Re: [at-l] Atlanta to Amicalola Falls (TRANSPORTATION TO THE AT)

[WHHAWKINS@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/23/99 7:44:39 PM EDT, milt@backcountry.net writes:

<< 
 I am planning my first trip to the AT and I am tring to find out if there is
any way to get from the airport in Atlanta to Amicalola Fall SP without
renting a car.  I plan on hiking from Springer and being picked up by my wife
at a yet to be determined place 8 days later.  So I don't want to have to
worry about a rental car.
  >>

This information is from the GATC Home Page .

TRANSPORTATION TO THE AT

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE INFORMATION STATED HERE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND IS
BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE GEORGIA APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB. ALL TRANSPORTATION
INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONFIRMED AHEAD OF TIME WITH THE CARRIER. 

Out-of-state hikers who come to Georgia will probably arrive in either 
Atlanta or Gainesville, Georgia. Gainesville is about 50 miles northeast 
of Atlanta and is the closest town to the trail which is served by 
public transportation. AMTRAK and Greyhound Bus Lines provide 
transportation from Atlanta to Gainesville. The easiest and least 
expensive way to get from Hartsfield Atlanta airport to the bus station 
in downtown Atlanta, or to the Amtrak station in Midtown Atlanta is to 
use the Atlanta public transportation system known as MARTA (Metro 
Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). Cost to ride MARTA is $1.50 for either 
the bus or train (no charge for transferring between bus and train). 
There is also a possible car shuttle from Atlanta to the approach trail 
at Amicalola Falls State Park.

Getting from Atlanta Airport to Gainesville

By Greyhound Bus:
Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Greyhound Depot: 
1.1. Take the MARTA train from the airport to Garnett St. Station. The 
Greyhound Bus Depot is on the west side of the MARTA station. 
1.2. OR take airport shuttle bus to bus depot ($8.00); 
1.3. OR take taxi to bus depot ($15.00). 


From the bus depot, buses depart for Gainesville at 10am and 4pm daily. 
Call Greyhound at 1-800-231-2222 to confirm the latest schedule and fare 
information (currently $12.72 one-way).

By AMTRAK train:
Atlanta Airport to AMTRAK station:
1.1. Take MARTA train to Arts Center Station (N5), transfer to MARTA bus 
#23 at the Arts Center Station and get off at the AMTRAK station; or 
walk to left uphill on 15th Street to Peachtree Street and walk one mile 
north (left) on Peachtree Street to AMTRAK station. The small AMTRAK 
station is on your left just after crossing over Interstate 85 on 
Peachtree Street; 
1.2. OR take airport shuttle bus to AMTRAK station ($12.00); 
1.3. OR take taxi from airport to AMTRAK station ($18-20.00). AMTRAK 
trains depart from Atlanta at 7:45pm daily. Call AMTRAK at 800/872 7245 
to confirm the latest schedule and fare information (currently $11.00 
one-way). 


For overnight stay in Gainesville:

There are several motels downtown that are within walking distance of 
the bus and train stations: Gainesville Motel, 523 Broad Street SW 
(404/532-6327); Day's Inn, 129 Monroe Drive (404/532 7531) and others.

Getting from Gainesville to Approach Trail:

When you get to Gainesville, a taxi driver will probably be at the bus 
or train station and will be more than happy to take you to the 
trailhead for the approach trail at Amicalola Falls State Park. 
Otherwise, call Gainesville Taxicab (404/287-3221). Cost of taxi is 
approximately $38.

Getting a car ride from Atlanta to the Approach Trail:

Jim Miner, a good friend to thru-hikers, is willing to drive from the 
Doraville MARTA station in Northeast Atlanta to Amicalola Falls State 
Park or to the parking lot near Springer Mountain on USFS Road #42 on 
his way home from work. He needs at least a day's notice (home: 
706/747-5434). Send Jim and Ruth Ann a self-addressed envelope at 11663 
Miner-Scales Drive, Suches, Georgia 30572 for more specific information. 
Jim doesn't charge for this favor, but he does accept donations on 
behalf of the Woody Gap School or the Volunteer Fire Department.

Driving to the Approach Trail:

From Dahlonega, Georgia (about 60 miles north of downtown Atlanta via GA 
Hwy 400) take GA Hwy 52 west approximately 20 miles to Amicolola Falls 
State Park. From Ellijay, Georgia, take GA Hwy 52 east about 22 miles to 
the State Park. Parking is available near the visitor center and should 
be registered with the park ranger. There is no charge for parking a car 
there for an extended hike, but there is a small entrance charge to the 
Park. 
 <A HREF="http://www.mindspring.com/~vhill/transportation.htm">Transportation
</A> 

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