0 miles

Today I tackled the “Approach Trail” and set up camp 3 yards away from the plaque that formally designates the AT’s southern terminus. The AT doesn’t technically commence until one hits Springer Mountain, so today’s hike was all about getting me to Springer (hence the 0 miles).

I put boots to the dirt in earnest around 1:00 PM. My parents (and huskies) kindly escorted me to the trail. This morning we caravanned from just north of Atlanta to Amicola Falls State Park, where I officially registered as the 103rd NOBO through hiker in 2024 (though some/most skip the registration, but I’m confidently in the first 200 or 10%. Even with the milder winter, it’s a big relief to know I’m well ahead of the hiker bubble.

The time for final goodbyes is always difficult. Separating at the drop-off point recalled parting ways with my parents at Virginia Tech. This was just the peak of the first wave of emotions. Nervousness, doubts, and tension plagued my thoughts in the preceding hours. While backpacking isn’t unfamiliar territory, this voyage requires carrying more weight than my previous trips (~45 lbs) for a dramatically extended timeframe starting in a colder season. I’ve intellectually planned everything out, but would I falter under the load?

Oddly enough, I felt a strong similarity to the challenges I’ve faced snowboarding. Every time I approach a ramp in the snow park, an intangible wall of apprehension stokes the urge to stop in my tracks. When I launch off the jump, it requires me to act in spite of the inhibitions and commit to the leap of faith. I was in a similar state of mind today. I resolved to just get to Springer Mountain by nightfall and worry about tomorrow when it comes.

Going up the first foothill alerted me to how woefully difficult the journey will be. The negative emotions were overpowering and seemed to have the upper hand. When I crested that foothill, it was the victory I needed to remind me of all the joys of hiking and lift my emotions. The rest of the day saw me trudging (at times, literally) over Frost and Black Mountains before summiting Springer 7 minutes after sunset.

I got right to work pitching the tent, just in time to get out of the gusty wind. As I’ve been typing this, the pitch is holding up nicely, and I was immediately glad I chose a tent for shelter. I chucked all my gear into the tent, ate a cold meal (too windy to cook), secured the bear canister, inflated my sleeping gear, and slipped inside. Between my clothing and sleeping bag, I’ll be plenty toasty for the night.

Really, I couldn’t have asked for a better day to embark on this journey. Though the 40’s are “cold”, it just requires slightly more layering than typical fall hiking. The threat of rain was strong today, though the storm stopped just south of Springer Mountain and I stayed dry the whole day. While I covered my gear to be prepared for showers, it was an extra challenge that I’m so thankful I didn’t have to face today.

While this post is coming a few days after the last, don’t expect more until next weekend. I figured you’d want to hear about the first day right away, and it looks like signal will cooperate (though you may receive this a few days from now, who knows). A few pictures to share, but they won’t be uploaded tonight.

To infinity and beyond,

Max