Section 1a
|
Length: 8.3 Miles
Rating: Easy to Moderate Location: NE of Springer Mt. to Hightower Gap on the TN Valley Divide Elevation: Go to Profile Last Hiked: May 2001 Map: Noontootla/Suches Quadrangle |
| If just
finishing the Approach Trail from Amicalola State Park and continuing on
to Section 1 you can look forward to an easier, more relaxing hike -
at least until Hawk Mountain. The next 4 - 5 miles are quick and downhill giving no real advantage to camping atop Springer Mountain. However, if the approach trail has worn you down then you may want the rest. Collect water from the spring near the shelter located to the right about 300ft north along the trail from the crest. The views here are worth staying for but only if you set up tent on the crest because there are no views from the shelter. In fact, this section offers little as far as scenic views are concerned so soak them up when you get them. Keep going to make up time
lost on the Approach trail, there are 2 more shelters on section 1a, one on section 1b, and several great tent areas.
From the crest at Springer Mountain the AT descends due north moderately along loose rocky terrain. After crossing FS-42 at mile 1 the trail changes to well packed soil and thick forest of mostly young hardwoods and rhododendrons. The less traveled and maintained Benton Mackaye Trail intersects shortly after crossing the road and a small creek nearby is available for water if you did not fill up at Springer. After the second marked junction with the Benton Mackaye at mile 1.8 there is another creek for water at mile 2 then Stover Creek shelter a mile 2.5. The next 1.5 to 2 miles parallels Stover Creek as it descends rapidly emptying into Three Forks where water and tent camping is abundant. The shelter at mile 2.5 and Three Forks are great places to camp and rest before the beginning of the long, tedious ascent to Hawk Mountain. Crossing another service road (FS-77) the trail then shares the white diamond blazes of the Benton
Mackaye as it follows an old grassy road paralleling Long Creek. Signs mark the spur trail to access Long Creek Falls to the left and the split of the Benton Mackaye and AT, which continues straight ahead then curves back to the left reverting back to its own rectangular white blazes. From here the ascent begins on changing terrain and winding ridges.
After leaving Long Creek's side the trail passes over a knob at mile 6.5 then descends slightly only to level out for a short distance before climbing quickly to the upper levels of Hawk Mountain. The trail does not actually climb to Hawks' crest.
Passing several grassy and heavily used tent areas a sign marks the junction of the spring's and shelter's spur trail. Follow the spur trail straight ahead about 150ft to the shelter off to the left. Go directly behind the shelter following the blue blazes to reach the spring for water.
Camping at Hawk Mountain
is recommended since it is the last water source for the next 5+ difficult
miles and the next shelter is 8 hard miles ahead. Before you continue on be sure to fill up with water, you will need it...
JUMP
TO SECTION 1b Also check out: The
Hiking Trails of North Georgia -3rd Edition, 1997, by  |