AT Approach Trail

[Uncle Wayne]

I have a friend who is planning a hike starting from the park and due to a late afternoon arrival, needs to know if there is an established campsite around 3 or 4 miles up the trail from the park.

I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

[Marta]

There's a free shelter right behind the Visitor's Center in the Park. It's not all that lovely, but it will work in a pinch.

[Dances with Mice]

I have a friend who is planning a hike starting from the park and due to a late afternoon arrival, needs to know if there is an established campsite around 3 or 4 miles up the trail from the park.

I think that would put him around Frosty mountain? There's campsites on the summit. Dry, I believe. Never stayed there myself.

[Thrasher]

Right past Little Amicalola Creek, after you cross the dirt road, there is a nice place to set up camp. Water access too is always nice.

[veteran]

I think that would put him around Frosty mountain? There's campsites on the summit. Dry, I believe. Never stayed there myself.

Frosty Mountain has a spring:

At 4.6 miles the trail enters a clearing and crosses the highest point on Frosty Mountain (3382 ft). A trail to the right of the clearing leads to a fairly reliable spring.

[bigcranky]

Frosty Mountain has a spring:

At 4.6 miles the trail enters a clearing and crosses the highest point on Frosty Mountain (3382 ft). A trail to the right of the clearing leads to a fairly reliable spring.

I spent a fair amount of time one year looking for that spring. Followed the directions and all. Never could find it.

[ChinMusic]

If money isn't a big issue they could stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn on the way to Springer. It would be about the right distance for a late start.

Love that place and plan to visiting again.

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

[John Klein]

If money isn't a big issue they could stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn on the way to Springer. It would be about the right distance for a late start.

Love that place and plan to visiting again.

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

I stayed there once and remember they required you to check in at the Amicalola visitor center by 2:00 in order to stay at the Len Foote.

[ChinMusic]

I stayed there once and remember they required you to check in at the Amicalola visitor center by 2:00 in order to stay at the Len Foote.

Yep, that is a limitation. If they could get there by 2 it would be a good option.

I plan on hitting the Hike Inn on my future thru.

[veteran]

I spent a fair amount of time one year looking for that spring. Followed the directions and all. Never could find it.

Frosty Mountain Spring Coordinates:

Latitude 34.594562°N Longitude -84.224444°W

[Easterwood]

If he is getting a late start I would recommend starting the trail at the top of the falls. Saves you about a mile hike of strenuous switchbacks and steep climb up a gravel road. The campsite on Frosty Mountain is nice but can get cold if it is windy.

If you can hike fairly quickly you can make Black Gap shelter. It is about 6 miles in from the top of the falls. And it is not impossible to make it all the way to Springer in 4 hours.

[Dogwood]

Veteran, NICE, that's being informed and helpful! You even had the Frosty Mountain spring coordinates!

[Pony]

Frosty Mountain Spring Coordinates:

Latitude 34.594562°N Longitude -84.224444°W

You sure? I could have sworn it was -84.222443 W.

[Rain Man]

Uncle Wayne!!!!! I thought you had fallen off a cliff somewhere and couldn't get up!!!!! So good to "see" you, old man!

RainMan

.

[veteran]

You sure? I could have sworn it was -84.222443 W.

Check the Center of the map and the URL Address.

[walkin' wally]

+
Hi Uncle Wayne How are you doin??? Nice to see you are still here on WB.
Happy Holidays

[slugger]

During the approach trail are you allowed to back country camp? i.e. Pitch a tent any where Leave no trace says you can.
I know some state parks want you to stay at the huts or camps sights (GSMNP).

[Dances with Mice]

During the approach trail are you allowed to back country camp? i.e. Pitch a tent any where Leave no trace says you can.
I know some state parks want you to stay at the huts or camps sights (GSMNP).

Yes, once you are outside the State Park boundaries.

[jesse]

There is a road near Frosty Mt. Camp site is a favorite for beer drinking car campers. Too much trash for me.

[Dances with Mice]

During the approach trail are you allowed to back country camp? i.e. Pitch a tent any where Leave no trace says you can.
I know some state parks want you to stay at the huts or camps sights (GSMNP).

I answered the question too quickly. Camping is restricted within AFSP but after you leave the Lodge area heading north you will soon cross the State Park boundary (it's marked) and will be in the National Forest where you may camp anywhere for the next however many miles all the way to GSMNP where there are the restrictions you mentioned. But GSMNP is, rather obviously, not a State Park.