Appalachian Trail Day Hike & Trail Magic

This morning a year ago, Jake and I were taking pictures under the AT Approach Trail arch and saying our goodbyes to my parents. It’s crazy how fast this year has flown by!

I remember sitting in the restaurant at Amicalola Falls Lodge trying to force myself to eat something. I was so nervous, but beyond amazed that I was actually about to start something I had been dreaming about since I was twelve!

Jake and both had an amazing adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail and in honor of hitting the year mark, we set off this weekend to visit Springer one more time.

We hiked south .9 miles up Springer from the parking lot, and it was just as I remembered it! It truly brought me back to our first and second days on trail.

After making it to the summit, we signed the trail log and headed back down. Our day had just begun. Next stop – trail magic!

We made made a long leisurely drive around the Georgia mountains so we could drive through Hiawassee and Franklin. Once we hit Franklin, NC it was time to decided where we wanted to set up our trail magic.

I remembered how beautiful the views were on top of Wayah Bald and how long the climb was from Winding Stair Gap, so we headed up the windy back roads to the Way Bald Stone Tower parking lot.

We timed it perfectly! We were able to feed and talk with 20 hikers! I loved it and felt so rewarded that I was able to give back in a small way for all the kindness I received on  the Appalachian Trail.