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Using This Book

The book is arranged into seven regional chapters: northwest Georgia, north-central Georgia, northeast Georgia, west of Atlanta, central Atlanta, east of Atlanta, and south of Atlanta. Each chapter includes trips arranged roughly from west to east. Each trip is a very specific hike on a trail or series of connected trails. Some areas have numerous paths that can be walked in different sequences and directions, but I have tried to simplify things by making each trip an exact journey. Each trip consists of capsulized summaries, highlights, driving directions, facility information, and the actual hike directions.

Capsulized Summaries

Each trip begins with a capsulized summary that includes the following information: distance and trip type, hiking time, difficulty level, total elevation gain and/or loss, trail uses, best times to hike, agency, and recommended maps.

DISTANCE AND TRIP TYPE

The first figure listed in this section is an estimate of the total hiking distance for each loop or out-and-back hike, including outbound and return journey. The trail mileage for most trips was calculated using a measuring wheel and GPS receiver, but keep in mind that mileages in this book may differ from what you see on trail signs or certain maps. All these different sources can often conflict because they’ve been calculated by different people using different methods over time.

The other listing in this section is the trip type, which consists of a loop, semiloop, out-and-back trip, or point-to-point (or shuttle) hike.

HIKING TIME

This is an estimate of the walking time for the average person for each trip. Estimates are based on walking 2 miles per hour on easy to moderate terrain, and 1.5 miles per hour on strenuous terrain. Hiking times do not include rest stops; your actual time on the trail will vary depending on how often and how long you stop.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Although it’s somewhat subjective, the difficulty rating for each trip is based on distance, total elevation gain, and the type of terrain. The ratings are as follows:

Easy: A relatively short trip with little elevation gain and loss.

Moderate: A trip that requires several hours of walking and/or includes a few climbs and descents but does not cover a great change in elevation.

Strenuous: A long trip covering many miles and requiring several hours. This trip might include steep ascents and descents and great gains and losses in elevation.

ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS

The elevation gain and loss figures are a sum of all the uphill and downhill segments of the hike, including the outbound and return portions of the trip.

TRAIL USES

While all of the trails are suitable for hiking, some are also good for mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, or bringing along your canine companion. The trail use section lists the appropriate uses for each of the hikes. Of the trails that allow dogs, most require that they be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Trips that measure 3 miles or less, and cover easy to moderate terrain, may be marked as being “good for kids.”

Mountain biking is allowed on a few of the trails in this book. It’s a good idea to be alert when hiking these trails, and yield to riders. Some multiuse trails in this book are also used by horseback riders.

Trails labeled for backpacking are good for overnight or multiday trips and have areas along the trail suitable for camping. In most areas other than those classified as wilderness, there are designated campsites. Check with the agency responsible for the area for information about required permits and advance registration.

BEST TIMES

Most trails in this book are suitable for hiking during any season of the year. Fall is a prime season due to favorable weather and attractive foliage. Spring is also popular due to mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Keep in mind that some trails in higher elevations will have better views in winter due to the reduced foliage, but you should take extra caution to be prepared for cold temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot and humid, so be sure to carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

AGENCY

This section lists the government agencies or administrators responsible for the land through which the trails run. They can provide you with information on maps, fees, special guided hikes, educational programs, campsites, facilities, and much more to aid your planning. If you want to contact them or visit them online, see Appendix 3 for their mailing address, location, phone number, and website (if available).

RECOMMENDED MAPS

Some areas, particularly Georgia State Parks, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, provide good trail maps, some of which are available at park offices and some online. Most agencies will also mail a map to you if you write or call them. Good commercial maps are also available from National Geographic Maps, particularly their Trails Illustrated line. Another option is to use USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps with a 1:24,000 scale (2.64 inches on the maps equals 1 mile). Try to get the most up-to-date map possible, because trails are sometimes rerouted. The maps provided in this book were created using a GPS receiver and serve as a general guide.

Highlights, Driving Directions, and Facilities

Just after the summary information in each trip, a highlights section mentions interesting historical details about the area or notable natural features. Each trip includes driving directions from the central metro area of Atlanta and beginning on major roads, such as I-85, I-75, and I-285. Each trip also includes a mention of the facilities, such as restrooms, water sources, and campgrounds available in the trailhead area.

GPS Waypoints

The maps in this book include numbered waypoints that indicate trailheads, important trail junctions, notable natural features, and backcountry campsites. On maps that show multiple trips, the waypoint number is preceded by the trip number. For each waypoint, you will find corresponding coordinates. Each waypoint coordinate includes the latitude, which is expressed in degrees (numbered from 0º to 90º north or south) and decimal-minutes. For example, the latitude for the beginning of the Appalachian Approach Trail is N34º 33.4590'. Each coordinate also includes the longitude, which is expressed in degrees (numbered from 0º to 180º east or west) and decimal-minutes. For example, the longitude for the start of the Appalachian Approach Trail is W84º 14.9581'. Put the latitude and longitude together, and the first waypoint for the Approach Trail is expressed like this: N34º 33.4590' W84º 14.9581'.

The waypoint coordinates for each trip are listed at the end of the trip description for easy reference. Before you go on your trip you can enter these coordinates into a GPS receiver to create waypoints. You can use these waypoints to create a route. As you hike, the GPS receiver will display your location, and also steer you toward each waypoint along the route.

Remember that a GPS receiver should never be used as your sole navigation device. As with any electronic equipment, batteries can fail, making the receiver useless. Carry at least a map (preferably a topographic map) and a compass. Before traveling, take time to learn how to use your GPS receiver properly. You should also learn how to read a topographic map and use it in conjunction with a compass.