Fitpacking

Fly or drive into Atlanta (ATL). The best time to arrive is between around 10AM-Noon. However if you can save a substantial amount by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

You will need to take the subway from the airport to the North Springs MARTA station. Depending upon when you arrive, you may have to wait up to a few hours for the Hiker Hostel van to pick you up. More Info

You will be taken to: Hiker Hostel, 7693 Hwy 19N, Dahlonega, GA 30533, (770) 312-7342

Equipment shakedown. We go though your stuff to make sure you are appropriately outfitted. The Hiker Hostel sells equipment you may have omitted.

"Before" body composition measurements taken

Trail Mix distribution

Welcome dinner

Second set of "before" measurements taken

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Free All You Can Eat Breakfast at the hostel

Shuttle to Amicalola Falls State Park

Begin Hiking, elevation 1700'.

Hike 7.3 uphill miles to Black Gap Shelter, elevation 3400'.

Camp at Black Gap Shelter, elevation 3400'.

Mileage Today: 7.3 miles. Total to Date: 7.3 miles

Possible bailout: Route 28, Nimblewill Gap

Hike 1.5 miles to the top of Springer Mountain, elevation 3782'

Congratulations, you are now at the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail

Hike 7.6 miles to a blue blazed Trail

Hike 0.2 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter, elevation 3250'

Camp at Hawk Mountain Shelter, elevation 3250'

Mileage Today: 9.3. Total mileage: 16.6

Possible bailout: Route 42 or 58

This should be a challenging day

Hike 0.2 miles back to the AT.

Hike 7.3 miles to Gooch Mountain Shelter.

Camp at Gooch Mountain Shelter, elevation 2800'.

Mileage Today: 7.5. Total mileage: 24.1

Possible bailout: Route 69, 42, or 15

Hike 5.0 miles to Woody Gap, elevation 3150'.

Hike 3.2 miles past the Dockery Lake Trail, elevation 2900'.

Camp at stream past the Dockery Lake Trail, elevation 2900'.

Mileage Today: 8.2. Total mileage: 32.3

Possible bailouts: Route 42

Hike 4.2 uphill miles to Slaughter Creek Campsite, elevation 3800'.

Drop packs and set up camp

Day Hike 0.8 miles to the Coosa Mountain Trail

Day Hike 1.5 miles on the Coosa Mountain Trail to the summit of Slaughter Mountain, elevation 4338'. The last .3 miles require off-trail bushwacking

Day Hike 2.3 miles back to Slaughter Creek Campsite

Camp at Slaughter Creek Campsite, elevation 3800'.

Mileage Today: 8.8. Total mileage: 41.1

Possible bailout: Woody Gap

Hike 3.2 miles over Blood Mountain to Walasi-Yi center at Neels Gap, elvation 3125'

End of hike

Mileage Today: 3.2. Total mileage: 44.3

Possible bailout: Neels Gap

Shuttle to the North Springs MARTA station

Hop on MARTA and get off at the Airport Station

Take free shuttle and check into hotel near Atlanta Airport (TBD)

End measurements taken

Dinner and Awards Ceremony

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.

Check Out

Take Free Airport Shuttle