The Appalachian Trail truly has mythic status and for many of us, hiking it is a dream. But then we look at the reality of it and find the prospect of carrying a 40-50 pound pack on our back and sleeping on the ground rather daunting. Solution? Slackpacking! We cover the same distance as backpackers, but at the end of the day we return to comfortable beds, hot showers, and freshly-prepared meals, to help inspire our traverse of the Georgia section. We cover significant mileage on this trip so it still requires being in excellent shape. Maximum group size: 12
May 30 to June 07, 2020 |
$1895.00 - FULL |
Join Waitlist |
October 10 to October 18, 2020 |
$1895.00 - FULL |
Join Waitlist |
What's not included: Travel to and from Atlanta, alcoholic beverages, snacks, optional guide gratuities and travel insurance.
This trip is rated a 4, 5 because it involves hiking from 7 to 16 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) and requires being in excellent physical condition. On two days there are shorter options and the rating of 4 is appropriate if you choose these or if you prefer to just take one or two days off from hiking. You can always choose to stay at the lodge for the day. Trips that are rated 5 require a high degree of fitness. Adding some specific conditioning such as strength training, endurance training, and longer aerobic workouts is suggested.
Rating: 1 2 3 [4] [5].
This is a hiking trip on the first section of the legendary Appalachian Trail. You will be hiking in the mountains with constant elevation gain and loss on a trail that is rocky at times. On most days there is little time (or energy) at the end of the day for other activities, except a midweek afternoon trip into the delightful small town of Dahlonega for browsing and dinner.
We will spend eight nights at the Retreat on the Ridge , a luxurious 7-bedroom 5.5 bath majestic mountain home where you can enjoy the north Georgia mountains in luxury, style, and convenience. It's seven miles north of downtown Dahlonega with spectacular panoramic views, a saltwater pool, and a firepit. There are six bedrooms for participants that are a mix of single and shared rooms, plus a "bunkroom" with four beds (two singles and one bunkbed). There is a discount for the bunkroom, and two single rooms (one with its own bathroom and one with a shared bathroom) are available for a single supplement ($300); otherwise, rooms will be assigned randomly.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
The only thing that I would have changed is the 16 mile day for the 6.7. Wed. we had good weather when the 6.7 mile day was scheduled and rain and cold for the 16 miles day.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
Great guides
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
This trip is incredible. Highlights: 1. Hiking the entire GA section of the AT (please have more trips where we complete an entire section on the AT!) 2. The leaders are awesome--I don't know how they do it! 3. AGC draws a wonderful group of women. I left this trip and the last one inspired by their stories and everything they have accomplished. 4. I loved that each day was a challenge but one I could complete. I had such a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
Over the top wonderful guides; very very challenging; wonderful food; great lodging-although a long ride to some trail heads (a price I am willing to pay for slackpackinh); good group
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
Since this was my first trip with AGC I wasn't sure what to expect. I found everything completely organized, which of course made me feel safe with my decision, and I actually completed the AT in Georgia!!!!! For me the highlight was the hardest day - just that I walked 16.7 miles is amazing. Would I do that day again? NO! LOL
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
The thrill of completing my most challenging hike ever, the entire Georgia section of the AT (80 miles in 7 days, 20k ft elevation gain, 20k loss) in the quiet, cool autumn beauty of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest with a terrific group of AGC women and AGC guide team. Thank you thank you thank you!
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
The trip, the accommodations, the guides, the food, the shuttling, the teamwork and camaraderie all exceeded my expectations. The weather was challenging, and the trail itself was much more up and down than I expected.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/20/2018-10/28/2018
I have done multiple day hikes in the Grand Canyon so felt prepared for this trip. It was harder than I expected with a quicker pace than I anticipated.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
The entire trip from beginning to end. A personal highlight was reaching Springer Mountain and the North Carolina border. Another personal highlight was hiking 16.5 miles in one day.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
I never in a million years expected that the group of ladies we hiked with would come together so well. What a fun group
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
The trip met all of my expectations and my expectations were very high. Fabulous guides! Great group of ladies.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
Positive attitudes of leaders and all participants
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
Scenery, good food, pleasant accommodations, great guides
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
I developed an affection for the AT I hadn’t experienced before, even though I have hiked on it before. I also liked all the laughing we did! It was a great group.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
Well organized. Great accommodations and meals prepared by the guides were spectacular in the evenings and on the trail. Guides were knowledgeable and never tired! Amazing!
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
The guides, hostile, other women, and the beauty of the AT trail.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
I really enjoyed getting to know the other women. They were encouraging, funny and strong.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/21/2017-10/29/2017
highlights - first class service on the trails and at the residence. Both guides were extraordinary in their expertise, calm approach, detail oriented, caring, delivering to everyone a sense of belonging and wellness. They were gentle minded and truly experienced and resourceful and prepared.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/15/2016-10/23/2016
Hiking the last 12 miles of the AT in North Georgia!
Slackpacking Georgia 10/15/2016-10/23/2016
When I signed up for the trip, I had some reservations about my ability to complete a 4/5 hiking adventure. With Leigh leading the hike, I felt safe and confident that I was up to the challenge. Completing the entire 80 miles to the NC border was a very exciting moment! The fall colors were spectacular!!! The upbeat, positive energy of the group of ladies, and their wonderful sense of humor, made it an enjoyable group adventure. The Hostel was clean, warm, inviting and felt like home away from home. The food was fresh, delicious, healthy and plentiful. I feel very blessed to have been a part of this experience.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/15/2016-10/23/2016
Went to hike and that's what we did.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/15/2016-10/23/2016
Awesome trip! Great group of women, great guides, great everything. The only suggestion I would have for improvement would be to make the hiking poles mandatory (rather than just highly recommended). I bought them at the last minute and wouldn't have been able to make the hike without them. And please mention in the brochure that a washing machine is available, I would have brought less clothes if I had known that.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/15/2016-10/23/2016
The beautiful scenery we experienced was a highlight for sure. Every day contained breathtaking views and peaceful forest paths. I wanted difficult hikes and each day was challenging but not overly so. I also enjoyed meeting and spending time with the other women from all over the world. The food we ate surprised me - it was well above the standard I was expecting. Leigh and Karen are great cooks. The hostel was also nicer that I was expecting. It was exceptionally clean and much more spacious than anticipated.
Slackpacking Georgia 10/15/2016-10/23/2016