We have encountered bears on the trail before. Typically, they are timid. Key is to not startle them, or get between a mother and her cubs. Be loud hikers, talk or make noise from time to time. If you see one, get big, talk calmly and loud, perhaps clap your hands loudly a couple times. Slowly back away, don’t turn and run. Take an air horn or bear spray for more security. I carry bear spray and haven’t had to pull it out, let alone use it. Just a piece of mind thing. I have heard that small bursts of air horns work just as well as a deterrent for a bear.
Hope you have a great time. Let us know how it goes! Also forgot to mention don’t look or stare them down in the eye. Break direct eye contact by moving your head.
I see from your pictures you have also been to the LeConte Lodge. How would you compare the hike and facility to LeConte Lodge. I have been to LeConte several times but never to the Len Foote Inn.
It is hard to beat LeConte. So many great views (Especially from Cliff Tops at sunset.). The hike to LeConte is more challenging, with more views and the GA heat can be a bit miserable. I like Len Foote and would go back. Not as rustic of an experience as LeConte but the amenities are better and they do have evening presentations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. It was cool to hike the approach trail to the AT and check out the Southern Terminus of the AT. But the views from Springer Mountain are a bit anti-climatic. In my opinion it is worth a trip. Amicalola Falls are a spectacular sight as well. We would like to stay there again for one night, and then leave and do a section hike from Springer to Neels Gap.
@@BushesOnTheTrail Thanks for the insight. We have a group of six guys going and we are all in our 60's now. We've done a fair amount of hiking and kayaking over the last 30 years but a couple of us are slowing down a bit. I still hike up to the LeConte Lodge every year with another group but some would not want to so Len Foot looked like a good middle ground for them. We are staying two days in early March and several of us plan to hike over to Springer the second day. Is there a restaurant at Springer Mountain or should we pack a lunch?
Sorry for the delayed response. I didn’t get the notification on your reply. Anyway, there is nothing on Springer Mountain. The views are not as epic as on other peaks along the AT as well. So bring food and water for anyone going to Springer.
Thank you so much....Your video is helpful as I'm hiking this weekend coming up....
Glad it was helpful! I am sure you will have a blast! Happy Trails
Great video! We have been several times and will be back in April. Always a fun adventure!
Thank you! We love it there and hope to go back soon. Hope you have a great trip. Let us know how it goes.
Great video 👌🏾
Its a great place to visit. Considering going back for a winter hike and stay there. With the leaves down, the views should be a little better.
@@BushesOnTheTrail I'm going too very soon we're concerned about the bears though 😕
We have encountered bears on the trail before. Typically, they are timid. Key is to not startle them, or get between a mother and her cubs. Be loud hikers, talk or make noise from time to time. If you see one, get big, talk calmly and loud, perhaps clap your hands loudly a couple times. Slowly back away, don’t turn and run. Take an air horn or bear spray for more security. I carry bear spray and haven’t had to pull it out, let alone use it. Just a piece of mind thing. I have heard that small bursts of air horns work just as well as a deterrent for a bear.
@@BushesOnTheTrail I'll be bringing both, good idea.
Hope you have a great time. Let us know how it goes! Also forgot to mention don’t look or stare them down in the eye. Break direct eye contact by moving your head.
I see from your pictures you have also been to the LeConte Lodge. How would you compare the hike and facility to LeConte Lodge. I have been to LeConte several times but never to the Len Foote Inn.
It is hard to beat LeConte. So many great views (Especially from Cliff Tops at sunset.). The hike to LeConte is more challenging, with more views and the GA heat can be a bit miserable. I like Len Foote and would go back. Not as rustic of an experience as LeConte but the amenities are better and they do have evening presentations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. It was cool to hike the approach trail to the AT and check out the Southern Terminus of the AT. But the views from Springer Mountain are a bit anti-climatic. In my opinion it is worth a trip. Amicalola Falls are a spectacular sight as well. We would like to stay there again for one night, and then leave and do a section hike from Springer to Neels Gap.
@@BushesOnTheTrail Thanks for the insight. We have a group of six guys going and we are all in our 60's now. We've done a fair amount of hiking and kayaking over the last 30 years but a couple of us are slowing down a bit. I still hike up to the LeConte Lodge every year with another group but some would not want to so Len Foot looked like a good middle ground for them. We are staying two days in early March and several of us plan to hike over to Springer the second day. Is there a restaurant at Springer Mountain or should we pack a lunch?
Sorry for the delayed response. I didn’t get the notification on your reply. Anyway, there is nothing on Springer Mountain. The views are not as epic as on other peaks along the AT as well. So bring food and water for anyone going to Springer.