Appalachian Trail State Profile: Georgia

 The AT in Georgia is 79 miles long, starting at Springer Mountain outside Dahlonega, and stretching to the North Carolina border right before Bly Gap.

Terrain

Long, sweeping climbs to get your hiker legs under you. The trail is wide and smooth, and mostly well graded… with a few butt-kicker climbs that will feel especially tough for NOBOs just getting their trail legs under them.

Highlights

Mile 0: Springer Mountain

You know this one.

Mile 28: Blood Mountain

The view from atop Blood Mountain. Photo courtesy Zoë Symon.

A landmark climb that might feel decent on the way up and brutal on the knees on the way down. This is the first major climb for NOBO hikers.

Mile 31: Mountain Crossings

Photo via Preston Elliot.

You will be glad to see this full-service outfitter and hostel after your descent from Blood Mountain. Home of the famous shakedowns and the first place NOBOs come to for warmth and accommodations. Located right on the trail at Neel Gap.

Mile 35: Wolf Laurel Top

One of the best place to camp and catch a sunrise. Take a break from shelter life and pitch a tent up here.

Mile 52: Helen

photo via

Many hikers hit Hiawassee as their first trail town, but for those looking to jump off a little earlier, Helen is a charming stop. Helendorf River Inn has a solid thru-hiker rate with quality accommodations. Bodensee offers superb German food, and there are plenty of unique shops and places to eat. Resupply at Betty’s Country Store.

Mile 58: Tray Mountain Shelter

View from Tray Mountain shelter. Photo: George Turner

The views from the campsite are incredible, and it’s worth the .2 off-trail hike to get there.

Mile 69: Hiawassee

Enjoy one of your first (of many) AYCE buffets in Hiawassee, plus a good resupply, and a stay at the hiker-friendly Budget Inn. This is an easy hitch from Dicks Creek Gap, plus many places offer shuttles. Daniel’s Steak House and Georgia Mountain Restaurant will fix that newfound hiker hunger.

Mile 69: Top of Georgia Hostel

For many hikers, this is their first taste of staying in a hiker-focused establishment on the AT. This hostel employs former thru-hikers who will be eager to impart their sage wisdom on NOBOs and celebrate with SOBOs. They have a separate suite for hikers with dogs (dog beds included!), as well as gear and food available to purchase. Named one of The Top Hostels on the AT in 2016.

Best Hostels on the Appalachian Trail: 2017 Hiker's ChoiceAppalachian Trail hiker hostels not only provide showers and beds for weary hikers, they're the source of some of the best AT memories and are a crucial part of the trail community. For the second year in a row, we…Read More

Mile 73: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

Photo via

The last shelter before the North Carolina border is spacious, scenic clearing off the trail, and the first place many NOBO hikers start to feel settled into the thru-hiker life.

Hike the Georgia AT in 90 seconds

Video: Josh Johnson

Straight from the thru-hikers

A underrated state that will put you in the right mindset for your thru hike, plus huge crowds of (NOBO) thru-hikers – Justin Jay

An enjoyable, interesting take on Freshman Year. I remember it being some of the hardest trail due not having my legs and the really quite shocking realization that walking the AT and going for a fun hike were two different things and that the difference between them is vast and treacherous – Rhys Hora

The landscape was easy and well manicured compared to much of the rest of the trail. Also, we were SOBOs and hiking in not peak season, but everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating. – Ashley Michael

Why are there no switchbacks? Lots of water, many off trail shelters/campsites, and so much trail magic…. plus Sassafrass kicked my ass. – Shutterbug

Must read: Georgia’s Best Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail​

Georgia Dispatches

The Devil Came Down to Georgia... and Left All These HillsWeek one on the trail is complete! 69 miles in on day 6, and Georgia is almost out of the way- thankfully, because Georgia is definitely a beast. Nothing like some good old initiation by fire to start the trail.…Read More

Somewhere In GeorgiaHey, folks! It's been awhile but that's because I've been on the AT for almost a week now! So much has happened and I cannot even begin to write it all out. Lots of ups and downs -mentally AND physically…Read More

Springer to Hiawassee: Everything hurts but it's so funTotal miles: 69.6 (can we just say 70 please?) Approximate daily miles: 8, 10, 15, 12, 15, 11 Ok not entirely sure how to post updates using my phone, but let's give it a try. So we've been on the trail…Read More

Even More

"What's the Weather Like in Georgia?"... Surviving the First 75 Miles of the AT"What's the weather like in Georgia in the spring?" is one of what seems like millions of questions that thru-hiker hopefuls ask each year, over and over again, as their start date slowly approaches. I remember being a beginner hiker…Read More

How to Get To Springer MountainOriginally published 1/10/2017; last updated 1/27/2022 by Penina Satlow. "Where’s Springer Mountain? You mean the Southern Terminus of the AT? That’s easy… it’s in Georgia. In the woods. Actually wait I don’t know.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Luckily, this…Read More

A List of Hostels on the Appalachian TrailHostels on the Appalachian Trail are part of what makes a thru-hike such a unique experience. We've listed 100+ places to stay between Georgia and Maine, including a few lodgings that aren't technically hostels but are popular enough with thru-hikers…Read More

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Appalachian Trail State Profile: North Carolina / TennesseeAfter leaving Georgia at Bly Gap (mile 78), the Appalachian Trail climbs and descends through North Carolina for 96 miles, hits the Tennessee state line at Doe Knob (mile 174), then spends the next 292 miles criss-crossing between the two states. The…Read More

All mileages taken from The 2018 AT Northbound Guide, by David “AWOL” Miller