|
|
Cherokee County North Carolina Hiking Trails
Neighboring County
|
The Springer Mountain Double Loop - Appalachian
Trail, which is a Fannin County Hiking Trail near the town of Blue Ridge
Georgia, is an easy drive from Murphy, North Carolina in Cherokee County.
Springer Mountain Double Loop Trail - Appalachian Trail
|
|
Fannin County, GA
Length: 10 miles (16.6K)
Rating: Moderate
Use: Moderate
Hiking Time: About 4 1/2 hours
round trip.
Restrictions: No motorized
vehicles, bicycles, or horses allowed on trail.
This great hike along beautiful Stover Creek to the summit of Mt.
Springer offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
|
|
| This trail utilizes a portion of
the world famous Appalachian Trail, 2,035 miles continuously marked footpath
from Georgia to Maine, as it winds through typical Southern Appalachian
forest settings. The forest walk to the summit and overlook at the top of
Springer Mountain, the hike alongside Stover Creek, the Three Forks
dispersed recreation area and the walk along the top of Rich Mountain are
highlights of this double loop trail. No motorized vehicles. Trail designed
for day hikers, not recommended for horses. The trail (AT) leaves the
parking area and immediately ascends Springer Mtn. Be certain to go and see
the plaque and overview to the northwest from the top of Springer! Descend
from Springer northeast on the BMT to Big Stamp Gap. Turn west on the BMT
and go to Cross Trails. At Cross Trails follow the combined AT/BMT to where
they will fork again on the south slope of Rich Mtn. Follow either blazed
trail northerly to Three Forks. Take the other trail south back to Cross
Trails. At Cross Trails be sure and take the AT over the small knob back to
parking area!
Directions from Blue Ridge, Georgia:
Travel east (toward Blairsville, GA) on GA Hwy 515,
approx. 0.8 miles past intersection with GA Hwy 5. Turn Right at Windy
Ridge Rd., go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2
miles to Aska Road. South on Aska Road to end (13.5 miles). Turn right
onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn right onto Doublehead Gap
Road, go 2.0 miles to USFS road 42 on left. Turn left onto USFS 42, drive
7.3 miles east to AT crossing near Cross Trails.
|
|
|
