What To Expect Your 1st Day on the Appalachian Trail | Amicalola, Approach Trail, Springer Mountain

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  • čas přidán 11. 01. 2023
  • If you're about to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2023, let me explain a little about what your first day on trail might look like! There's a couple different ways to go about this, so I go over the Amicalola Visitor Center, the arch, hiking the approach trail, staying at the Amicalola Lodge.. or if you're not into those options, just starting at the Springer Mountain Trailhead. I hope this clears some things up if you were confused like I was in 2020!
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Komentáře • 146

  • @wanderer5183
    @wanderer5183 Před rokem +40

    Great info. My fiancee and I were planning to start March 17th (the anniversary of the day we met almost 10yrs ago) but she lost her fight with PTSD/depression back in September. I'm hoping to get on trail in 2024 in her memory as long as finances and my health permit it, I Just decided it would too much to try to do it this year unfortunately.

  • @CloverHikes
    @CloverHikes Před rokem +19

    The Visitor Center will still be under construction this year, but the arch is still accessible. Registration and Base Camp where the Start Smart talk happens will be in Shelter 2 which is a building just past the construction area. The visitor center is temporarily in a set of trailers, a little further up the road from Shelter 2. There is also a shelter near the arch where hikers could stay if they are arriving late and don't want to pay for the lodge.

  • @joolds-ruppel1846
    @joolds-ruppel1846 Před rokem +13

    Whenever I’m looking for encouragement with my decisions to hike the AT this year I just search for your videos. Thank you!!

  • @CJHikes
    @CJHikes Před rokem +2

    First time someone explained staying at lodge, hiking down to visitor center for registration, hiking back and then starting hike from Amicalola Lodge the next day. Really helpful because my wife wanted to hike some with me, but the logistics of hiking the approach trail and getting her from Springer Mtn. to Visitor Center was difficult and expensive. Now she can hike with me to from Lodge to Visitor Center, then back to the Lodge...no logistical headaches. Thanks!

  • @bird.1980
    @bird.1980 Před rokem +2

    Good info. If you need to come up with some more content (things get repetitive on youtube regarding backpacking) maybe you could do short 5 min videos on 50 mile sections (using farout for reference) for camping, resupply, must see spots on and off trail. just an idea not telling you how to run your channel but i'd be interested and im sure a lot of other thru or section hikers that would like to know whats coming up.

  • @linebaugha1
    @linebaugha1 Před rokem +5

    I’m starting in (7) seven weeks. Watched all your videos and did some shakedown trips. Thank You

  • @brg1965
    @brg1965 Před rokem +3

    This was incredibly helpful. We as a family are driving my daughter down to Georgia next week! Since we’ll have the family car there, we could cheat and drive her up to Springer Mt after checking in, but knowing her, she’ll want to do the approach trail!

  • @barbarahultman5450
    @barbarahultman5450 Před rokem +2

    Could you talk a bit about planning your resupplies and how to figure out how/where/what to send? Thank you!!

  • @AllensAdventures
    @AllensAdventures Před rokem +2

    Class of 24 is the goal! Thanks for the great info.

  • @emilybyers7069
    @emilybyers7069 Před rokem +2

    Whiteblaze puts out a great list of all shuttle drivers for each year too!

  • @itsmichellejenkins
    @itsmichellejenkins Před rokem +3

    Great video! 👏 👏 👏 I’m ready for Day 2! I’m 55 yo and I’ve been telling my family, I just may hike the AT one day. 😊 Your info is great!

  • @sandistill2422
    @sandistill2422 Před rokem +2

    Another great option on the way to Springer is to take the Hike Inn trail that goes by the beautiful, eco-friendly backcountry lodge. You can reserve a room to stay there for the night or just stop in to say hello and look around. Then continue another mile to connect up to the approach trail.

  • @kowaliga2099
    @kowaliga2099 Před rokem +3

    I was at Amicolola falls last week and they are completely rebuilding the visitor center so it is a construction zone at the moment. But they have some trailers set up for people to sign in. And then you can walk the path around to the back of the construction area to the arch to begin your hike.

  • @walterpaton8698
    @walterpaton8698 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Thank you Taylor. Praying for you. Ill be there Marchish, 2024

  • @leedanielson7452
    @leedanielson7452 Před rokem +21

    I would consider hiking the AT with only one stipulation….Taylor would have to be my hiking Buddy..😂❤👍🗻⛰️⛺️

  • @billtrulladventures5876
    @billtrulladventures5876 Před rokem +3

    Thanks, Taylor! I watched all of your 2021 videos getting ready for a 2022 thru - so helpful! My son, Bolt, and I started at Amicalola on 2/20/22, and although pneumonia, and then Covid, took me off for weeks at a time, we summited Baxter Peak together in August! Congrats on the marriage, and thanks for continuing to post meaningful and fun videos! Best wishes for 2023!

