HardGround

Appalachian Trail

Hiawassee, Georgia · Towns County · Georgia Appalachian Trail Club

Appalachian Trail is a hard hiking trail near Hiawassee in Towns County, Georgia.. The surface is ground. Managed by Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

34.97379, -83.59639

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at Appalachian Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High70°F

Avg Low52°F

Peak Rain Chance34%

Humidity78%

UV (avg)7

Air Quality29 · Good

Today

🌫

Fog

67°/59°

💧 11%🌬 12mph

↑ 6:21 AM ↓ 8:42 PM

Mon

⛈

Violent Rain

72°/59°

💧 11%🌬 13mph

↑ 6:21 AM ↓ 8:42 PM

Tue

🌦

Drizzle

66°/50°

💧 34%🌬 6mph

↑ 6:21 AM ↓ 8:43 PM

Wed

☁️

Overcast

69°/44°

💧 3%🌬 6mph

↑ 6:20 AM ↓ 8:44 PM

Thu

☀️

Clear

77°/49°

💧 1%🌬 5mph

↑ 6:20 AM ↓ 8:44 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail is a hard hiking trail near Hiawassee in Towns County, Georgia.. The surface is ground. Managed by Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
🔦
Headlamp + spare batteries
Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Georgia

Trail conditions in Georgia change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Appalachian Trail?

Appalachian Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

Can I ride a bike on Appalachian Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Appalachian Trail?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Appalachian Trail?

The surface is ground. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Appalachian Trail?

Georgia has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Appalachian Trail?

Appalachian Trail is managed by Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

Nearby

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Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley

Photo: Tobias MrzykHardGA

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