Approach Trail???

[roxy33x]

My husband and I are begining our thru hike this March and we are having a hard time deciding whether or not to do the approach trail. We know that it is a tradition but we heard that it was physically grueling. We are not in the best physical condition and planning to take it slow so the trail can whip us into shape. Im concerned we might get hurt before we even start. Is it worth it?

[ChinMusic]

The Approach Trail is nothing to fear. It WILL give an idea of what you are up against.

[Tilly]

Try searching the forums for this subject. There are a surprising amount of multi-page threads on the Approach Trail.

[Cool AT Breeze]

But remember it dosen't count as part of the 2175 miles. However it is the first blue blaze, so go for it.

[KG4FAM]

If you are worried about traditions, don't forget to buy all new gear at Neel Gap.

[roxy33x]

if You Are Worried About Traditions, Don't Forget To Buy All New Gear At Neel Gap.

Lol

[Mongoose2]

Roxy

Some people do the approach trail some don't. Yes it is a challange, but it certainly not that tough. The most important thing is to hike your own hike!! If it is stressing you, just start at Springer. Remember, the most important thing.......have fun! It's just walking! By the way, we are nearly neighbors, I live NE of Atlanta and travel to Charlotte often. When are you leaving? I wish you the very best of luck!

[roxy33x]

Roxy

Some people do the approach trail some don't. Yes it is a challange, but it certainly not that tough. The most important thing is to hike your own hike!! If it is stressing you, just start at Springer. Remember, the most important thing.......have fun! It's just walking! By the way, we are nearly neighbors, I live NE of Atlanta and travel to Charlotte often. When are you leaving? I wish you the very best of luck!

We are leaving on March 7th... along with a lot of others! Its gonna be a mad house on springer!

[Red Hat]

We are leaving on March 7th... along with a lot of others! Its gonna be a mad house on springer!

Actually Springer won't be so bad as everyone is not there at the same time. Hawk Mountain, however will be a mad house when everyone tries to settle in for the night. Skip the approach and get to Hawk shelter early or find another spot to pitch your tent along the way.

[SGT Rock]

Actually Springer won't be so bad as everyone is not there at the same time. Hawk Mountain, however will be a mad house when everyone tries to settle in for the night. Skip the approach and get to Hawk shelter early or find another spot to pitch your tent along the way.

Shoot, skip them both. If you wanna shelter go to Stover Creek the first night instead of Springer Mountain - it is a much nicer shelter. Then the next day skip Hawk and go on to Gooch Mtn. Shelter.

[rockdawg69]

Somewhere back in this thread was the advice to Hike-You-Own-Hike. Just pick what you want to do and do it. I'm 62 and did the Approach Dec 21st in 35-40 degree temps, 6.5 hrs and we were enjoying our walk - no practice. Did Springer to Damascus in 2007, 39 hiking days - limited practice hikes.
You can do it.

[jj2044]

Shoot, skip them both. If you wanna shelter go to Stover Creek the first night instead of Springer Mountain - it is a much nicer shelter. Then the next day skip Hawk and go on to Gooch Mtn. Shelter.

I would do this, except dont stay at Gooch, stay at Justice Creek there are some really nice campsites, its a pretty neat little spot, and only a little less then a miles before Gooch shelter.

[SGT Rock]

It's not that big a tradition. Just decide what is convenient for you when you start.

[Hooch]

My husband and I are begining our thru hike......having a hard time deciding whether or not to do the approach trail.......we heard that it was physically grueling.

No more physically grueling than the rest of the trail. Just decide what works for y'all and go for it whatever you choose.

[Tinker]

I started at the Approach Trail in 2006. It's tough for someone who's not in shape with too much gear. It's sort of traditional, but many, many people don't bother doing it. Fwiw, it's part of the original trail which originally started at Mt. Oglethorpe farther to the south. That's the real reason I decided to do it.

[Nest]

I wouldn't consider it a tradition as more of a convenience. If you stay at the park overnight then it is more convenient to just walk from the park than to get a ride down the forrest road. There's also an AYCE at the park. It's nice to start the day with a good full meal there then start your hike. I know a lot of people did the approach trail last year because they couldn't find a ride to the forrest rd without handing over more money for a shuttle. If you don't feel like doing it, then by all means don't. After the first couple hundred miles everyone kinda forgets that they even did it. An extra 8 miles doesn't matter either way in the bigger picture.

[Lone Wolf]

My husband and I are begining our thru hike this March and we are having a hard time deciding whether or not to do the approach trail. We know that it is a tradition but we heard that it was physically grueling. We are not in the best physical condition and planning to take it slow so the trail can whip us into shape. Im concerned we might get hurt before we even start. Is it worth it?

it's neither a tradition or physically grueling. it's just one way of several to start the AT. avoid hawk mtn. shelter. it's very crowded each night

[Pedaling Fool]

I always do the approach trail because I hate to back-track

[Bearpaw]

I always do the approach trail because I hate to back-track

Take the BMT south for a couple of miles to Springer. Cool blue blaze (although technically it's a white diamond).

[Ramble~On]

Eight miles of uphill versus a 1 mile backtrack

Though every year hiking the approach trail is a sweet way to pick up new gear while at the same time doing some volunteer trail work...all that new gear along the trail is also litter!

Axes, boom boxes, rope, a scuba mask, books, lanterns...Hell Yeah the approach trail is worth hiking

I wasn't there but I remember hearing about a lady who left her pack and entire contents in the Springer shelter and left...claiming she "just can't handle the mice"