  • @Casual_BackPacking
    @Casual_BackPacking Před rokem +1

    With great work comes great reward

  • @stevetrimborn3739
    @stevetrimborn3739 Před rokem +3

    Great video. I sectioned hiked the approach trail last March out and back to Springer mountain. I met a lot of thru hikers, and we all agreed we had no idea those 8 miles were as tough as they were.

  • @susietopspin
    @susietopspin Před rokem +3

    Oh Taylor this video just gives me goosebumps and has me saying “one day one day one day”. Great information. I will definitely do the approach trail. What am I saying, lol. I’ve always thought I will go SOBO so I will end at the arch. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

  • @donaldparry5157
    @donaldparry5157 Před 4 měsíci

    Thanks, at 75 my wife either doesn't want me to do the AT or has no faith that I can 😳. I've been following a few people on Trail Journals off and on since about 2010; my 60th highschool reunion is in 2027 (March -Sept hike with an October reunion in NE Georgia - Toccoa). Thanks again for the info!!

  • @randywineke5416
    @randywineke5416 Před rokem +2

    Another great video. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and HIKE ON!!! 😀

  • @markglazer8972
    @markglazer8972 Před rokem +1

    Thanks Taylor
    The Lost Sloth ✌️
    You’ll be wayyyy ahead of me-April 11 launch
    Enjoy your steps
    Thanks coach😜❤️🥾🔥💪✌️
    We met at ur shop with my wife>ur awesome-ty🙏🏻✌️

  • @hippiehiker2428
    @hippiehiker2428 Před rokem +1

    I start my nobo thru hike next month. This vid had some great tips. Thanks for posting, Taylor.

  • @Wondering_Fireball
    @Wondering_Fireball Před rokem +1

    Taylor, they are currently remodeling the registration center. For now they have been using a trailor. That’s the way it was when I was there in September and December.

  • @samiam1025
    @samiam1025 Před rokem +1

    Great info even for those of us who only dream of thru-hiking the AT!

  • @1024Pete
    @1024Pete Před rokem +1

    Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. It is very valuable!

  • @bettyjorodgers8552
    @bettyjorodgers8552 Před rokem +2

    I enjoyed your through-hike very much. Look forward to your next hike.

  • @FlatLanderHikes
    @FlatLanderHikes Před rokem +1

    Thank you for your insight and very helpful video. I'm looking to start this February at the falls and do the lodge. Shuttle info will help a lot, looking for one from Dawsonville.❤

  • @frolege1
    @frolege1 Před rokem

    another excellent video ..thanks

  • @Alpinenutclimbing
    @Alpinenutclimbing Před 6 měsíci

    SUPER helpful!! Thanks!

  • @chasing-the-afterglow
    @chasing-the-afterglow Před rokem +1

    Thanks Taylor!! This video is going in my "saved" file. I wish I was the class of 2023, but I will make it happen one day. My goal is to do another section hike of the AT this year, just have to decide what part.

  • @cozywild
    @cozywild Před rokem +1

    This was so so so helpful! Thank you

  • @kenmachine9951
    @kenmachine9951 Před rokem

    Great job 👍👌 thanks Ken NC

  • @DarrenC_Paddler
    @DarrenC_Paddler Před 5 měsíci

    This was very helpful and informative. Thanks for posting.

  • @danielstoddart
    @danielstoddart Před rokem +4

    I definitely agree about doing the approach trail and getting the tag. I think first-time thru hikers who don't do the approach trail regret it later.

  • @Elizabeth-pt4bv
    @Elizabeth-pt4bv Před rokem +1

    Always great content, well done

  • @mistytrails11
    @mistytrails11 Před rokem

    thankyou so much Taylor!!

  • @lauraevelynashley
    @lauraevelynashley Před rokem +1

    What a great video idea! Thanks 😊

  • @RevBTB
    @RevBTB Před rokem +2

    another awesome vid for future hikers!

    • @TaylortheNahamshaHiker
      @TaylortheNahamshaHiker  Před rokem +1

      i wish i had something like this to watch before I started the AT. Hopefully it helps

  • @bluehairedhiker
    @bluehairedhiker Před rokem +2

    This is SUPER helpful information for planning purposes! I’ve been planning to slack pack the approach trail but will have to figure out the logistics a bit more. Thanks so much!

  • @kaiserwilhelmnh932
    @kaiserwilhelmnh932 Před rokem

    Very informative!

  • @craighudson4449
    @craighudson4449 Před rokem

    Outstanding presentation

  • @Bluehathiker
    @Bluehathiker Před rokem +1

    Great info! Thanks so much. I’m starting late February and can hardly wait.

