Approach Trail to Neel's Gap (Shakedown Hike)

1st day of Steve's shakedown hike on the A.T. Was planning to overnight at Amicalola State Park but Michelle (aka "Squeaky") and I arrived early in PM after dropping Steve's car at Neel's Gap, so we decided to hike up to the Len Foote Inn to get a head start on the approach trail to Springer.

Was carrying an approx. 50 lb pack. Very hard getting up the falls and to the inn - about a 6 mile hike and about 700 foot elevation change.

Hike Inn was OK, but not nearly as good as the Mt Le Conte Lodge in the Smokies. The "Bunkhouse" was like a jail cell. Food was so-so. Best part was the hot showers!

Trail was dry, well marked, well cleared, but steep, especially coming up the falls. Hi temp about 70 and sunny.