Hiking

Appalachian Trail

Springer Mountain in southern Fannin County is the start of a 2,000+ mile trek to Maine’s Mount Katahdin known as the Appalachian Trail. As the trail follows the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountains it passes through 14 states, and although the slogan is “Maine to Georgia,” most people hike the trail the other way, Georgia to Maine. Georgia’s mild climate plays a role in this, since hikers like to start the 6 month trek in April. Another reason: the toughest part of the trail, in New Hampshire and Maine is saved for last, when hikers are in condition to handle it.

Georgia has nearly eighty miles of the AT running from Springer Mountain on the Fannin-Gilmer line to Bly Gap, where the trail enters North Carolina. Some excellent backpacking adventures await those who decide to hike the Georgia portion of this National Scenic Trail.

The Appalachian Trail begins at Springer, and follows a rocky ridge line almost due north to the Springer Mountain Parking Area. It climbs and descends Rich Mountain before reaching Three Forks. This is the well known confluence of Stover, Long, and Chester Creek to form Noontootla Creek. From here the trail climbs along and near Long Creek to Long Creek Falls, one of the area’s most popular waterfalls. A few steps after this waterfall the Benton MacKaye Trail comes off to the left, and the Duncan Ridge Trail begins.

Appalachian Trail

Benton MacKaye Trail

Named for the regional planner who envisioned the Appalachian Trail and founded the Wilderness Society, this trail journeys deep into the most remote areas of Fannin County.

Beginning at Springer Mountain, the Benton MacKaye skirts the ridge of Bald Mountain with occasional scenic views on the trail or a short walk from the trail. It returns to the AT to share its path up Rich Mountain just after the Springer Mountain Day Use Parking Area. When the AT leaves Rich Mountain and quickly descends to Stover Creek the BMT continues on a much more gradual descent along an old logging road. It rejoins the AT for the crossing at Three Forks. After the side path to Long Creek Falls the Benton MacKaye turns left.

Over the next 7 miles the BMT crosses no roads, and there are rarely any hikers until it crosses Forest Service Road 333 and descends into the Toccoa River Valley. Here the 265 foot swinging bridge crosses the Toccoa. From the bridge to Highway 60 is a 3 mile hike. North of Highway 60 the trail climbs Wallalah and Rhodes Mountains in a gentle arc as the trail swings from traveling northeast to northwest. In the vicinity of Wallalah the trail is treacherous ; there are some excellent views from Rhodes. On the top of Rhodes Mountain the Duncan Ridge Trail leaves the BMT.

Once through Skeenah Gap, the trail offers additional scenic views of distant mountains, then begins an easy climb up Deadennen Mountain, descends to Lula Head Gap and ascends Wilscot Mountain and descends to Highway 60 in Wilscot Gap. After the gap the trail begins the steep climb to the top of Tipton Mountain, but its worth the climb. At the top of Tipton are some excellent views regardless of season. Watch the trail blazes in this area, for its easy to get off the path.

From Tipton Mountain the trail falls to a gap, then ascends Brawley Mountain. As the trail heads west it skirts the top of Garland Mountain. There are some excellent views of the Toccoa River Valley from the top of Garland, and there is an easy descent to Dial Road. Here the Shallowford Bridge crosses the Toccoa, and the trail follows Aska Road to Riverside Restaurant. The Benton MacKaye then turns on Stanley Creek Road. In 2.5 miles the trail returns to the forest, and begins the climb to Falls Creek Falls.

After visiting the falls on a side trail, return to the Benton MacKaye for the long climb to the top of Rocky Mountain.

Benton MacKaye Trail

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Some terrific trails if hikers don’t mind the sight of the metal beasts, and if mountain bikers are willing to take it a little slower and maybe even dismount now and again when passing walkers. Get on the peace train!

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests