Shelters on the Approach Trail

[Kirby]

Does anyone know if there is anyother shelter on the Approach Trail, or nice spot to camp, that is not 6 miles in, but closer? I will be arriving at Amicalola Falls on the 29th, and I figures that since I was going to be camping that night anyway, I had might as well hike part of the Approach Trail.

Thanks,
Kirby

[Kirby]

Additional information requested:
Either the price of, or a link to the price of an over night at the Len Foote Hike Inn.

Thanks,
Kirby

[Hikerhead]

Google "Len Foote Hike Inn"

[Kirby]

Google "Len Foote Hike Inn"

Thanks, found that page.

Kirby

[Pedaling Fool]

Max Epperson Shelter is at Amicalola visitor center
Black Gap Shelter 7.3 miles (1.5 miles south of Springer Mountain).

[Skidsteer]

Additional information requested:
Either the price of, or a link to the price of an over night at the Len Foote Hike Inn.

Thanks,
Kirby

http://hike-inn.com/default.asp

There are nice camping sites nearly every mile.

[SGT Rock]

Does anyone know if there is anyother shelter on the Approach Trail, or nice spot to camp, that is not 6 miles in, but closer? I will be arriving at Amicalola Falls on the 29th, and I figures that since I was going to be camping that night anyway, I had might as well hike part of the Approach Trail.

Thanks,
Kirby

There are plenty of good campsites up the approach trail, just pick one. At the begining of the approach is the Max Epperson Shelter where there is water, showers, phones, soda machines, etc. At 4.8 miles up the trail there is a site with water on Frosty Mountain and then again at 6.2. At 7.3 there is the Black Gap Shelter. Past that you can stay at Springer Mountain Shelter which is 0.2 miles past the summit.

[ChinMusic]

Kirby - I KNOW you can get further than that on day 1.

[Kirby]

Kirby - I KNOW you can get further than that on day 1.

I plan on starting the trail the 1st, and I won't arrive on the 29th until sometime between 10-2, if I get there at 10, I will most certainly push to Summit Springer, and stay there, if I get there in the early afternoon, I want to cover some ground, but with early sun set I am not sure how far I could make it starting at 2, which is why I asked.

Right now, I am starting on the 1st from Amicalola, and going to the shelter 2 miles NOBO on the AT from Springer.

Kirby

[Hikerhead]

I'd rather do the trail to the Hike Inn anyway, even if I wasn't staying there. Better trail, more water and a nice place to take a break. Plus you'll be able to score some cheap leftovers. Do it.

[Kirby]

Is there camping in the vicinity of the Inn?

Kirby

[A-Train]

The Lodge at Amicalola has a great dinner buffet if I remember correctly. Spent a great last night in Civilization with my folks before driving up to Springer. If you're not looking to spend the money, I'd stealth somewhere nearby, go to the Epperson Shelter, or put in a couple miles. Would be a cool way to start the journey, in the evening after dinner!

Then again, I'd never hike the Approach Trail.

Good luck and don't forget to weigh your pack!

[SGT Rock]

Never heard of any prohibition against it. It's GA, not the Smokies or Baxter - less rules.

[Lone Wolf]

there's always a place to throw down. don't worry about it

[rafe]

IIRC, the AT in Georgia is very camp-able and the approach trail is no exception. Though I don't recall any water sources on the approach trail. Terrain-wise, no problem.

[Kirby]

I think I will try to hike in until I am tired, or I find a really cool campsite to spend the night at. I just feel it would be silly to camp at the start of the Approach when I can easily get some miles in the day before my "official" start.

Kirby

[Skidsteer]

I think I will try to hike in until I am tired, or I find a really cool campsite to spend the night at. I just feel it would be silly to camp at the start of the Approach when I can easily get some miles in the day before my "official" start.

Kirby

It takes me 3 1/2 hours to hike the approach trail and I'm old and broke down.

Stop worrying and enjoy your vacation.

[SGT Rock]

It takes me 3 1/2 hours to hike the approach trail and I'm old and broke down.

Stop worrying and enjoy your vacation.

Yes - 3 to 4 hours even for us over 40 guys. Young 16 year olds should be able to do it even if they get into town after 2.

[Lone Wolf]

Go to The Lodge for the buffet lunch then hike on to Frosty Mtn. and camp

[Ewker]

It takes me 3 1/2 hours to hike the approach trail and I'm old and broke down.

don't let Skids kid you..he can hike for a long haired old man..wait he is a dang kid compared to me