Springer Mountain

Here is where it all begins.. Sign in at Springer Mountain, Georgia. 3780 ft.  Chattahoochee National Forrest  Originally called Penitentiary Mountain for unknown reasons. Part of the Blue Ridge Mountain range.





The Appalachian Trail runs through 80 miles of Georgia.  The highest point is on Blood Mountain 4,461 ft.  Lowest point is at Dicks Creek Gap 2,675 ft.  


Along those 80 miles are many shelters for those of us who choose to stay on the trail.

Starting with Springer Mountain Shelter, it's where I hope to tent in the meadow my first night on the trail.   I begin in the morning to trek those 80 miles.  Hopefully, within a weeks time.




View from Springer Mountain




From Wiki:
Springer Mountain Shelter is located on a spur trail leading about 70 yards east of the Appalachian Trail. Blue blazes mark the spur trail. The trail junction is about 800 feet north of the brass plaque marking the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The shelter has a raised first floor and a sleeping loft reached by a permanent ladder. Each level of the shelter can comfortably sleep four or five backpackers.
There is a fire circle and wooden picnic table in front (west) of the shelter. There is a three-walled privy down the hill directly behind the shelter. There is a piped spring about 30 yards (25 m) south of shelter. The spring has provided water even in recent drought years. There are two sturdy cables strung in trees near the shelter. Each is equipped with pulleys and hoisting lines for hauling backpacks and food bags out of reach of the local bears, raccoons and rodents.
There is a meadow with room for many tents near the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the spur trail to the shelter. The meadow also has a fire circle.

It will be busy there the beginning of April.  I hope to get a tenting spot in the meadow that night.  My plan which will most likely change several times is to tent as much of the way as possible.  Hummingbird "tenting" the AT..