AT Approach Trail: Rite of Passage or Cruel Brotherhood Prank?

The first 8.8 miles out of Amicalola Falls State Park are called «the approach trail.» It is not officially part of the Appalachian Trail.

A warm-up. A little practice. The ticket to the dance.

Well, first let me tell you that the approach trail is no joke.

Nice arch, nice photos, then BAM. 609 steps and 750 feet of elevation gain in 1 mile.

Phew, I made it to the top! No. 1,500 more feet of gain over the next 8 miles, to Springer Mountain at 3,782 feet.

Congratulations! You and your burning lungs and legs have reached the BEGINNING of the Appalachian Trail.

So I ask the question: initiation rite or cruel frat prank?

Some definitely say you “should” do the approach trail. While it’s not officially part of the official 2,197.9 AT miles, purists say “it’s part of the whole experience.” A rite of passage.

But there is a part of me that wonders if there is such a thing as a secret handshake. A wink and a nod from those who came before. An agreement to underestimate how exhausting the approach path is. An orientation or hazing of the rookies!

Well, all these doubts led me to my first advice for those who will follow me. Not that I’ve earned the right to give any advice yet. I’m only on day 3. But here it comes anyway.

Practice with elevation.

If you’re like me, a newbie. Avid day hiker, but fond of long distance hiking. Someone who has to “practice” night hikes and long distance hikes to be sure they want to do this AT thing. Practice with elevation.

I made the mistake of doing all my test hikes in beautiful, but mostly level, Tennessee state parks.

I did some multi-day hikes of 10, 12, and 14 miles. And he did it well. And I thought, «I’m ready to start the AT with a few easy 8 mile days to train my legs.»

I would have been better off with 6 and 8 mile practice hikes with 1500 or 1800 feet of elevation gain. Then he would have found out if he was ready or not.

After 3 days I’m fine. The approach road was tough. I have learned a lot. And I’m slowly entering.

And yes, I’m glad I hiked the access trail. And yes, I would recommend it to others too. But before you go, just find 609 steps somewhere, put 40 pounds on your back, and climb up. Sometimes. You’ll thank me later!

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