One possible origin was that it was named in honor of William G. Springer, an early settler appointed in 1833 by Governor Wilson Lumpkin to implement legislation to improve conditions for the Indians.

According to the Gilmer County Historical Society, the name was officially changed by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC).

[6] Mount Oglethorpe, the original southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, is located about 14 miles (23 km) south of Springer Mountain.

[5] One way to climb Springer Mountain is from a parking lot on Forest Service Road 42, located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) north up the Appalachian Trail from the summit.

At the peak of Springer Mountain is a bronze plaque with the Appalachian Trail logo, a register for hikers to sign, and a benchmark.

[10] The approach trail starts at the visitor center of Amicalola Falls State Park and is 8.5 miles (13.7 km) in length.