The Springer Mountain Triple Loop is an easy-to-moderate 13-mile backpacking adventure featuring portions of two iconic trails: the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail in north Georgia. It’s memorable for both beginners and experienced backpackers.

On the first day, you’ll meet your guide at Amicalola State Park, who will guide you on an acclimation day hike at Amicalola Falls State Park. You’ll scale the famed stairs next to the falls, take selfies at the iconic AT Archway, and hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail approach trail. Along the way, you’ll talk about trail etiquette, safety, Leave No Trace principles, tent construction, packing, and navigation skills.

Day two starts at the Springer Mountain Trailhead Parking, where your guide will discuss any last-minute details before you head out on the trail. You’ll hike north along the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails to the Three Forks area along Chester, Stover, and Long Creeks, where you’ll have lunch. After lunch, we’ll hike the one-mile spur for a photo op at Long Creek Falls. Then we’ll head south to the Stover Creek Shelter to set up camp, enjoy supper around the campfire, and get some much-deserved night’s rest. (6.5 miles)

Day three begins after a good night’s sleep in the clean mountain air. We’ll have some breakfast, break camp, and head south along the Benton Mackaye Trail to Owen’s Overlook where we’ll enjoy lunch and a spectacular view. Then it’s on to Springer Mountain and the Appalachian Trailhead. We’ll finish our backcountry adventure by hiking back to the trailhead. (5.5 miles)

Cost

$425

This adventure requires a minimum of 3 pre-paid registrations. The group maximum is 7 persons. (If you have a group of more than 5 individuals, please contact us at info@valiantoutfitters.com for information on one of our Private Backpacking Adventures.

Paid registration includes an hour-long virtual (Zoom) Personal Outfitting Session ($99 value), trail and/or park permits, shuttle between trailheads (if needed), and your guide.

A tip for your guide is not included in the cost.

Accomodations

We recommend staying in Ellijay, GA for the non-trail days of this adventure. Nestled in the scenic North Georgia mountains, Ellijay is the perfect gateway for backpackers looking to explore the Appalachian Trail. With its charming small-town atmosphere, unique eateries, and variety of accomodations Ellijay is perfect for your adventure basecamp.

Gear

You’ll need to bring the following gear. Items designated with * are available for rent (see below). Remember a Personal Virtual Outfitting Session is included with each adventure, so we’ll guide you through any purchases or rentals that you might need. We’ll also send you a printable detailed gear list.

This may seem like a lot of stuff, but the lightweight gear has been specifically recommended so that each person will carry a base weight of 20-25 lbs, but no more than 25% of their body weight.

• Backpack 40-50 liter (Osprey Talon/Kyte 44 or similar)*
• Tent 2 person with footprint (REI Halfdome+ or Sierra Designs Tabernash 2 or similar)*
• Sleeping bag or quilt 40 or lower degree (Kelty Cosmic 20 or similar)*
• Sleeping pad (Klymit Static V2 or REI Flash 3-season or similar)*
• Trekking poles (REI Trailbreak or similar)*
• Water filter (Sawyer Mini or Squeeze)
• Backpacking stove (SOTO WindMaster or MSR Pocketrocket or similar)*
• Freeze dried backpacking meals – 2/3 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners (Mountain House, Backpackers Pantry, or similar)
• Spork (Sea to Summit Alpha Light or similar)*
• Cook kit (MSR Alpine 2 or similar)*
• Butane 2 – 4oz canisters (MSR, JetBoil, or similar)
• One set of outer clothing for hiking (quick dry, wicking, or merino wool; athletic clothing is a good option; avoid cotton)
• One sleeping outfit (cotton is OK for sleeping and relaxing around camp)
• Underwear and merino wool socks for each day
• Footwear (Light weight boots like Merrill Moabs or trail runners are best)
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Lightweight jacket or fleece
• Headlamp (Petzl Tikkina or similar; adjustable brightness and/or red filter option is best)*
• Sunglasses
• Commercial water bottle (Smart Water, Dasani, are compatible with Sawyer water filters)
• Bug spray (Deet or Picaridin is best)
• Sunscreen
• Tooth paste and toothbrush
• Hat
• Medications (Your guide is wilderness first-aid certified and will have a full first-aid kit, but over the counter medications in that list are reserved for emergencies only.)

Rentals (all rental gear meets or exceeds the recommendations made above)

• A la Carte
  • Backpack – $50
  • 2 person tent & footprint – $50
  • Sleeping bag – $30
  • Trekking poles – $18
• Packages
  • Basic – $165
    • Backpack, tent & footprint, sleeping bag & pad, trekking poles
  • Basic for 2 persons – $210
    • 2 backpacks, 1 tent & footprint, 2 sleeping bags & pads, 2 sets of trekking poles
  • Premium – $215
    • Backpack, tent & footprint, sleeping bag & pad, stove, cook kit, spork, headlamp, trekking poles
  • Premium for 2 persons – $270
    • 2 backpacks, 1 tent & footprint, 2 sleeping bags & pads, 1 stove, 1 cook kit, 2 sporks, 2 headlamps, 2 sets of trekking poles

Rentals must be prepaid and reserved at least 2 weeks prior to the adventure.

Cancellations

Cancellations made more than 14 days before an adventure or course are eligible for a full refund minus 20%; Cancellations made 7-13 days before an adventure or course are eliginble for full refund minus 50%; Cancellations made less than 7 days before an adventure are not eligible for a refund.