As most AT (Appalachian Trail) hikers know, Amicalola Falls is one of the names that resonates deep within the psyches of AT hikers. This is where the Appalachian Trail begins. To be perfectly concise, the AT begins at Springer Mountain, which is several miles further up on an approach trail (If you ask me, the AT should begin at Amicalola Falls). In any event, Amicalola Falls is the logical place to have a seasonal kickoff event for the great...

I was blown away in 2005 by the “support culture” of trail angels, hostels, fiestas, you name it, honoring hikers passing through. I came back in 2010 and several new support networks had sprung up in the first two states. And now in 2012 it appears to be proliferating even further. An event at the beginning of March, originally called the Appalachian Trail Backpacking and Celebration Clinic has re-christened itself, the AT Kickoff,...

Applachian Trail event this weekend at NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). Descent into and out of NOC are diabolical. That one speech would destroy OPEC overnight!

Yes, just like spring training has already begun, hiking season is now upon us. More than any other place on the Appalachian Trail--with the possible exception of Damascus, Virginia--Amicalola Falls embodies the unique spirit of the AT.

The annual Appalachian Trail Celebration and Backpacking Clinic will be held March 5th and 6th, 2011, at Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge. Several notable authors will be on hand to make presentations and sign copies of their Appalachian Trail books. Among those will be: 1.  Jeff Alt, author of A Walk for Sunshine, and the most impressive physical specimen on the AT; 2.Winton Porter, author of Just Passin’ Thru, and the richest man on the...