It’s been about a week since I crossed the border from Georgia into North Carolina. I talked to my fellow hikers and had a little more time to reflect on my time in one of the most beautiful and hospitable places I’ve ever been. Here are my takeaways after hiking 78 miles on the Appalachian Trail through Georgia…
Don’t underestimate Georgia.
I knew Georgia would be tough, but I had no idea there were so many giant mountains in the great state of Georgia. Coming from Indiana, I only passed through the state on my way to Florida and never saw them. Imagine my surprise as I go up and down these giant hills, no turns, mind you!
Fortunately, I had trained myself physically. I witnessed many people get injured in the first few weeks, many of them because they didn’t train or fully understand what they were getting into. Don’t start the AT thinking Georgia is going to train (or fix) you.
All of which leads me to say: Take the approach path. A lot of people skip this now and I don’t understand why. Is it difficult? YEAH! But so is the AT. I feel like it’s Georgia’s way of saying, «Are you sure you’re ready for this?» We have already said enough.
Incredible views.
Funny. Georgia surprised me on multiple occasions. The first on Springer Mountain. Lihat hio45gd untuk info lebih lanjut. I didn’t expect to come around the bend of that mountain and be greeted by the view from the top. I literally stopped dead and couldn’t move.
Another impressive sight was at the top of Cowrock Mountain. He had heard that there might be traces of magic. As I ran to reach the gap below, I didn’t realize I was approaching a view. When I got to the top of the ridge and saw the view, I immediately started crying. Two gentlemen from Georgia quickly came to my rescue to make sure I was okay. Wow.
Most hospitable people
When I first arrived at Amicalola Falls, the trail ambassadors They were very welcoming and made me feel at ease. They took the time to get to know me, where I was from, and ease any fears or concerns I had. Two days later, one of them was on the trail checking on hikers and it was great to see a familiar face again.
On some occasions I had to find a ferry driver to take me to or from the trail. Many times the drivers were volunteers, but they were always incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the area. *Don’t forget to tip! 
Hostel owners. One of the hostels I stayed at was planned. One was not. They were BOTH extremely hospitable and welcoming! I stayed at Above the Clouds & The Green Dragon, and I’m so grateful I did! They both fed me, did my laundry, made sure I had a comfortable, private bed, a hot shower, and a cozy place to hang out with the other hikers! Oh, and they took me into town to resupply and pick up delicious food! What more could a girl ask for?!
Last but not least… Path Angels And random absolute strangers. Georgia rolled out the red carpet, baby! Carrying a backpack in George didn’t make me feel like Hiker Trash. I felt like a celebrity. I had many cases of people offering me candy, drinks, letting me pet their dog, words of encouragement and prayers. I guess there’s something about southern hospitality. This comes from a girl from Indiana, and we’re the ones who make “Midwest Nice.”
Hello DJ. I would like to dedicate a “love song” to Georgia.
It’s one of my all-time favorites from, you guessed it, Bon Jovi! Is «I’ll be there for you». You can watch the short on YouTube if you want to see some of the people I met along the way who blessed me. Here are some of the lyrics…
“I will be there for you, these five words I swear to you
When you breathe, I want to be the air for you.
I’ll be there for you
I would live and die for you,
I would steal the sun from the sky for you
Words can’t say what love can do
I’ll be there for you»
I worked hard to climb for the views. I was out of breath. Literally. I cried tears of complete JOY! But, no matter what was happening on the AT, I knew you were there to help me. Thanks, Georgia.
Love, Kristen
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