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 February 28 - March 2, 2025

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 2025 thru-hike, gets the highly prized hang-tag, and
gets their photo at the iconic Arch.

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.

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.

A complete schedule for the weekend is still under-development and details are subject to change.

For more information, contact president@georgia-atclub.org