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getting to Springer
Christeena asked about how to get to Springer --
If you don't already have it, get either Wingfoot's Book or Joe and
Monica Cook's Book. They are both Thruhiker guides and explain how
to get to and from the trail, among other things. One of them is an
absolute necessity for planning the trail because they talk about the
towns and services along the way.
To get from Atlanta to Springer, if you can't get a ride from one of
the many local people who advertise rides to the trail (see the
books), you can get an Amtrack to Gainesville or a bus. Then there
is a $40 taxi ride from Gainesville to Amicola, then an eight mile
walk to the top of Springer. The
schedules change, so even if you read that there is a bus or a train,
call the station and make sure. In 1992 they changed the bus service to
only once a day, and of course I missed it by 1/2 hour. Although
there are three routes up the mountain that will get you closer to
Springer, generally the taxis refuse to take them because they are
dirt forest service roads and the trailheads are easy to miss. One
gets you 5 miles from the top, one about 3 and one .9. The approach
trail from Amicola is a good work out, and a lot of hikes have ended
before the first white blaze was seen. - Ginny