As of this past weekend the hikers of the Appalachian Trail will have even more to look forward to when they begin their thru hike in the southern terminus of the trail which is Amicalola Falls State Park. The little town of Dahlonega, Georgia that is pretty much the closest town to the state park start of the trail, has recently been named the newest Appalachian Trail community.

If you are an Appalachian Trail hiker you know about Dahlonega and are probably saying, “Well it’s about time that town was recognized properly.” Dahlonega, Georgia has been a friendly town to the AT hikers as well as a key town for hikers that are either starting or finishing their hike for no telling how long. As an AT hiker you have been to this town and understand just what is meant by saying that.

Without Dahlonega the southern terminus of the trail would be very unhelpful to the hikers. This is the only town in the area within a decent drive or walk that has everything a hiker needs. There is a hostel in Dahlonega that is fairly new as well and the people of the town are definitely hiker pro. Dahlonega, Georgia is just a central place for all Appalachian Trail hikers.

Well since Dahlonega has been named the newest Appalachian Trail community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy they have decided to have this year as the first annual “Spring on Springer Trail Fest” celebration. Just like hikers look forward to the annual Trail Days celebration that takes place in May in Damascus, Virginia they can now look forward to the Spring on Springer trail fest every year. Being that it is at the beginning of the trail for NOBO’s is will be so cool to be seen off on your trip.

This year’s fest was held this past weekend, March 18-20, 2011. To date, Dahlonega makes only the fifth community so recognized by the ATC so this is definitely a true honor. Nimblewill Nomad, who most of your true hikers know as a true AT celebrity hiker, was invited to be Keynote Speaker for this first ever event; what a great honor!

So, congratulations to Dahlonega for this long awaited truly deserved honor and congratulations to the Appalachian Trail hiker’s community for a successful step off of the 2011 thru hiking season. Time it right and you will step into Trail Days in Virginia which is scheduled for Friday May 13 through Sunday May 15 this year.