Two plaques mark the southern start or end of the Appalachian Trail in GA (depending on your direction of travel).
The original plaque was placed by the Georgia AT Club in 1934, when the trail was created. It is a beautiful Art Deco relief bronze plaque on the summit of Springer Mountain, that reads as follows:
"APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Georgia to Maine
A footpath for those who seek fellowship with the Wilderness
AT
1934
The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club"
The US Forest Service placed a plaque on top of Springer Mountain in 1993. It is affixed to a boulder which has been hollowed out to hold a summit register.
The US Forest Service plaque reads as follows:
"APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRIAL
Springer Mountain Elev. 3782'
Southern Terminus
[Map of AT]
[USFS logo] CHattahoochie National Forest 1993
[AT Logo]"
From The AT Conservancy website: (
visit link)
"Appalachian Trail Conservancy Puts New Official Length of the Appalachian Trail at 2,189.2 Miles
Date Published: Jan 15, 2015
Harpers Ferry, WV (Jan. 15, 2015) – Re-measurements and relocations of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) have brought the total mileage of the footpath to 2,189.2 miles, an increase of 3.9 miles from last year’s mileage of 2,185.3. This mileage is carefully documented in the Trail’s official guidebooks, which include the Appalachian Trail Data Book and the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion. Both books are published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Every year, the latest mileage and shelter information is updated from volunteers who are constantly improving the Trail, with volunteer Daniel D. Chazin of Teaneck, N.J. leading the efforts since 1983. This year, more than half of the changes in the mileage are in southwest Virginia, with 2 miles added to the total following a re-measurement by volunteers.
Increases were also reported in New York-New Jersey (0.1 mile); central Virginia (0.1 mile); Tennessee-North Carolina (1.5 miles); and North Carolina-Georgia (0.2 mile).
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s guidebooks are invaluable planning resources for any Appalachian Trail hiker, whether they are out for a day hike or hiking the entire length from Maine to Georgia,” said Laurie Potteiger, information services manager for the ATC. “These guides contain the latest information from volunteers who measure, maintain and manage the Trail and those who hike it regularly.”
Current editions of official A.T. guidebooks and maps are available from the Ultimate A.T. Store at www.atctrailstore.org or by calling 1.888.287.8673."