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

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Жыл бұрын

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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@CloverHikes Жыл бұрын

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.

@wanderer5183 Жыл бұрын

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.

@adventuresofpineappleshort4600 Жыл бұрын

😔 Sorry to read this. No doubt you'll have an amazing journey no matter when you start.

@lindsayjones3979 Жыл бұрын

I’m so sorry for your loss… I can’t even imagine. Hoping the trail helps with your healing.

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

So sorry for your loss 😢

@mistytrails11 Жыл бұрын

im so sorry for your loss🙏🏽❤️

@roncallahan1750 Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry for your loss😪

@CJHikes Жыл бұрын

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!

@joolds-ruppel1846 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

That's kind, thanks!

@ColtPinky Жыл бұрын

are you on trail yet?

@joolds-ruppel1846 Жыл бұрын

@@ColtPinky yes in Damascus if you’re asking me.

@ColtPinky Жыл бұрын

@@joolds-ruppel1846 that's great! Good luck on the trail:)

@joolds-ruppel1846 Жыл бұрын

@@ColtPinky thank you very much!

@AllensAdventures Жыл бұрын

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

@brg1965 Жыл бұрын

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!

@linebaugha1 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Exciting!! Happy trails!

@linebaugha1 Жыл бұрын

50 miles in today the 14th of March!

@sandistill2422 Жыл бұрын

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.

@Casual_BackPacking Жыл бұрын

With great work comes great reward

@emilybyers7069 Жыл бұрын

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

@walterpaton8698 Жыл бұрын

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

@kowaliga2099 Жыл бұрын

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.

@billtrulladventures5876 Жыл бұрын

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!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

congrats on the hike! Thank you!

@barbarahultman5450 Жыл бұрын

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

@itsmichellejenkins Жыл бұрын

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!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

thanks!

@stevetrimborn3739 Жыл бұрын

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.

@samiam1025 Жыл бұрын

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

@randywineke5416 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Hike on :)

@bird.1980 Жыл бұрын

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.

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

That's a good idea! I've thought of that before

@DarrenC_Paddler 6 ай бұрын

This was very helpful and informative. Thanks for posting.

@1024Pete Жыл бұрын

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

@danielstoddart Жыл бұрын

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.

@hippiehiker2428 Жыл бұрын

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

@susietopspin Жыл бұрын

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.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

haha thanks! SOBO would be fun!

@bettyjorodgers8552 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

I'm looking forward to it too! Thanks

@Alpinenutclimbing 8 ай бұрын

SUPER helpful!! Thanks!

@cozywild Жыл бұрын

This was so so so helpful! Thank you

@frolege1 Жыл бұрын

another excellent video ..thanks

@donaldparry5157 6 ай бұрын

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!!

@markglazer8972 Жыл бұрын

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🙏🏻✌️

@Wondering_Fireball Жыл бұрын

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.

@BillBlevins Жыл бұрын

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

@bluehairedhiker Жыл бұрын

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!

@bethswanson3869 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@Bluehathiker Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Have fun out there!

@FlatLanderHikes Жыл бұрын

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.❤

@ffstopP Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@RevBTB Жыл бұрын

another awesome vid for future hikers!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

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

@TXMEDRGR Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Elizabeth-pt4bv Жыл бұрын

Always great content, well done

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed!

@chasing-the-afterglow Жыл бұрын

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.

@kenmachine9951 Жыл бұрын

Great job 👍👌 thanks Ken NC

@lauraevelynashley Жыл бұрын

What a great video idea! Thanks 😊

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Welcome!!

@thatsamazinggrace9512 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Have a blast!!

@cobwebroseonthetrail2447 Жыл бұрын

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!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Awesome, have fun!!

@stoicodysseys6352 Жыл бұрын

Great video and good information for aspiring through / section hikers

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

thanks!

@gabicerrahikes Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this advice!! Doing the approach trail

@gabicerrahikes Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@kaiserwilhelmnh932 Жыл бұрын

Very informative!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mistytrails11 Жыл бұрын

thankyou so much Taylor!!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

you're welcome!

@craighudson4449 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding presentation

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

thanks!

@mistytrails11 Жыл бұрын

we will be hiking the approach trail!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

nice! have fun!

@People-are-strange85 4 ай бұрын

Thank you ma'am

@walterpaton8698 7 ай бұрын

Thank you....

@sedonatvcom Жыл бұрын

good advice

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

thanks

@Zapruderfilm1963 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Have an amazing 2023!!

@Zapruderfilm1963 Жыл бұрын

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker thank you!!😀

@pungo147 Жыл бұрын

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.

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@InTheBackcountry Жыл бұрын

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!

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Have fun!

@richeretrudeau226 Жыл бұрын

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. 🤩

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Both seem like great options! I'm a little biased towards to AT tho ;) haha

@richeretrudeau226 Жыл бұрын

@S. M. LOL! The only way!

@amyeagen Жыл бұрын

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.

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

I'm excited to watch Laura Evelyn Ashley!

@hiramhikes8219 Жыл бұрын

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

@ernestlathren3597 Жыл бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see the reveal!

@ernestlathren3597 Жыл бұрын

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker I’ll be up there tomorrow morning. I’ll shoot you some pictures to your IG

@mendyviola Жыл бұрын

Someday, maybe.

@cloudwatcher724 Жыл бұрын

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!

@tobih.8047 Жыл бұрын

Registered start date: April 6th 🤞🤞

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

woo hoo!

@paulslagle1800 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker thanks I will check them out!

@megmartino1348 Жыл бұрын

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

@ophelialee-j3i 6 күн бұрын

How long is the actual trail from start to end . And what should I pack for every day Iam on the trail ...

@WarrantZeus1 7 ай бұрын

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

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker 7 ай бұрын

Yes, i recommend reserving a room, its a popular hotel

@swampyhiker Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@garywalther7939 Жыл бұрын

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

@triathlon5555555555 Жыл бұрын

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 ?

@graymanprepper88 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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!

@audiosaurus6511 Жыл бұрын

is the hiker tag made from plastic?

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

i think so

@mimihikes1466 Жыл бұрын

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?

@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Жыл бұрын

Sure, you can start at the lodge