Hawk Mountain Shelter: A Landmark Stop on the Appalachian Trail

62 reviews

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Atlanta, GA 30301, USA
+1 404-494-0968
webSite

Hawk Mountain Shelter Introduce

Welcome to Hawk Mountain Shelter, a key point of interest within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, located on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Atlanta, GA 30301. You can reach them at (404) 494-0968 or +1 404-494-0968.

Hawk Mountain Shelter is a significant landmark for hikers on the Appalachian Trail, particularly those starting their journey from Springer Mountain. It often serves as the first overnight stop for hikers heading towards Maine. The shelter is situated approximately 0.5 miles off the main trail, and access to it involves traversing challenging terrain, including multiple gaps with significant elevation changes. The shelter offers essential amenities for hikers, though visitors should be aware of potential noise from a nearby ranger training area.

Key Features and Services:

Appalachian Trail Landmark: A common overnight stop for hikers starting from Springer Mountain.
Double-Decker Shelter: Provides a double-decker sleeping area.
Amenities: Includes a privy, fire pit, multiple tent sites, picnic table, bear cables, and bear boxes.
Water Source: A nearby water source is available.
Trail Access: Located about 0.5 miles off the Appalachian Trail.
Challenging Hike: Access involves hiking through gaps with significant elevation gain, such as Gooch Gap, Horse Gap, and High Tower Gap.
Ranger Training Area Nearby: Distant automatic gunfire and occasional helicopters may be heard due to the proximity of a ranger training area.
Winter Access: Icy conditions can make access roads difficult, requiring additional hiking to reach the trailhead.

Customer Testimonials Highlight:

Hikers consider it a significant landmark on the Appalachian Trail.
The shelter is well-equipped with amenities like a double-decker sleeping area and bear boxes.
The hike to the shelter, while challenging, is considered a rewarding experience.
The proximity to the ranger training area may result in noise disturbances.
Winter conditions can add challenges to accessing the trailhead.

Hawk Mountain Shelter provides essential amenities for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. However, hikers should be prepared for a challenging hike to reach the shelter and be aware of potential noise from the nearby ranger training area. The shelter serves as a crucial point for those undertaking the long journey along the Appalachian Trail.

Location

Georgia Union County Atlanta Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Customer Reviews

4.0

62 reviews

Xavier K

Jan 26, 2025

The hike to Hawk Mountain Shelter from Gooch Gap was my first experience on this trail, spanning nearly 9 miles round trip with over 2,800 feet of elevation gain. This shelter is a significant landmark for Appalachian Trail hikers, as it is often the first overnight stop for those beginning their journey from Springer Mountain on their way to Maine. Our adventure began with an added challenge—due to a frozen road, we had to walk an extra 0.3 miles to reach the trailhead. The icy conditions made the road extremely dangerous, and even 4x4 and AWD vehicles couldn’t manage it safely. Despite the initial setback, the weather was perfect, and the trail offered a rewarding experience. The journey involved crossing three gaps: Gooch Gap, Horse Gap, and High Tower Gap, each presenting its own unique challenges and scenery. The Hawk Mountain Shelter itself was located about 0.5 miles off the Appalachian Trail, adding a little detour to the hike. While the trail was demanding at times, it was incredibly fulfilling. The combination of the crisp winter air, the rugged terrain, and the sense of being on a path shared by so many Appalachian Trail adventurers made it a memorable and inspiring experience.

Anthony P

Mar 17, 2024

Fairly close off the Appalachian Trail. This shelter - Double decker with privy, fire pit, multiple tent sites, picnic table, bear cables and bear boxes. There is a water source. Near to Ranger training area so distant automatic gunfire is fairly common and you may see a distant helicopter or two.

Thad U

Sep 13, 2016

Highly visited shelter, so it's usually pretty trashy. Shelter is small. We always tent a ways away. It does have bear cables and a good flowing spring down behind the shelter. If you're heading north, get water here!! In the dry months you'll be hard pressed to find water until you're almost to Gooch.

Flav Core

Jun 08, 2017

Great place to take a break and get some water. The campground has plenty od camping space available for pitching tents and trees for hammocking. Privy. There is a food container and hang lines nearby.

Nick Dodenhoff

Jun 01, 2020

Plenty of space, easy access to water. People need to pack out what they pack in. All the stuff in the corner of the picture I added us trash. Tent poles, empty gas cans, and random clothing. Do better people, especially when we don't have others to clean up after you.