Type: Trail, Out-and-back
Difficulty: 7 / 10
Altitude: 3,465 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 3,399 ft / 3,399 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: No
Filed Under: Running
The Appalachian trail southern terminus is located in Georgia at Springer Mountain. Hogpen Gap is approximately 35 miles East on the trail. This section of the trail is one of the more gentle portions, so much of it can be used as a run. Don't excpet to run the entire way. There are many steep, long uphills that will require you to slowdown to a hike. Also, the footing in several sections is not good for running. Lots of loose rocks can make for trecherous downhill running, so don't expect to make up time on the downhills. You definitely will want to wear a good pair of trailrunning shoes for this run. Be prepared to do a lot of hiking.
The trail itself is beautiful. There are many parts where you can look out with great views of the mountains that surround you. Be careful while you admire the view. If you take your eyes off the trail for too long, you may end up tripping. You will run by 2 or 3 small waterfalls. These make a great place to cool off. You can also drink from this water if you have brought along a purification kit.
The trail is very easy to follow. The customary rectangular white blazes lead the way if there is any doubt that you are no longer on the trail. The blazes are 2 inches wide and 6 inches high. They can be on trees, posts, or rocks. Blazes of other colors and shapes mark other intersecting trails. Two white blazes, one above other, signal an obscure turn, route change, incoming side trail, or other situation that requires you to be especially alert to changes in direction.
From I85 in Atlanta:
Take I85 North
Keep left onto I-985
Exit 24 onto Cornelia Hwy
Turn left (West) Cornelia Hwy
RIGHT (West) onto US-129 [Limestone Pkwy]
After passing through Cleveland turn right on SR-75 Alt
Turn LEFT (South-West) onto SR-348 [Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy]
Hogpen Gap is about 7 miles up the road on the right. You'll see the stone trailhead marker near the trail entrance.
N34 43.562 W83 50.392
Posted by: seilogramp and last modified on Aug 16, 2006 by seilogramp
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