Springer Mountain Hike

10-23-10
Carol Sheppard, George B., Bob M., Nance Jo O., Sarah H. & Earl H. spent a beautiful day first hiking to the Southern terminus of the Applachian Trail and then a portion of the actual Applachian Trail.  The drive to the parking area at Springer Mountain Georgia was long, but worth it.  The Fall colors made the drive through the mountains very beautiful.  We initially hiked from the parking area up Springer Mountain to the Terminus and then returned to the parking area. The view from the Terminus was spectacular.  This distance was 1.8 miles.  After a brief rest in the parking area, we decided to hike a little further on the trail.  The day was beautiful and required nothing but a light shirt once the hiking commenced.  We continued the hiking down the trail to an overnight rest area (see photo) where we took a snack break.  The trail was very active with quite a few other hikers, a couple of runners and a Boy Scout Troup.  Since this part of the trail had been almost all down hill, we decided that we would start our return and be back in time to have an early dinner at one of the local eateries.  The total distance of the hike was 5.5 miles.  As it turned out we had a delightful outside BBQ dinner and a fun drive back home.  I would rate this hike as moderate.