Some who hike north from Amicalola Falls State Park stay overnight in the shelter at Black Gap, a mile south of craggy Springer Mountain although there is an excellent shelter with privy shortly after the start. Two plaques at the start (or end) of the trail marks the southern terminus for America's "First Trail." Excellent views from the top of Springer Mountain, especially to the west make a stay at the Springer Mountain shelter. Two-tenths of a mile north of the start is Springer Mountain Shelter with a reliable spring. A few steps north of that the Benton MacKaye, Sec. I turns right at a sign, following the original route of the AT in this area. From here the trail slopes easily down to Forest Service Road 42, where a day use parking area allows people walk to the top of Springer Mountain as a day hike). Past the parking area the trail climbs easily, and the Benton MacKaye rejoins the AT to follow the ridge of Rich Mountain. After the AT turns left, leaving the Benton MacKaye and dropping down Rich Mountain, is the Stover Creek Shelter to the left down an old logging road. The AT follows this logging road to the right as it parallels Stover Creek for the next mile or so.
iNaturalist Observations