The Springer Mountain is one of the loop hike trails that are rocky with less forest surrounding it due to the nature of its soil and the difficulty for this trail is rated moderate. This trail is on the Appalachian Trail which traces from the FS 42 to the Springer Mountain which takes a total of 4.5 miles to complete. The peak of the Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the AT which is part of the 2,172 miles distance from North Georgia to Northern Maine’s highest mountain, Mount Katahdin.

The trail starts at the Forest Service Road 42 where a parking area is located. This parking lot has a fee which also allows access for both Springer and Three Forks trails. Proceed to the entrance of Springer Mountain trails where there is a marker and as you move along the treadway, the path is noticeably blazed with rectangular white trail signs. At this point the trail is expected to makes a gradual ascent towards the top of the Springer Mountain wherein the highest point of elevation there reaches 3,782 feet.

The pathway is wide and fortunately the climb is not too steep although the pathway is made of gravel with some rocky steps which you may have to take extra precaution. There are some sets of stone steps along the pathway which makes it easier to navigate. At the stones steps developed by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, move around a conspicuous dead tree wherein this section makes a vantage point for the incredible view of the watershed at Cartecay River system. Two bronze plaques set on stones signify the start of the Appalachian Trail. The first bronze marker was set on a stone in 1958 which marks the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail while the other marker was set on a boulder in 1993 as a memorial.

At 0.7 of a mile, the path approaches the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) on the left side wherein its trail is marked by white diamonds. Move past this and proceed south on the Appalachian Trail as it makes an easy climb to reach the top of Springer Mountain. Move along passing some blue blazes where the path approaches a campground and a shelter at the Springer Mountain.

However if you want to move further along the trail without an overnight camping adventure, take another 0.2 of a mile at this point until you reach the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at the Springer Mountain’s peak.

From here you may head back following the white rectangular trail blazes on the BMT as it descends to Big Stamp Gap and finally rejoining the Forest Road 42 as it heads west crossing small streams. Continue straight ahead as it joins the AT swerving left to FS 42’s parking area.