McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 12/13/2024 | AT Mile 2194.6 | Day Total: 16.2 miles | Gain: 3315 ft

Best night of sleep I’ve had in a while. Slower start to the morning. I took my time eating and packing up. The view near the campsite is beautiful!

Lower miles planned for today. I could in theory finish the whole AT today but I’m saving that moment for tomorrow morning when my parents are here! Can’t decide what I’m more excited about.

Weathers looking good for the next two days. Not terribly cold at night and sunny. Perfect!

Had 2 miles until I reached Gooch Gap. I crossed paths with a hikers doing a section from Springer and Hiawassee. He congratulated me on my hike.

The trail this morning was slightly downhill which was super nice. I after another hour I made it to Devil’s Kitchen Campsites where I crossed Justus Creek.

I crossed paths with two day hikers coming from Cooper Gap. They had thick accents, maybe French? They seemed well informed about the trail and asked if I was coming from Maine!

Although it was early I felt like eating lunch. I sat down at the campsite at Cooper Gap and chowed down some wraps. One thing that I’ve noticed since I’ve entered Georgia is the amount of campsites and how large they are. At least every quarter mile I’m passing by one. The trail here is also very well maintained and graded. Not a whole lot to trip you either.

After lunch I made my way up a 500ft climb. As I descended back off it there was a view through the trees. Using FarOut I think I could identify Springer Mountain!

Soon after I made it to Horse Gap and bumped along until I reached Hightower Gap. I’ve seen a bunch of backpackers today. More than I’ve seen in a long time?!?!? The start of the AT seems like it’s a popular weekend hike and its also a Friday.

I began my hike up Hawk Mountain afterwords. It’s not a big climb and it’s fairly flat along the top. As I descended down from Hawk Mountain I passed by Long Creek Falls. I could hear the water rushing before I could see it. The trail is super wide here probably because it’s a popular day hike.

I soon made it to Three Forks which is where Stover and Chester Creek converge. This area is super pretty. Lots of rhododendron and pine trees making the trail soft.

Just after the bridge I spotted a sign for Springer Mountain. 4.1 miles away!!! Lots of reflection while I’m hiking today. So many days and events that have lead up to this moment.

I’m staying at Stover Creek Shelter tonight which is slightly up. It’s 1.8 miles from the road just before Springer Mountain where my parents will be in the morning! They’ll hike the remaining 1 mile to Springer Mountain and the approach trail down to Amicalola Falls!

I pitched my tent near the shelter and settled in for the night. My LAST night! Crazy!