Approach Trail???

[roxy33x]

Roxy

Some people do the approach trail some don't. Yes it is a challange, but it certainly not that tough. The most important thing is to hike your own hike!! If it is stressing you, just start at Springer. Remember, the most important thing.......have fun! It's just walking! By the way, we are nearly neighbors, I live NE of Atlanta and travel to Charlotte often. When are you leaving? I wish you the very best of luck!

We are leaving on March 7th... along with a lot of others! Its gonna be a mad house on springer!

[Red Hat]

We are leaving on March 7th... along with a lot of others! Its gonna be a mad house on springer!

Actually Springer won't be so bad as everyone is not there at the same time. Hawk Mountain, however will be a mad house when everyone tries to settle in for the night. Skip the approach and get to Hawk shelter early or find another spot to pitch your tent along the way.

[SGT Rock]

Actually Springer won't be so bad as everyone is not there at the same time. Hawk Mountain, however will be a mad house when everyone tries to settle in for the night. Skip the approach and get to Hawk shelter early or find another spot to pitch your tent along the way.

Shoot, skip them both. If you wanna shelter go to Stover Creek the first night instead of Springer Mountain - it is a much nicer shelter. Then the next day skip Hawk and go on to Gooch Mtn. Shelter.

[rockdawg69]

Somewhere back in this thread was the advice to Hike-You-Own-Hike. Just pick what you want to do and do it. I'm 62 and did the Approach Dec 21st in 35-40 degree temps, 6.5 hrs and we were enjoying our walk - no practice. Did Springer to Damascus in 2007, 39 hiking days - limited practice hikes.
You can do it.

[jj2044]

Shoot, skip them both. If you wanna shelter go to Stover Creek the first night instead of Springer Mountain - it is a much nicer shelter. Then the next day skip Hawk and go on to Gooch Mtn. Shelter.

I would do this, except dont stay at Gooch, stay at Justice Creek there are some really nice campsites, its a pretty neat little spot, and only a little less then a miles before Gooch shelter.

[max patch]

I would do this, except dont stay at Gooch, stay at Justice Creek there are some really nice campsites, its a pretty neat little spot, and only a little less then a miles before Gooch shelter.

Or hike past Gooch and camp at Gooch Gap. Good water and its where the shelter used to be if that means anything.