Slackpacking Georgia

Destination: Dahlonega, Georgia

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;

Highlights

Hiking the entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail
Returning to a comfortable bed and hot shower at the end of every day
Enjoying sumptuous meals (that you don't have to cook!)
Luxuriating in the fall foliage of northern Georgia
Carrying only what you need for the day on your back

Departures and Prices

October 26 to November 03, 2019

$1850.00 - FULL

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May 30 to June 07, 2020

$1895.00 - Available

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October 10 to October 18, 2020

$1895.00 - Available

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Inclusions

1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
Eight nights lodging in a beautiful vacation home shared by the group
All meals from dinner on Saturday through breakfast the following Sunday with the exception of one dinner
All transportation within Georgia including round trip transport from the Atlanta airport and daily shuttles

What's not included: Travel to and from Atlanta, alcoholic beverages, snacks, optional guide gratuities and travel insurance.

Details

These trips require a very high degree of fitness and even women who exercise regularly will need to add some specific conditioning such as strength training, endurance training, and longer aerobic workouts. There are typically 5 to 10 hours of daily activity.

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 seven bedrooms 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 three single rooms are available for a single supplement ($300); otherwise, rooms will be assigned randomly.

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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.

DAY 1

We'll meet at the Atlanta airport at 1 pm. From there we'll take the metro to the spot where the shuttle picks us up and transports us to our lodging, a large vacation home, for the week. That evening we'll get to know each other and also review everything we need to know for our upcoming adventure to keep us safe and healthy.

DAY 2

We start our hike at Springer Mountain (3,782 ft), the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. There are a couple of plaques at the top of the mountain and sweeping views of the Cohutta Mountains. And since it is the official start, its where we start. However, we cannot actually drive to Springer Mountain so we will need to first backtrack less than a mile from the first access point. Today's hike is mostly a long gradual descent followed by a not quite as long gradual ascent to the top of Hawk Mountain at 3,200 ft, before descending to Hightower Gap at 2850 ft. We'll see an AT shelter today as well as a beautiful waterfall. 11.1 miles. Elevation gain 1600 ft, loss 1310 ft

DAY 3

Our hike today is definitely more strenuous, with several steep ascents and descents as we climb up and over Sassafras Mt, Justus Mt, and Ramrock Mountain. Fortunately the toughest part is during the first half and after that it mellows out a bit. This part of the trail is the perfect introduction to the up and down nature of hiking in the northern Georgia mountains. 10 miles. Elevation gain 3400 ft, loss 1450 ft

DAY 4

The high point of today's hike, both literally and metaphorically, is Blood Mt. At 4,461 ft it is the highest point of the Georgia section. There are a couple of warm ups first as we go up and over Gaddis Mt and Turkey Stamp Mt before the final 900 ft climb to the top. Blood Mt is full of history and we'll be glad to take a rest as we ponder the history that gave it its name. From there it's all downhill to Neels Gap and the great little outfitter store where we can buy maps, tshorts, or anything else you've decided you need. 10.7 miles. Elevation gain 2800 ft, loss 2480 ft

DAY 5

After the last 3 days, we will be ready for this relatively short day! Known for open ridge tops with excellent views and fall wildflowers, the well-graded trail makes this a pleasant hike. However, its not flat. The trail starts with a 900 ft climb up Levelland Mt and ends with a hard climb out of Tesnatee Gap.We should be able to complete this part in a half day so today is the perfect time to visit the nearby charming town of Dahlonega. We'll drop you off and dinner is on your own tonight. 6.4 miles Elevation gain 1800 ft, loss 1400 ft

DAY 6

Today's hike starts and ends with traversing over humps; you definitely are going up and down but it is not nearly as steep as previous days. In between it is more undulating, with smaller ups and downs. It is a long day, though, and we'll be glad to see our shuttle waiting for us at the end. 13.6 mile

DAY 7

Are we really hiking 16 miles today? Maybe, maybe not. The first section is 4 miles and includes two climbs that are over 1,000 feet, with another optional 500 ft climb to the summit of Tray Mt. Luckily, there is road access at Tray Gap. Starting here will cut 4 miles and about 1500 feet of elevation gain off of today's hike, making it a 12 mile day instead. These 12 miles go through remote wilderness as it traverses from the second highest mountain on the section to the lowest gap on the trail. Today we come to understand the meaning of PUDs (pointless up and downs) as we go up and down and up and down and up and down etc for an elevation gain of 1900 feet. 16.1 miles. Elevation gain 5200 ft, loss 4000 ft

DAY 8

Today, we will complete the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail! From Dicks Creek Gap, we'll start a steady ascent of Little Bald Knob, Buzzard Knob and As Knob. With just 3.2 miles to go, we'll cross Blue Ridge Gap where there is a Forest Service road. We'll continue to climb as we approach NC and celebrate when we see that little sign denoting the the state line. We can continue another 0.1 miles to Bly Gap, which is a definite highlight with nice views to the West and a very distinct tree in the gap itself. Because there is no road at the state line, we'll backtrack 3.2 miles to the road at Blue Ridge Gap. You are now eligible for a Georgia Thru-Hiker patch! Simply fill out the form from the Georgia ATC's website and send it in! Tonight we'll go into town to celebrate our accomplishments (and our well-toned quads!) with a final farewell dinner. 12.2 miles

DAY 9

You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. If you are flying out, we will have you back to the Atlanta airport by 11:00 am and you can plan a flight out after 1:00pm.

Trip Summary

Packing List