Springer Mountain
Mountain Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia
Springer Mountain marks the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia; hikers come to begin long-distance treks, do day hikes and enjoy mixed hardwood forest.
Springer Mountain is a summit in north Georgia, United States, rising to about 1,153 meters (3,782 feet) and notable as the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The mountain sits within the Chattahoochee National Forest and serves as a landmark for long-distance hiking on the eastern US mountain chain.
Hiking activity focuses on the Appalachian Trail terminus plaque and nearby viewpoints; day hikes and multi-day itineraries commonly include the summit and adjacent ridge. Facilities near the summit include a backcountry shelter and maintained trail junctions that support thru-hikers and local recreationists.
The Appalachian Trail terminus was moved to Springer Mountain in 1958, replacing a previous southern terminus. Since then the mountain has been maintained as a trailhead and symbolic start or end point for hikers on the 3,500-plus kilometer trail.
Located in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, the mountain sits in north-central Georgia within national forestland and is accessed by forest roads and established trailheads.
- Elevation and trail terminus: Elevation is 1,153 meters (3,782 feet), and the summit is the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail since 1958
- Access: Accessible by several well-maintained trails through the Chattahoochee National Forest, often used as the start or end point for northbound and southbound thru-hikes
What to See #
- Appalachian Trail southern terminus: Marked southern end of the long-distance Appalachian Trail with a small terminus plaque and trail register
- Shelter and trailhead facilities: Springer Mountain Shelter and nearby trail junctions provide basic overnight and day-hike facilities for AT hikers
How to Get to Springer Mountain #
From Dahlonega, GA, drive west on GA‑52 and follow signs to Forest Service Road 42 (Springer Mountain parking). The Springer Mountain Trailhead is reached by a short dirt road; walk 0.2-0.5 miles to the southern terminus sign and trail register.
Tips for Visiting Springer Mountain #
- Park at the Springer Mountain parking area on Forest Service Road 42-it's the standard trailhead for the Appalachian Trail terminus.
- Arrive early on weekends to beat thru‑hiker gatherings and busy day hikers.
- Follow the white blazes from the official southern terminus marker; the Appalachian Trail Conservancy posts current info online.
Best Time to Visit Springer Mountain #
Spring and autumn are ideal for weather and scenery; summer can be hot and buggy, winter demands cold-weather gear.
Weather & Climate near Springer Mountain #
Springer Mountain's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1779 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (189 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).
