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By Root 563 0

vertical walls of the gorge rise 100ft on either side of the AT, the only trail through the gorge. But the gorge and the 40ft falls can also be shorter hikes – 5 miles roundtrip or 2.6 miles roundtrip. To hike the former, access the blue-blazed Hampton Blueline Trail where I-321 crosses Laurel Fork in Hampton, TN (there’s a parking lot for hikers here). The shorter hike can be reached by taking Hwy 67 in Tennessee from Hampton to Braemar, and USFS 50 (Dennis Cove Rd) in Braemar 3 miles to the parking area on the left. Both hikes use the Appalachian Trail.

Alex Leviton & Victoria Logue

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

The Appalachian Trail runs 2175 miles, from Maine to Georgia. The trail can be accessed in many locations in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina for day or overnight hikes.

DO

Amicalola Falls State Park & Visitors Center

The series of waterfalls in this gateway to the Appalachian Trail are especially beautiful in the fall. 706-265-4703; www.gastateparks.org/info/amicalola; 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA; 7am-10pm

Dahlonega Courthouse Gold Museum

In Georgia’s oldest courthouse is an homage to the first American gold discovery, back in the 1840s. 706-864-2257; www.dahlonega.org; Public Square, Dahlonega, GA; adult/child $4/2.50; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun

Hot Springs Spa & Mineral Baths

Hikers, campers and those just looking to relax can soak in hot spring-fed tubs along the French Broad, or book a massage service. 828-622-7676; www.nchotsprings.com; 315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC; mineral hot tubs $12-40, massage $40-100; noon-10pm Mon-Thu, 10am-midnight Fri-Sun

Huck Finn Rafting

Canoe down the river or join a group tour for adventurous whitewater rafting or inner-tubing trips. 877-520-4658; www.huckfinnrafting.com; 158 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC; trips adult/child from $35/25; 8.30am-6pm

Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi

All your thru- or day-hiking needs in one spot, including mail drops, food and backpacking gear, plus simple overnight accommodations. 888-MT-XINGS; www.mountaincrossings.com; 9710 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA; 9am-5pm Mon-Thu, to 6pm Fri-Sun; hostel per person per night $15

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Whitewater rafting, paddling school and fly-fishing, as well as a full-service outdoor shop. 828-488-2176; www.noc.com; 13077 Hwy 19/74, near Bryson City, NC; guided rafting trips from $38

Roan Mountain State Park

One of the most beautiful spots near the Appalachian Trail, with the stunning Catawba Rhododendron Garden and comfortable lodge accommodations. 800-250-8620; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/roanmtn/; 1015 Hwy-143, Roan Mountain, TN; 8am-4:30pm

EAT

Maple Restaurant

Family-style buffet at the Amicalola Falls Lodge with an enormous Sunday brunch. 706-265-1521; 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA; buffet $5-13; 7am-10:30am & 11:30am-3pm daily; 5pm-9pm Sun-Thu, 5pm-10pm Fri & Sat

Martha’s

It doesn’t get any more organic, free-range or locally grown than the restaurant at Mountain Magnolia Inn. 828-622-3543; www.mountainmagnoliainn.com; 204 Lawson St, Hot Springs, NC; mains $11-29; 5-9:30pm

Smith House Restaurant

Communal tables host diners piling their plates hike-worthy high with Southern favorites. 706-867-7000; www.smithhouse.com; 84 S. Chestatee Rd, Dahlonega, GA; all-you-can-eat adult $15-18, child $8-10, 11am-3pm & 4pm-7:30pm Tue-Fri, 11am-8pm Sat, 11am-7:30pm Sun

Smoky Mountain Diner

Located directly on the Appalachian Trail running through town, with plates of eggs bigger than your whole head. 828-622-7571; 70 Lance Ave, Hot Springs, NC; mains $3-10; 7am-10pm Mon-Sat, to 5pm Sun

SLEEP

Amicalola Falls Lodge

The lodge is a full-service hotel with beautiful views from every room, while the rustic cottages sleep 4 to 10. 706-265-8888; www.amicalolafalls.com; 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA; campsites $25, r $75-200, cottages $80-160

Hot Springs Resort

Varying degrees of creature comforts inhabit a range of cabins, campsites