Explore the Trails of North Georgia

The North Georgia trails offer a wide variety of exciting hiking options, including the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, the Duncan Ridge Trail, and the Benton MacKaye Trail. These trails make up a network throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering incredible and challenging opportunities for beginner and extreme hikers alike.

The Appalachian Trail, North Georgia’s most popular trail, spans throughout the Appalachian Mountains up the Eastern United States to Katahdin, Maine, and typically requires 6-8 months. Because of the time the Appalachian Trail requires, many people start their hike in North Georgia during the early spring and finish in Maine in the fall.

More experienced hikers may enjoy the Duncan Ridge Trail in North Georgia, which begins at Three Fords on the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail. The Duncan Ridge Trail is known as one of the most strenuous hikes in the United States because of the extremely sharp ascents and descents – providing more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain – through the mountains. This trail is approximately 36 miles long and recommended for extreme hikers who are familiar with difficult terrain.

Prepare for Your Appalachian Trail Hiking Trip

Short hikes during the late summer and fall months are the best way to prepare for your thru Appalachian Trail excursion. These short hikes allow you to test your gear to make sure the weight is optimal, whether you’re carrying too much gear,  or whether you’re missing crucial items.

Throughout the trails, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the many shelters, meet other hikers, and discuss everything from essential gear to the best backpack for your needs. If you decide to explore the Duncan Ridge Trail, you’ll need to be sure to have all of the gear you need because shelters won’t be available, but on the Appalachian Trail, you can plan your route to re-stock your gear at one of the many shelters throughout the 14-state trail.

Get the Best Gear at Captain Dann’s of Smoky Mountain Trader

Our team at Captain Dann’s of Smoky Mountain Trader is dedicated to providing our customers with the gear they need for their trail hiking trips, whether they’re planning to hike the entire Appalachian Trail throughout the spring and summer months or just looking to explore smaller trails for a weekend getaway. Visit our online store to start preparing for your trail hiking experience.