Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section
~6 days · 83.4 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section is known for
The Georgia leg of the Appalachian Trail, running an official 78 miles (Ridgefold's mapped route measures 83.4) north from Springer Mountain, the AT's southern terminus, over Blood Mountain and along the southern Blue Ridge to the North Carolina line. Passing Neels Gap and the well-known outfitter at Mountain Crossings, it is a favorite section hike and the traditional starting point for northbound thru-hikers. The route is a rugged, forested ridge walk through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 1,850 ft to 4,324 ft over 83.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 32.0 mi · 38%
- Downhill 26.1 mi · 31%
- Flat 25.0 mi · 30%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section scores 56/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Hikable year-round, with spring (March-April) busiest as thru-hikers begin and fall offering cooler, clearer weather; summer is hot and humid.
Permits: No permit required to hike; the approach and busy trailheads have bear-canister and camping regulations, and thru-hikers typically register voluntarily.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section take?
Most backpackers hike the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 83.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section?
The Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section climbs roughly 22,749 ft total — about 273 ft per mile, topping out near 4,423 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section?
Hikable year-round, with spring (March-April) busiest as thru-hikers begin and fall offering cooler, clearer weather; summer is hot and humid.
Do you need a permit for the Appalachian Trail - Georgia Section?
No permit required to hike; the approach and busy trailheads have bear-canister and camping regulations, and thru-hikers typically register voluntarily.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.