Springer Mountain Loop Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
miles
LENGTH 4.8 MILES
DIFFICULTY 6.3 Easy
Medium
DURATION 2-3 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
1020
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
Springer Mountain Loop

A pilgrimage no southern hiker should miss, even if you don’t have the time and ability to take on the Appalachian Trail in its entirety, Springer Mountain is within reach. While some northerners think the trail begins in Maine, we in the South know the AT starts here in Georgia atop Springer Mountain. Springer Mountain marks the beginning for most thru-hikers of this epic trail.

Don’t kid yourself when your GPS tells you how long it will take to arrive. Any way you come, you will spend at least 10 miles on rough, unpaved, gravel roads, adding at least another 30 minutes to your drive. The parking lot is marked with a Springer Mountain sign and can accommodate around 20 vehicles.

To begin the loop and head to Springer Mountain first, head toward the end of the parking lot to the left, away from the information signs. A short trail leads downhill to cross the road. If you wish to travel the loop clockwise, walk past the information signs to the AT heading north.

The trail begins to ascend gradually, with a couple moderate sections thrown in for good measure. This section of pathway is very rocky and many times forming stone staircases; however, for the most part it is easily travelled. On the left in the warmer months are several types of wildflowers. Possible winter views on the right side.

At .7 miles, the first junction of the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Appalachian Trail is marked with several signs; you should have no problem continuing on the AT toward Springer. Shortly after this, another side trail to the left leads to several campsites, a shelter, and available water. Backpackers are encouraged to stay in this area as opposed to staying the night directly on Springer due to high Bear Activity in the area. Near the shelter are bear cables, as well as two privies.

Once you reach the top of Springer Mountain, you will immediately notice the view to the West. The summit is mostly tree covered and doesn’t offer expansive views but the view is still worth the short hike to the top. Look for the two bronze plaques and the metal box containing the hiker log. On the other side of a large, gnarled tree lies the approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park. During nice weather, expect to have a lot of company.

After taking in the view, head back up the AT to the junction with the BMT. Immediately you will notice a difference. The Benton MacKaye Trail feels much less travelled; grass and moss cover the trail verses the rocky path you just took to the summit. After a couple hundred feet, look for the bronze marker honoring Benton MacKaye and the trail itself to the right. At mile 2.8, take the side trail to the right marked by a sign simply stating “view”. This vista, looking to the south is less obstructed by trees than the one on Springer, as well as less obstructed by people. From here it’s all downhill to the second road crossing.

On the other side of the road, the BMT transitions to a narrower, less maintained trail that can be muddy in places. Travelling through rhododendron thickets, the trail crosses three small creeks, all of which are easily crossed without getting wet. Just be careful on the rocks, many are lose, wet, and covered in moss. Along this section the gentle tumbling waters provide relaxing background music. At 4.5 miles the trail meets with the AT again. Turn left and head down the remaining .3 miles back to the parking lot to complete the loop.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.9 mi
76 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.9 mi
345 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.6 mi
371 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.2 mi
176 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
318 ft
70 ft
Elevation Loss
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Loss
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.5 mi
90 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.6 mi
233 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.6 mi
368 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.3 mi
282 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
451 ft
99 ft
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length4.8 miles
difficulty6.3 Easy-Medium
duration2 - 3 hours
features Dog Friendly  History  Summit  Views 
trail typeLoop
blazeWhite Rectangle (AT), White Diamond (BMT)
elevation gain1020 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestChattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtBlue Ridge Ranger District
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6928
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.637631, -84.195217 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°38.26, W 84°11.71 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°38'15'', N 34°38'15'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.637631, -84.195217 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°38.26, W 84°11.71 most GPS units use this one
N 34°38'15'', N 34°38'15'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time traveling on the Forest Service roads, many of them are very rough.
Notes
A few sections on the trail are rocky. Watch your footing and be mindful of lose rocks. The same goes for the three creek crossings.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (1)
hikethesouth-6 years ago
The Beginning of Two Historic Trails in One Loop
Walk the first steps of both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail on this easy to moderate loop. A few great views and some small creek crossings. This is the best day hike to visit Springer Mountain.
Easy-Medium | Hiked Fall 2012
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