Quote Originally Posted by Drew33 View Post
if one is setting out on a journey such as the AT, whats another 8 miles ? i know it isn't part of the trail, but in a way it is. but like i said, whats 8 more miles. if people are worried about doing 8 additional miles they may want to rethink there thru hike...personel opinion i guess
I'm sure the reasons for NOT doing the approach trail are many. I doubt "worry" is one of those reasons.

I am not doing it mainly because I have already hike down the falls, up the falls, the entire approach trail to Springer, and the trail leading from the Approach to the Hike Inn and back to Amicalola Falls SP.

Also, the AT starts at Springer. It really doesn't matter HOW one gets to Springer. The Approach trail mileage does not factor into the AT 2181 miles (or whatever it is this year)

One term you will hear often on the trail, if you havent heard it already, is hike your own hike.