From: "richard mann" <hikeusa@freewwweb.com>
To: "at-lll" <at-l@backcountry.net>
Subject: [at-l] Springer Mountain GA to Fontana Dam NC - Part 1
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 20:28:19 -0600

<LONG POST>

Springer Mountain GA to Fontana Dam NC - Part 1

Mile 0.0 - Springer Mountain GA - the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail begins with little fanfare.  Many Springer Mountain anecdotes have to do with hikers asking "Where does the trail begin?", the answer being "Look down!"  There are two plaques, a mailbox, and a white blaze, but they are all at foot level.  On a clear day, the view is wonderful.  You are asked to not camp at the summit, though for some, it is
the only place to camp on the night before the hike begins...

Mile 0.2 - Springer Mountain Shelter

Here is a grand shelter, and it is the first one.  Don't be fooled in to thinking that they are all so nice.  The privy is wonderful, and scenic. Camping is availble near the shelter...

Mile 0.9 - USFS 42 parking lot

This is the closest point that you can get a vehicle to Springer Mountain.  I have spent much time in this parking lot, and have seen the hugs and kisses and goodbyes and ... well, this place just flows with energy.  Tenting is available beside the parking area, but don't expect much solitude.  This place rocks around the clock...

Mile 2.6 - Stover Creek Shelter

A small shelter that often is full of cast off gear, food, and clothing...

Mile 4.1 - Three Forks (USFS 58)

Where three streams become one.  Turn left just after the log bridge and you will find a nifty little tenting area nestled between two of the streams.  The sounds of rushing water will soothe the soul...

Mile 5.0 - Long Creek Falls

Take the short blue-blaze to this cascading falls.  Soak your feet, eat your lunch, snap a photo, get inspired.  A few tent sites available.  The falls are high decible, and are a perfect backdrop for an outstanding nights sleep...

Mile 5.8 - Hickory Flatts Cemetery

A short side trail to your right, with a sign that reads "Shed and Cemetery", takes you to a solidly built open pavilion with an old, old cemetery behind.  There is a double privy (not in good repair), and a teeter-totter type playground ride, and maybe a local area resident or two.  Hikers are welcome to stay the night inside or outside of the pavilion.  There has been some talk of relocating the trail away from this facility.  If so, when you hit the logging road, turn right and keep looking right...

Mile 7.6 - Hawk Mountain Shelter

Probably the most used shelter on the entire Appalachian Trail.  This is the first day goal for many a thru-hiker.  Much equipment is used here for the first time.  If you are ever in the area during hiking season and want an exciting evening, hike on up here...

Mile 8.1 - Hightower Gap (USFS 42/69)

Just a road crossing...

Mile 9.1 - USFS 42

Here's one that few people know about.  The trail skirts a large flat tenting area, which is along the forest road.  You can hike right on by without seeing anything because the trail is situated below the flat area.  This is a perfect spot for a large group of hikers to tent for the night.  Fire rings abound...

Mile 10.0 - Horse Gap (USFS 42)

The trail drops into a saddle that skirts the forest road, then climbs back out.  It is possible to tent here, but is just not very inviting...

Mile 11.0 - Sassafras Mountain

This mountain is not mentioned in the Databook or the Companion, but it is the first significant climb of your hike.  Your climb out of Horse Gap ends here.  Tenting is possible...

Mile 11.6 - Cooper Gap (USFS 15/42/80)

A busy (by forest road standards) intersection, so look both ways before crossing.  Tenting available.  This is also your first real possibility of thumbing a ride off of the trail, though it will be a tough hitch...

Mile 12.2 - Justus Mountain

In the fall of 1995, Hurricane Opal took the top off of this mountain.  The trail winds its way through the destruction, still very apparent today...

*** Between Justus Mountain and Gooch Gap, there are a number of tenting opportunities...

Mile 16.1/16.4 - Gooch Gap Shelter & Gooch Gap (USFS 42)

Small shelter high on the hill.  Basically, don't bother, it will already be full.  Tenting near the first shelter blue-blaze, and on both sides of the forest road.  A possibility for a thumb to Suches, or a long roadwalk...

Mile 18.6 - Ramrock Mountain

On a clear day you can see the skyline of Atlanta.  On some days you can sit and watch the Hawks play tag in the wind.  Room for a tent or two...

Mile 20.0 - Woody Gap (GA Route 60)

Suches GA 2.0 miles to the left, Dahlonega GA about 16 miles to the right.  Good place to stick your thumb out.  Scenic overlook, many picnic tables,  and large parking lot.  Double privy is not open during early hiking season.  Tenting opportunities on hillside to the right after crossing the road, or continue up the trail maybe 100 feet and turn right and look for tenting below cliffs.  Water down old overgrown road that diverges left from the trail...

*** Between Woody Gap and Slaughter Gap (mile 27.4), there are a number of tenting opportunities...

Mile 26.6 - Woods Hole Shelter

I am not yet familiar with this new shelter.  Have heard/read tales of long hike down, then further to water.  Someone please provide better info...

Mile 26.7 - Bird Gap and the Freeman Trail

The Freeman Trail is the bad weather blue-blaze that skirts Blood Mountain.  In other words, during times of severe weather, the Freeman Trail IS the Appalachian Trail...

Mile 28.3 - Blood Mountain

Old CCC stone cabin.  Not inviting.  Hopefully will be torn down soon.  Great slabs of rock to sit and view the countryside.  Lots of tourists...

*** The descent of Blood Mountain is a knee buster, and is dangerous when wet, since you are hiking on rock slabs.  Many of the white blazes are on the rocks at your feet, so keep a sharp eye out.  At one point it is very easy to miss the turn and continue down the wrong way.  It is doubly bad because you must retrace your steps, and it is STEEP...

Mile 30.7 - Neels Gap (US Route 19/129)

This is considered by many thru-hikers to be their first major milestone.  The Walasi-Yi Center, right on the trail, is a hiker oasis.  There are restrooms, shower and laundry facilities, a full service outfitter, souveniers, limited groceries, plus maildrops will be held here.  There is an outdoor hiker common area with picnic tables that is a wonderful place to
sit and talk and sort through your drop, and swap food, supplies and gear.  Many tourists frequent this facility, and they are always interested to hear about the trail and of your particular experiences.  There are a number of opportunities to go off-trail for the night - Vogel State Park, Goose Creek Cabins, and the town of Blairsville.  The employees of the Walisi-Yi Center will happily help you with this information, or with anything that you need...


MORE TO COME...

pittsburgh