Appalachian Approach Trail

The Appalachian Approach Trail is an 8.5-mile, blue-blazed connector hike in Georgia that begins at the stone archway behind the visitor center at Amicalola Falls State Park and climbs to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT).

Expect steep, strenuous climbing and a sustained elevation grind; the route is typically rated hard/strenuous for its net gain (about +2,220 ft).

Route logistics are straightforward for a long day or early backpack: most backpackers plan about 4–6 hours moving time for an up-and-out approach pace, with ultra-light thru-hikers sometimes faster.

About 5 miles in, the Len Foote Hike Inn sits along the approach as a well-known stop for rest during longer day hikes and as an overnight option on approach trips.

Near 7.3 miles, the route passes Black Gap Shelter, a primitive 3-sided shelter with nearby tent sites.

The climb finishes on Springer Mountain (elevation 3,782 ft), where you reach the official southern AT end and the trail log is kept in a steel container on the summit.

More information: Map, Wikipedia, AT Approach Trail: hiking Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain