Great Adventures Around the World | Fall Adventures Hiking the Appalachian Trail

The variables that dictate “what’s next” here at The Great Adventure Guide are as plentiful as the possible subjects we could write about. We’re currently very season-driven because Halloween is right around the corner and the best of the fall season (in this writer’s opinion) is in October. With leaves changing colors, a comfortable decline in heat and humidity and oppressive cold still a while off, October is simply a month that screams at us to get out and enjoy an adventure.

One of those adventures we’ve been itching to write about is the storied Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States. The longest footpath in the nation offers beautiful scenery, is within a day’s drive of 2/3^rd’s of the US population, serves as an escape from the everyday and provides hiking challenges for varying skill levels (depending on which part of the trail you travel).

When writing about a hiking opportunity like the Appalachian Trail, you simply can’t encompass the entire experience in a single post. After all, the A.T. is roughly 2175 miles long and touches 14 states. It’s a grand undertaking to write about, let alone hike. But then there’s that impetus again…, sweet, cool October, and it strikes us that this month represents a prime starting opportunity for those with the grand ambition of writing their own epic adventure by traveling the entire trail.

In fact, with October half-way gone, the desire to get this suggestion out is so important that we’re dispensing with the entire trail history and many interesting facts just to get this post out in time for those of you who would like to give the trail a shot while the weather is still inviting. Remember, we’re talking about travel in mountains here, so expect sudden weather changes, greater potential for precipitation and definitely anticipate (and pack accordingly for) colder temperatures.

So if you’ve dreamt of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail someday, September and October serve as perfect times to start such an ambitious undertaking from the southern start of the trail in Georgia. Gone are the spring break crowds. Absent is the oppressive heat and humidity for which Georgia is famous in the summer.  It’s simply the best time to be on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. We don’t recommend a non-stop trip, mind you. The mountains can be dangerous in the winter. Snow and freezing rain are not uncommon in late October. But if you want to knock out 10-20 miles at a time before hunkering down at home until you can resume your trek in the spring, now’s the time to get going.

Your hiking adventure begins on Springer Mountain. The entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Elevations vary from around 2500 feet to around 4500 feet and it should be noted that the difficulty of the Georgia section of the trail should not be underestimated. Though easier than starting in Maine, you should still expect a moderately difficult hike with sometimes steep ascents and descents rewarded by scenic views and open summits.

The length of the Georgia segment of the Appalachian Trail is about 75 miles. Unless you have substantial leave available from work, plan on moderate length day hikes between intersecting highways. We strongly suggest picking up a trail guide and planning your entire trip in advance.

Also note that October starts hunting season in Georgia. Wear brightly colored clothing and pack covers and stay on or near the trail.

Of the many great adventures we’ll write about here, hiking the Appalachian Trail is one so full of rich experiences that we can’t help but covering this in many parts over the months ahead. For now, set the bar high if you like and dream of joining the more than 9000 people who claim to have hiked the entire trail (in bits and pieces at a time). If we could ensure internet access to update our blog, we’d love to be right there with you.

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