I have done the GA section, but not all in one trip (Section hiking a section
). It can be crowded at the start, especially in the spring. We used to have a family tradition of hiking the approach trail, and depending on the weather, a couple miles in, on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I've even helped my wife with her Girl Scout troop on day hikes at different points on the GA section of the AT. So I know the GA part, but that's about it. Once you get past the day hikers, just the first 10 miles or so, it's pretty enjoyable.
If you count the approach trail (Amaclola Falls) I think GA is about 80 miles. I'd like to do it all in one shot. Actually, I'd like to section hike the whole thing. Like most people time/money/family/job always seems to get in the way. If you can do it, I say go for it. When you do, I'd be happy to provide any support I can during the GA section. PM me when the time comes and I'll give you my #. Same offer stands for anyone else, too.
I'm sure you've read "A Walk in the Woods", but if not it's a fun read. It will (probably) make you want to do it even more. Even the bad parts of the hike sound good in this book. Go a head and romanticize it if that is what it takes to get it done. Better to be on the trail and let it unfold than to try and analyze it to death. I've seen the Hikey/Campy thread, I know you're not going to go totally unprepared
Barring injury, food is the biggest issue. The longer you plan to spend on the trail the harder you have to think about food. In the populated areas it's not too bad, and in that sense GA is a good starting point. You are not really too deep into the wilderness here. So going north helps you ease into the right frame of mind, where southbound you would be thrust right into it. There is no way to carry enough water, you will have to have some type of filtration system. We do have waterborne bugs here.
It's been about 5 years since I've been on the north end of the state, but if you have any specific GA questions I will do what I can to get you the info. Good luck!
). It can be crowded at the start, especially in the spring. We used to have a family tradition of hiking the approach trail, and depending on the weather, a couple miles in, on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I've even helped my wife with her Girl Scout troop on day hikes at different points on the GA section of the AT. So I know the GA part, but that's about it. Once you get past the day hikers, just the first 10 miles or so, it's pretty enjoyable. If you count the approach trail (Amaclola Falls) I think GA is about 80 miles. I'd like to do it all in one shot. Actually, I'd like to section hike the whole thing. Like most people time/money/family/job always seems to get in the way. If you can do it, I say go for it. When you do, I'd be happy to provide any support I can during the GA section. PM me when the time comes and I'll give you my #. Same offer stands for anyone else, too.
I'm sure you've read "A Walk in the Woods", but if not it's a fun read. It will (probably) make you want to do it even more. Even the bad parts of the hike sound good in this book. Go a head and romanticize it if that is what it takes to get it done. Better to be on the trail and let it unfold than to try and analyze it to death. I've seen the Hikey/Campy thread, I know you're not going to go totally unprepared
Barring injury, food is the biggest issue. The longer you plan to spend on the trail the harder you have to think about food. In the populated areas it's not too bad, and in that sense GA is a good starting point. You are not really too deep into the wilderness here. So going north helps you ease into the right frame of mind, where southbound you would be thrust right into it. There is no way to carry enough water, you will have to have some type of filtration system. We do have waterborne bugs here.
It's been about 5 years since I've been on the north end of the state, but if you have any specific GA questions I will do what I can to get you the info. Good luck!
