A. T. Gateways ( AT Kick Off ) Feb 27th > March 1st

## February 27- March 1, 2026

The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC), in partnership with Amicalola Falls State Park, will be hosting A.T. Gateways, formerly known as the Appalachian Trail Kick Off (ATKO) the first weekend in March, February 27-March 1, 2026.

Amicalola Falls State Park is the Gateway to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and its southern terminus. In turn, the AT serves as a gateway for so much: inspiration, health, knowledge, stewardship. AT Gateways is a celebration of the Appalachian Trail and all the multiple ways it touches people via these gateways. It is a true gateway for all who seek the fellowship of the trail.

An annual event that has been held the first weekend in March for over 20 years, the A.T. Gateways will have something for everyone who loves the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) whether you are an aspiring thru-hiker or just someone who enjoys being on the trail and outdoors. Activities, programs and demonstrations will be held at both the Lodge and the Visitor Center.

This year’s event will kick off on Friday morning at the Visitor Center with the USPS First Day of Issue event debuting the Appalachian Trail stamps. Saturday, spend the day at the Lodge visiting vendors and and attending entertaining and educational sessions. Saturday evening, socialize some more at a cash bar reception at the Lodge. On Sunday, join the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club for some trail work on the AT Approach Trail. Find more information on the ceremony here.

Get your photo at the iconic arch, Saturday, March 1,where you may run into Grandma Gatewood, Smokey Bear, and other colorful characters.

Look for more information at [ATGateways.com ](https://atgateways.com/)

Activities, programs and demonstrations will be held at both the Lodge and the new Visitor Center.

Throughout the entire weekend from 8:00-4:00pm, GATC Trail Ambassadors will be presenting “Start Smart” programs at the A.T. Basecamp, located in the Arch Room of the new Visitor Center. Here is where one registers their 2024 thru-hike, gets the highly prized hang-tag, and gets their photo at the iconic Arch.

Friday night, March 1, will feature a hiker rendezvous for past, present and future thru-hikers and a bit of A.T. history.

On Saturday, from 9:00-5:00pm, select vendors will be at the Lodge with gear and trail related information, and there will be programs and presentations covering everything from head to toe about hiking the A.T.

Special programs on the animals of Amicalola will be ongoing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There will be “trail maintainer magic” with demonstrations of the tools and techniques needed to maintain the treasured footpath called the A.T. on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to sign-up and participate in a trail work trip on Sunday, March 3.

Sunday, March 3, features trail work trips and a different type of hiking experience!

For Vendor information, contact t.geonis@amicalolafallslodge.com

#### LODGING:

Tent Village
This is the spot you want to be as an aspiring thru-hiker. Tent Village is $20 per night for each tent (max 4 people). Each tent must have a reservation before the 1st of March. Reservations can be made online only here.

Call the Lodge at 706-344-1500 to make reservations for rooms, cabins or regular campsites. The event is free, however, all vehicles must possess a $5 Georgia State Park entry pass (or a Georgia State Annual Park Pass). Visitors must be staying in Tent Village or another park accommodation (cabin, lodge) if staying overnight.

Look for more information at [ATGateways.com](https://atgateways.com/)
They have NOT posted speaker program for 2025 yet, but it will be similar to 2024 that is on the page probably.