Planning First Trio to the Appalachian Trail

[Peppy]

Hey guys, I am planning my first trip to the AT and would like a little advice, a few tips, and any other what nots y'all can think of. I'm coming from Arkansas in late March, and am considering a start point in Georgia, Tennessee, or Carolina. Looking at a 3 or 4 day first go. Any suggested start points? Do you hike thru and get some sort of shuttle or bus back, or hike in and then back out? Since this is a several hour trip from home, just want to be as prepared as possible. Thanks for your input everyone.

[TrailSlug]

I would recommend starting from the beginning as this is just the right thing to do and there's a good safe parking lot. There are many shuttle services available along the AT so choose your starting point ending point and shuttle driver and you should have a pleasant experience.

[Shug]

You should peruse here....https://whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php
Info abounds.
Shug

[johnspenn]

In 4 days time, you could start at the approach trail at Amicolola State Park, hike to Springer and the start of the AT the first day, and continue your hike to Neel Gap and the Mountain Crossing store. That would give you a really good taste of the trail, you'd have your first section in the books from the beginning- which as TrailSlug already stated is only right!

Shug's re-direct to Whiteblaze is also appropriate- those guys eat drink and $%R$ the AT!

[Ashe]

keep in mind that that time of year is when most thru-hikers start from Georgia. be prepared for lots of company and perhaps full shelters each night... oh, and nasty weather... March can be a backpacker's worst nightmare.

[HanginDave]

keep in mind that that time of year is when most thru-hikers start from Georgia. be prepared for lots of company and perhaps full shelters each night...

This. I really like the spring rush and talking to thru-hikers, which is part of the AT experience for me. If you want a little more seclusion, consider a more northern starting point. In March after a mild winter, North Carolina isn't far enough to be ahead of the crowds - plenty have already started. That said, starting at Amicalola or Springer is still the "right" way anyway

I haven't stayed in the shelters before since hammocking let's me sleep pretty much anywhere and with less of a crowd.

Have fun!!