Appalachian Trail - Springer Mtn. to Three Forks
Mar 3rd, 2008 by Admin 1
Okay, I did the next small leg of the A.T. yesterday from Springer Mountain parking lot. I got up there late and wanted to make it at least to Three Forks. It was 420pm when I actually started on the trail. The weather as predicted by local news was perfect. I was reminded of the reasons why this has got to be just about the best time of year to hit the trails. At least here in the southeast. I am a big fan of wildflowers and also the fall as the leaves change, don’t get me wrong, but there are a few benefits to this particular time of year. The lack of bugs, and the views along the trail first and foremost come to mind.
The other thing I had forgotten about since the last time I hiked this part of the A.T. (not very hard to do, I have a pretty bad memory) was how well 
maintained the trail is. Thanks to the ATC and the countless others that help on this front!
The trail from Springer Mountain parking lot to Three Forks is 3.2 miles and just about all of it goes down hill past a few intersecting points where the Benton MacKaye crosses over it. You will also pass by Stover Creek, several groves of old growth trees and rhododendron as you wind down the hillside crossing a few small streams along the way.
At one point I did get a little spooked out when Kaiser, my dog stopped sudden and started staring up into the woods right before I heard a loud bang on a tree or something. For a split second I thought maybe it was a bear then maybe campers but there are no shelters right around the area so I dismissed that idea. Still not sure what it was but it will have to remain a mystery. I needed to make good time anyway so moved along down the
trail. Crossing over one of the bridges on the trail it opens up from single track to a wider path on the other side of the stream. Following that a ways it comes to the point where you will see a sign that reads Three Forks on top and Springer Mountain 4.1 miles on bottom. After another 50 feet or so and the road that runs by the three forks area is visible.
I crossed the road and went another mile. I would have liked to have gone a little further but I was going to run out of daylight if I pushed it too much. I decided to head back up. I ended up making it up to the parking lot at 6:05pm and was thankfully able to get and down the 6.5 mile dirt road just as it was getting dark. Next week is daylights savings so than means another hour of light which means I can go further next time.
Location: Southern Terminus
Directions:
- From 515/5 at East Ellijay Go East on 52 towards Dahlonega for 4.8 miles
- Take a left on Big Creek Road and go 12.2 miles to Springer Mountain FS 42 (Blue Ridge Wildlife Management) Hint:Mt Pleasant is on your left and it is 2 small buildings that face opposite direction of the direction you are driving, as well you will see a small cemetery.
- Take a Right onto FS 42 (unpaved road) and travel for about 6.5 miles
- Turn left into the Springer Mountain parking lot
Rating: Excellent
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 3.2 miles
