is a nice day hike up to the AT and back. Another consideration is The BMT off Why 60 to the Toccoa swinging bridge and back. It's only about 6+ miles round trip but a nice hike. Either way, lots of AT within a few minutes of Dahlonega.
glenlawson
08-28-2017, 18:10
Dahlonega, Blairsville or Suches as a base of operations. If you don't already have lodging, there are numerous cabins on VRBO in those areas.
Three forks for a loop hike to Springer on the AT and BMT. Lake Winfield Scott for a loop up to Blood Mtn via Jarrard Gap trail and Slaughter Gap trail. Vogel State Park for a hike to Blood Mountain via the Coosa Backcountry trail and the Duncan Ridge trail.
Dahlonega is great because there are some good wineries in the area, also historic gold mining town.