Hi, summer95-ga. I looked into your question, and I think I?ve found
some good information. Here are two reliable sources for information
on the Appalachian Trail:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ has information on the entire length
of the trail, with detailed information and links to various
trail-related databases on a state-by-state basis.
http://www.georgia-atclub.org/ is a voluntary association of
individuals who have assumed responsibility for maintenance of the
Appalachian Trail in Georgia. This site contains detailed information
on the Georgia portion of the trail.
In response to your question about the weather, I found that the
average high/low temperatures for Blairsville, GA are as follows :
(month high/low, in degrees Fahrenheit)
September: 80/54
October: 71/42
Average temperatures on the A.T. could be 7° colder than those listed
for Blairsville, Georgia, however. Here?s a good rule of thumb: Where
the A.T. is higher than the nearest recording station, subtract 3.5°
per 1,000 ft. to approximate actual trail temperatures. The higher the
mountain, the colder, windier and wetter you can expect it to be.
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html
As to your question about parking, it seems there are a few options.
If you?re concerned about safety, it may be a good idea to check into
using the parking lot of a local business near your starting point, as
long as you?re sure to request permission ahead of time. To help
foster good will toward the hiking community, consider offering to pay
a few dollars for each night you leave your car.
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/cars.html
Businesses close to the A.T. are listed in The Appalachian Trail
Thru-Hikers' Companion. This guide is available to purchase here:
http://www.atctrailstore.org/ (put ?thru-hikers? into the search box
on the left, minus the quotes ? I couldn?t link directly to the
product page)
If you?d rather find a place to park for free, you?ll have to remember
that the safety of any location is never guaranteed. Remote trailheads
tend to have the greatest risk. Specific areas that have experienced
repeated problems are: Unicoi Gap/Ga. 75 (Georgia).
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/cars.html
Parking is available at the major paved road crossings: Woody Gap (GA
Hwy 60), Neels Gap (US Hwy 129/19), Tesnatee Gap (GA Hwy 348), Hogpen
Gap (GA Hwy 348), Unicoi Gap (GA Hwy 75/17) and Dicks Creek Gap (US
Hwy 76). Limited parking is available where the A.T. crosses Forest
Service roads. For extended backpacks, cars may be registered and
parked at Amicalola Falls State Park. Contact the Park for more
details (706-265-2885). Note: The USFS now charges a $2.00 parking fee
at various trail heads.
http://www.georgia-atclub.org/faq.html
If you want to park at a local business, it might not be a bad idea to
pick up the Thru-Hikers? Companion (it was selling for $11.95 when I
visited the online store). It would help you to find a safe place to
park your car, and I?m sure there?s a lot of valuable information
about the trail itself in the publication. If you don?t want to go
that route, it looks like your best bet would be to register and park
your car at Amicalola Falls State Park (contact info below).
Amicalola Falls State Park
Reservations: (800) 864-7275
Park Office: (706) 265-4703
Park Fax: (706) 265-4705
Website: http://gastateparks.org/info/amicalola/
I hope this information has been helpful to you. This is my first time
posting a comment, and I?d appreciate it if you would let me know (in
the form of a comment) if your question was answered satisfactorily.
Thanks, and enjoy your trip!
-nates- |
