SOUTHERN TERMINUS of APPALACHIAN TRAIL

On Friday April 7, 2006, Jon and Clyde drove through Blue Ridge , GA and down Aska Road to Forest Service Road 42 where they parked at its junction with the Appalachian Trail.

Hiking south on the AT, in 0.9 mile they arrived at the southern terminus of this 2000 mile plus trail that ends its journy at Mount Katahdin, ME. Approximatley 2500 end to end hikers attempt this trek every year, beginning in Feb, Mar and April. The highlight of this hike and Wednesday's hike over Blood Mountain, was the opportunity to meet and talk with many of the thru hikers.

The Georgia AT club even has a caretaker stationed near the summit to educate hikers about the trail and how to maintain it while hiking. "Many Sleeps" turned out to be quite a character with lots of tales to share with everyone. We easily spent over an hour at the summit and near by Springer Mountain shelter meeting several thru hikers and many just out for the day, having hiked up the 8.3 mile trail from Amicalola Falls State Park.
After walking back to our vehicle we continued our outing by driving to the trailhead to Long Creek Falls, along side the AT.