"With this hike to Springer Mountain from Nimblewill Gap, I have completed the entire Appalachian Trail Approach Trail (ATAT). Beautiful winter views through leafless trees the entire route with the famous vista at the peak. Unfortunately, I was rushing to get back by dusk, and did not stop for many photos. The ATAT was slippery mud along the north face of Black Mountain, especially above the water side trail where the ATAT was washed away leaving a steep side slope. Several small ice patches were no problem. Near the peak of Springer Mountain I looked for but did not find the old unmaintained steep trail that connected to the Bull Mountain Trail in the valley below. Upon returning to Black Gap, I tested and put on my headlamp to get through the slippery mud, but did not use it as I made it back to Nimblewill Gap at dusk. This must be a popular route for dog owners, as I have never seen so much dog poop on a trail. On the drive up I passed a couple who were planning to drive over Nimblewill Gap and down the other side. Starting up Black Mountain I met a backpacker headed to the Len Foote Hike Inn for the night. I had Springer Mountain all to myself this late in the day." — davidensley • Jan 22, 2026

"Over 12 miles, trail well maintained. Brier was off Forest service road and unmaintained. Ticks were unbearable. Plenty of campsites along route. Took roughly 9 hours at a 2 mile pace and plenty of stops. Unrewarding views but a couple small lookout. Tray seems popular. Road is well used and very popular " — Kinglamp • Jul 4, 2025

"Over 12 miles, trail well maintained. Brier was off Forest service road and unmaintained. Ticks were unbearable. Plenty of campsites along route. Took roughly 9 hours at a 2 mile pace and plenty of stops. Unrewarding views but a couple small lookout. Tray seems popular. Road is well used and very popular " — Kinglamp • Jul 4, 2025

"AT Lash Day 6: Phyllis Spur to Amicolola Falls Visitor Center, with side trips to nearby peaks along the way. Took side trips out to Hawk Mountain, of which there’s nothing at the summit but a metal number, a few peaks just off the AT on the Benton MacKaye, and Long Creek Falls. The southern portion of the Georgia AT has quite scenic woods, and Amicolola Falls is a lovely park. " — wacbravo • Oct 14, 2024

"AT Lash Day 6: Phyllis Spur to Amicolola Falls Visitor Center, with side trips to nearby peaks along the way. Took side trips out to Hawk Mountain, of which there’s nothing at the summit but a metal number, a few peaks just off the AT on the Benton MacKaye, and Long Creek Falls. The southern portion of the Georgia AT has quite scenic woods, and Amicolola Falls is a lovely park. " — wacbravo • Oct 14, 2024