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) February 27 - March 1, 2026
A complete schedule for the weekend is still under-development and details are subject to change.
An annual event that has been held the first weekend in March for over 20 years, the rebranded
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 new
Visitor Center.
Throughout the entire weekend from 8:00-5:00pm, 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 2026 thru-hike, gets the highly prized hang-tag, and
gets their photo at the iconic Arch.
Speakers
AT Gateways provides education and information for those who have an interest in the Appalachian Trail. Whether you are a backpacker or day hiker, thru hiker or section hiker, or just someone who in interested in the history and experience of the trail, you are sure to find a presentation to enjoy.
We are already hard at work putting together a wonderful slate of speakers including AT historian, hiker and trail maintainer, Mills Kelly, hiker and physical therapist, Dr. Greg Patterson, author and former Ridgerunner, Collin Chambers and ATC Southern Region Manager, Franklin Tate. Look for a full schedule of speakers to be published in February.
Have a great story to tell? Want to share your expertise with the hiking community? Send an email to ATGateways@Georgia-ATClub.org with a summary of your presentation and contact information.
Saturday, March 1st 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.
Vendors
The vendor area at AT Gateways provides a wonderful opportunity to explore both large and cottage gear companies, trail organizations, authors and other creators making products for the outdoor community.
Past Vendors Have Included:
ALTRA, Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Bead by Bead Adventures, Benton MacKaye Trail Association, Carpenter Woodworks, Currahee Outdoors, Earl Shaffer Foundation, Etowah Outfitters, GearLab, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Goosefeet Gear, JB Handmade Jewelry, Jolly Gear, Kindred, Lazy Hiker Brewing, Lightheart Gear, Marion Outdoors, Miss Janet, Mountain High Outfitters, On Running, Outdoor 76, Public Lands Kennessaw, Quarter Way Inn, Author Kip Redick, Author Karen Rutter, Sawyer Products, The Trailhead Lodge, Author John Turner, Tye Crossing and Zpacks.
Email us at naturalist@amicalolafallslodge.com to get more information about becoming a vendor for 2026.