  • @BillBlevins
    @BillBlevins Před rokem +1

    Nice job. Info in this video I had not seen this before and I've seen a lot of videos on this topic.

  • @TXMEDRGR
    @TXMEDRGR Před rokem +1

    This video had a lot of great suggestions; thanks for posting this information.

  • @ffstopP
    @ffstopP Před rokem +1

    As always, a video that's thoughtful, interesting & helpful. Thanks.

  • @user-yd1cg9yz1k
    @user-yd1cg9yz1k Před 2 měsíci

    Thank you ma'am

  • @gabicerrahikes
    @gabicerrahikes Před rokem +1

    Thanks for this advice!! Doing the approach trail

    • @gabicerrahikes
      @gabicerrahikes Před rokem

      My shuttle driver that’s bringing me to amicalola (Ron) also recommended I do what you said! Register and hike up the falls the day I get there, stay at the lodge, then continue. Otherwise, you add another mile onto your day if you have to walk down from the lodge to the visitor center, then the entire approach trail too.

    • @TaylortheNahamshaHiker
      @TaylortheNahamshaHiker  Před rokem

      Perfect! That seems like the best option. Enjoy!!

  • @stoicodysseys6352
    @stoicodysseys6352 Před rokem +3

    Great video and good information for aspiring through / section hikers

  • @pungo147
    @pungo147 Před rokem +1

    I hiked the approach trail during my 2021 thru-hike. I would highly recommend it for first-timers, especially if hiking the AT is going to be a one-time event. If I ever hike the trail again, I'll probably skip the approach trail, but not the visitors center. I stayed at the Amicalola Lodge. I found it to be a very hiker-friendly hotel and the restaurant food was pretty good. You can arrange a shuttle from the lodge to take you to the parking lot near the trailhead.

  • @cloudwatcher724
    @cloudwatcher724 Před rokem +1

    no, you do not HAVE TO register as a through-hiker... UNLESS you want full credit from the A.T. Conservancy and recognition in the "2,000 Miler" Club. and i'm rather sure you cannot register retroactively. plus, your through-hiker tag gets you certain recognition, privileges, and free stuff along the way. so if you think there's a pretty good chance you will make it to katahdin, go ahead and register. from what we have seen doing trail magic in north carolina and virginia, i'm guessing that 95+% of through-hikers do. good luck! hope to see you somewhere on the trail this year!

  • @bethswanson3869
    @bethswanson3869 Před rokem +1

    Taylor thank you so much for sharing your experiences and knowledge. I have learned so much from you and appreciate you immensely!!!

  • @walterpaton8698
    @walterpaton8698 Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you....

  • @sedonatvcom
    @sedonatvcom Před rokem +1

    good advice

  • @mistytrails11
    @mistytrails11 Před rokem +1

    we will be hiking the approach trail!

  • @cobwebroseonthetrail2447

    I didn’t even know that you could do the stairs and presentations early. Thank you so much! I’ll 100% be doing this on my mid-March start this year!! And thank you for all of your advice on prep and for letting us follow your journeys in prep for our own!

  • @amyeagen
    @amyeagen Před rokem

    Who are we watching from the 2023 AT class? Looking for someone that posts on a regular basis, good quality videos, and has a darn good chance of going a long way. :D I have been spoiled by Outdoor Adventures, Taylor (NH), Early Riser, and Jay.

  • @thatsamazinggrace9512
    @thatsamazinggrace9512 Před rokem +1

    this video helps so much Taylor! Thank you! it's nice to know that feeling of being overwhelmed is normal! I start in April!

  • @InTheBackcountry
    @InTheBackcountry Před rokem +1

    Thanks for explaining the approach trail. I was planning on skipping it but now I won’t. I’ve actually already started knocking out miles before I head down Feb 16th. 100 so far from Snickers Gap / Bears Den. Can’t wait to get my tag!

  • @ernestlathren3597
    @ernestlathren3597 Před rokem +1

    Amicalola is also getting a new welcome center. Large beautiful building replacing the old one. #puglife

  • @Zapruderfilm1963
    @Zapruderfilm1963 Před rokem

    Thanks Taylor!!
    From a member of the class of 2023!! 🔥👍

  • @richeretrudeau226
    @richeretrudeau226 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for sharing these insights and tips about the AT. I am still debating if I should do the AT or PCT as my first Thue-Hike. I am from Montreal Canada, so the AT is closer to home, but the West Coast is so different than what I am used to that it makes it interesting. 🤩

  • @megmartino1348
    @megmartino1348 Před 10 měsíci

    Hey there, if you are doing GA TO NC as a sectional do you still recommend a lighter first day?

