AT Approach Trail

I guess you could call this hike up the AT Approach Trail my last training hike before starting my thru hike. The approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park is not technically part of the AT, the miles are 'extra' and some people choose to skip it. But I thought, what the hell - what's another 8.8 miles..

I flew into Atlanta yesterday morning and Mom and Dad were waiting for me at the airport. After a quick stop at REI for stove fuel and some food we made our way to Amicalola Falls State Park where we stayed at the Lodge. After wandering around the Visitor Center and watching a demonstration on proper technique for food bag hanging, we walked down to the falls. Amicalola Falls, which is apparently the highest waterfall in Georgia, is actually quite beautiful, and worth the walk up/down the stairs. We had a nice big dinner at the all you can eat buffet in the lodge and I took a long hot shower. I pulled everything out of my bag and repacked it, triple checking I had everything.

I woke up early this morning excited and looking forward to hiking north. My parents will hopefully be at the top of Springer Mt at mile 0 to officially see me off - although they will take the easier route and drive up the forest service road.

It's supposed to be a beautiful day,  but I'm prepared for some cold days and nights ahead. Rain is in the forecast this weekend. I'd better get used to it.

It's kind of crazy to think about all of the events - good, bad, and ugly - that got me here, right now, about to begin this adventure. This always seemed like some distant goal of mine that was going to happen at some point in the future. I may be starting this hike alone, but I'm not worried about being lonely. There are hundreds of people on this trail, some starting tomorrow, and some only a day or two ahead of me. I'm excited to see what kind of characters I'll run in to. My plan is to start with ~15 miles per day - since Day 1 includes the 8.8 mile approach trail I will only get as far as about 8 mile on the actual AT. I have three days worth of food - I plan to stop in Neel Gap on day three to resupply.