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Springer
Mountain Loop Trail
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Length: 4.5 miles (7.2K)
Rating: Easy-Moderate
Use: Moderate
Hiking Time: About 3 1/2 hours
round trip.
Restrictions: No motorized
vehicles. Trail designed for day hikers. Horses not allowed on AT.
Views to the west and northwest from the overlook atop Springer
Mountain, the Springer Mountain summit boulder and plaque, views from the
Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) to the southeast over the Jones Creek watershed
and stream crossings through laurel/rhododendron on the final segment of
BMT are highlights of this area.
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The trail begins at the Appalachian Trail (AT) crossing of USFS 42. The
first 1.1 miles are on the AT south from the trailhead to the summit of
Springer Mnt. The second (3.3 miles) portion is on the BMT from the summit
returning north, crossing USFA 42 at Big Stamp Gap and bearing west. The northern
part of this trail follows old road beds rejoining the AT at Cross Trails
and turning south for 0.1 miles on the AT crossing over a small knob
before return to parking area.
The trail ascends Springer Mountain on the (2"x6" rectangles)
white paint blazed AT. At 0.8 miles it passes the Benton MacKay Trail
(white paint diamond shaped blaze) and the side trail (2"x6"
blue paint blazed trail) to sprint and shelter before reaching summit
overlook. Return to BMT/AT fork and take BMT (white paint diamond shaped
blaze) northeast descending gradually from Springer Mountain toward USFS
road 42. After hiking about one mile look for side trail on right to view.
Bank on BMT, cross road at Big Stamp Gap, follow BMT 1.5 miles through
laurel and rhododendron thickets and several stream crossings to
intersection with AT. Turn left on AT, and return to parking area.
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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.
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