It Is Time To Kick-Off Thru-Hiking Season At Amicalola Falls

With Gene.

ATKO Time!

It is the beginning of March and that also means the start of the 2015 Thru-Hiking season on the Appalachian Trail (AT). In celebration this past weekend at Amicalola Falls State Park was the 14^th Annual AppalachianTrail Kick-Off (ATKO).

This is my second year attending this cool event at the Amicalola Falls Lodge. At the event there are seminars with a number of speakers, and a vendor room which all celebrate the AT and the start of those who are attempting the 2,160+ mile trek. It is cool to mingle with AT “Legends” thru-hikers and everything AT.

So, Deb and I decided to drive over Saturday to experience the event again. Last year we went on a Sunday to see the Owl Show. Well this year we went to see one of the speakers, we thought about one of my favorites, the second person to thru-hike the AT, Gene Espy. I got to see Gene last year at the Dahlonega Trail Fest he had some great stories. However, Deb decided that she wanted to see former Smoky Mountain National Park Service Ranger and wildlife biologist Kim DeLozier better known for his Bear in the Back Seat books.

Kim DeLozier's books.

Headed through Dawsonville...

...to Amicalola Falls State Park.

As always when we are going up to the lodge we don’t do the easy thing and drive…no, no! Instead we park and hike-up. Because of the ATKO and the great weather we had to park up near the Reflection Pool because there were no spots at the visitor center. 

While not full here it was at the visitor center...

...so we had to walk down the AT Approach Trail...

...past the Max Epperson Shelter...

...to the visitor center.

Gene Espy's gear at the visitor center.

Rat snake, one of the stars of the snake show at the visitor center.

If you are out on the trail, watch your boots.

Thru-hikers get ready.

With AT Historical Marker.

Because Deb didn’t want to hike up the 604 steps of the AT Approach Trail at the falls, we hiked down to the visitor center to hike up the East Ridge Trail, the other AT Approach Trail. There are two plus to this, first we get to visit the visitor center and the second is we get to walk through the “unofficial” AT start line at the “Arch” behind the visitor center. 

The "Arch" the unofficial starting line for the AT.

Deb & I under "the Arch."

Another view of "the Arch."

The Georgia AT stone.

I have talked about it before, but the East Ridge Trail is a one-mile dirt path which switchback up the first half and then follows a now somewhat washed out road bed for the second. I have to say near the top where some of the vista spots area has gotten pretty rough and needs some maintained. 

Start up the East Ridge Trail.

The "Alien or Dragon" tree.

Deb crossing footbridge.

Starting up the road bed.

This part of the trail was rough!

There are about four spots where you got great views of the mountains and the valley below (you can see the parking area at the visitor center from here). When you crest the top there it is another 3/10 of a mile up to the lodge. This trail always seems to get the best of Deb.

View from one of the vista spots...

...you can see the parking at the visitor center...

...nice!

AT logo.

On to...

...the lodge.

Before we headed down to the ATKO activities we first visited the gift shop and then sat out on the deck which had a wonderful view of the mountain ridge that includes Burnt Mountain, Sassafras Mountain and Mount Oglethorpe. 

The southwest vista...

...on the deck at the lodge, beautiful!

The communication towers of Mount Oglethorpe

After enjoying the view it was to the first floor for the ATKO. We first went to the vendor room where there were booths including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC), Hike Inn, Top of the Georgia Hostel & Hiking Center and Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel & Outfitters. Also David “AWOL” Miller, author of the yearly The AT Guide one of the best trail resource books and good old Gene Espy, who spoke earlier in the day.

View of the vendor room

GATC was just one of the many groups there.

We then headed for the seminar with Kim DeLozier and he talked about bears and a lot of facts about them. He talked about bear safety, how to avoid conflict with black bears, the dangerous they can poise and how general knowledge on encountering these amazing animals. He also told some stories that are in his book including my favorite the adventures of Bear 75. It was great hour and I then got to meet him afterwards and get him to autograph my book. Oh, we also got an appearance from the resident Great Horned Owl Zeus, he is so cool!

Kim DeLozier talking about...

...these guys.

Zeus!

A course on the trip back we went down the 604 steps and past one of Georgia’s greatest treasures, Amicalola Falls. As I have said here, this 729-foot wonder is head and shoulders the best waterfall in the Peach State. This is my sixth trip to view it and I am still amazed by it. Trust me if there is one waterfall you must see this is it. 

Headed to the Top of the Falls.

A beautful Hemlock.

One of the old signs at the Top of the Falls.

Little Amicalola Creek.

The vista at the Top of the Falls.

Looking down at the Reflection Pool.

Start of the stairs down...

...425 steps to the middle footbridge.

You can only get these views of the falls without leaf cover.

The "spongy" trail to the West Ridge Parking Area.

The mighty Amicalola Falls!

Looking up at the Top of the Falls.

Under the middle footbridge.

Long panorama.

Part of the falls at...

...the bottom viewing deck.

With the falls...

...Deb too.

Panorama of the falls & stairs.

This rock at slid onto the trail.

Little Amicalola Creek heads down.

More water.

Deb lost in thought.

The bottom of the falls at the Reflection Pool.

Looking back up at the Top of the Falls.

One last look at the creek which helps create the splendor of the falls.

Overall it was nice being at the ATKO, I just love the hiking vibe that this gathering has and it was a good way to usher in spring and the new hiking season.

Time to leave...by Amicalola Falls & ATKO.