Amicalola Falls

Sorting my gear and lifting my backpack onto my shoulders before stepping through the arch at Amicalola Falls, reminded me of the dirt parking lot of Waterton Canyon and the start of the Colorado Trail. I wondered if I'd forgotten anything this time. I double-checked my pockets for my wallet, thanked my shuttle driver, and navigated around the construction to collect my hiker tag and number: #3330. I started up the 600 steps at Amicalola Falls feeling rusty, my backpack heavy and awkward.

The first day passed quickly. I met only two other hikers. On the approach trail, within a mile of Springer Mtn — the official start of the Appalachian Trail — I startled a bear that was hanging out by the edge of the trail, hidden behind the dense rhododendron.

The day ended at Stover Creek Shelter, where I set up my tent nearby on a small clearing of dirt beneath the trees. I fell asleep listening to the conversations of hikers, birds, and crickets, and thinking about the miles ahead.