  • @hiramhikes8219
    @hiramhikes8219 Před rokem +1

    Thanks Taylor
    We have talked a couple of times at Deerfield. I followed your thru hike and now I head south next Wed and plan to head north from Springer on the 21st
    I plan to stay at the lodge on the 19th then on the Len Foote hike Inn on the 20th.
    Kind of a slow start, plus you hear a little about the Hike Inn but not much, so why not.
    This video helps with the unavoidable anxiety.
    Hiram also Hiram Hikes on You Tube and instagram

  • @mendyviola
    @mendyviola Před rokem

    Someday, maybe.

  • @paulslagle1800
    @paulslagle1800 Před rokem +1

    Hey Taylor! Great video about the approach trail. I had a question about something closer to your home. I section hike and was wondering about doing just the whites as a section. How accessible would that be and any advice you would offer a person heading to the whites?

    • @TaylortheNahamshaHiker
      @TaylortheNahamshaHiker  Před rokem +1

      I think a section hike of the Whites would be fun! A little challenging, but beautiful. I did a 70ish mile section of NH and made some informative videos about it on my channel. I think they were posted early September

    • @paulslagle1800
      @paulslagle1800 Před rokem

      @@TaylortheNahamshaHiker thanks I will check them out!

  • @tobih.8047
    @tobih.8047 Před rokem +1

    Registered start date: April 6th 🤞🤞

  • @WarrantZeus1
    @WarrantZeus1 Před 5 měsíci

    Hey that's what I'm planning on doing is start on the approach trail Lodge you stay in do you need to reserve room

  • @triathlon5555555555
    @triathlon5555555555 Před rokem

    Do you carry a visa card , cash, passport (if you're from canada or mexico) ,etc ? How much are the hotels , hostels cost per night ?

  • @swampyhiker
    @swampyhiker Před rokem +1

    Hey Taylor.
    Thanks for the video. I’m doing a section shakedown for my 2024 through-hike in feb 23 (next month). I am most worried about the cold, coming from the UK I have no idea what it’s like on springer in Feb. I’m taking an EE 20 degree quilt and a Sea2Summit liner. I have a Magic 100 Sleeping Bag by Cumulus. Do you think I should swap that out for liner for the down bag in February? Or do you think I’ll be ok with the liner? Not much weight difference.
    BTW I love your Videos. Will you be doing another LDH?

    • @nickclark6240
      @nickclark6240 Před rokem +2

      I'm starting on the 20th and my thought on that is always better to be warmer and not need it then to be freezing and wished you had it you had it.

    • @frostriver4547
      @frostriver4547 Před rokem +1

      @@nickclark6240yes, the weather has been crazy this year so far. Cold fronts. Warm fronts. Freezing one week, 60’s the next. Better to have what can keep you comfortable no matter how cold it gets.

    • @swampyhiker
      @swampyhiker Před rokem

      Thank you. I will take the cumulus and use it as a liner. That should take me down well below freezing with a puffy on.

    • @ElPiedro80
      @ElPiedro80 Před rokem

      So basically you want Taylor to predict what the weather conditions will be on February 23 on Springer Mountain??? And whether the weather conditions suit the gear you are hiking with on or around that date???

    • @swampyhiker
      @swampyhiker Před rokem

      @@ElPiedro80 no mate. I’m asking her knowing that area and having hiked it before and from her experience. Then if she were to hike at that time of year in that area. Then what would she recommend.
      So perhaps post some useful comments mate.

  • @mimihikes1466
    @mimihikes1466 Před rokem

    I'm a Section hiker and I've already done the stairs so i was thinking of starting at the parking lot at the top of the falls but I've never heard anyone mention doing that. So not sure if I can? Any advice?

  • @garywalther7939
    @garywalther7939 Před rokem

    Benton Mackaye Never envisioned an app on A cell phone. For hiking the Appalachian trail.

  • @audiosaurus6511
    @audiosaurus6511 Před rokem

    is the hiker tag made from plastic?

  • @graymanprepper88
    @graymanprepper88 Před rokem +1

    Thank you so much for this video, I'm currently planning my own thru hike and this really helped me a lot.
    But I do have a question. How do you sleep the first few nights being so excited and nervous?

    • @TaylortheNahamshaHiker
      @TaylortheNahamshaHiker  Před rokem +1

      I'm glad it could help!!
      I ended up sleeping a lot of hours the first couple njght. Because I was so tired and would fall asleep early when the sun went down. But I did keep waking up every few hours trying to get comfortable and used to being in the tent. Enjoy your thruhike!

  • @JASHJustASectionHiker

    Hey, didn’t you hike The Appalachian Trail?

  • @garywalther7939
    @garywalther7939 Před rokem

    If you need a app to hike the Appalachian trail you shouldn't be out there.?

  • @garywalther7939
    @garywalther7939 Před rokem

    You're missing the point of the Trail