The vernal equinox marks the first day of spring. In 2012, the equinox occurs on March 20, right in the middle of the NOrthBOund Thru Hiker kickoff season at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The second-annual Spring on Springer Dahlonega Trail Fest, March 16-18, will celebrate the town’s designation as an AT Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as well as Dahlonega’s position as the trail’s southern gateway.

The Trail Fest will include camping, speakers, films, music, shuttles to Springer Mountain and Amicalola Falls, equipment vendors, and workshops on such topics as safety, camping techniques, and equipment. Fun trail related activities such as a 5k trail run, canoeing/kayaking, guided hikes, and local tours will be held as well as kid-friendly outdoor activities.

The speakers at this year’s Trail Fest include authors and well-known hikers Warren Doyle, Gene Espy, Paralee Dawson, Sandra Friend, and Johnny Molloy. Special presentations of the following films will include: TREK: A Journey on the Appalachian Trail and Walking the West: Hiking 2600 Miles from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Trail Fest will be a fun-filled weekend celebrating Dahlonega’s Trail Community designation, the importance of the Appalachian Trail to Dahlonega and Lumpkin County, the significance of Dahlonega to the many users of the AT, and all aspects of responsible use of the north Georgia forests for recreation.

For additional information and details, check the Trail Fest website at www.dahlonegatrailfest.org or contact Tom Lamb, Chairman of the Dahlonega Trail Fest at (706) 867-9742 or tlbam3@windstream.net.