Dawson Co. to lose designation as southern terminus of the Applachian Trail?

CHEAHA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, Ala. - The official terminus of the Appalachian Trail is still in Northeast Georgia - in Dawson County - but if some groups get their way that could change.

The Appalachian Trail now joins the Pinhoti Trail, an Alabama footpath. Hikers can hike more than 2,500 miles from Alabama up to Maine on the trail.

Backers hope to get the Alabama extension recognized as the official southernmost point on the Appalachian Trail but Congress would have to act to make that a reality.

Right now, the Appalachian takes about six months to hike. The Pinhoti connection is estimated to add an additional month to the hike.

The Appalachian's founder, Benton MacKaye, envisioned the trail that would stretch from Maine to Birmingham, Ala.