Loops Near Springer Mountain – 4.6, 6.2 and 10.6 miles
There are several loops of varying distances formed by the Benton MacKaye Trail and Appalachian Trail in the first few miles north of the southern terminus of each trail at Springer Mountain, GA. They are suitable for day hikes of moderate difficulty.
Check for the latest trail conditions HERE
Trailheads are at the Springer Gap parking lot on FS 42 and Three Forks on FS 58.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
A Two-Night Backpacking Hike
This is not a hike for beginners, but it is a fantastic hike for middle of the road backpackers looking for a serious challenge. This hike begins with a gorgeous waterfall one mile into the hike, a 268’ suspension bridge at mile nine, beautiful ridge line views all along Toonowee Mountain and year round views on the approach to Wallalah at mile 14. It also answers several questions for the weekender: Am I ready for more grueling distance hikes? Do I have the right gear? Is pack weight a problem?
These 18 miles will really test you! (Experienced ‘packers looking to stay in shape can add another 5.2 miles, ending at Wilscot Gap.)
Plan to arrive at Three Forks with a bit of daylight left on the first day. Since the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye share the first mile before splitting at Long Creek Falls, the goal is to hike beyond the falls, leaving the crowds behind. The next 17 miles are sparsely hiked and easy to enjoy. Give some thought to planning based on your abilities. There are several areas to camp with good water in the first 12 miles. The final six miles to Skeenah Gap are hard miles, with limited water – with about four miles to go, lunch on your final day at the Wallalah Overlook is a backpacker’s delight.
Enjoy!
The trail signs, steps and bridges along this section of trail are provided by generous donors. Make a donation today to help keep the trail in great shape.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
Check for latest trail conditions HERE.
Georgia Loop – 55 miles
This loop is the triangle formed by the Benton MacKaye Trail, Duncan Ridge Trail and the Appalachian Trail. It is described as “the toughest hike in Georgia.” Trailheads include Three Forks on FS 58, Skeenah Creek on GA 60 and Woody Gap on GA 60.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
See Erik Jarvi’s description of the Georgia Loop.
A One-Night Backpacking Hike
This is a great hike for beginners and intermediate level backpackers – but it’s not especially challenging for experienced hikers. The most important thing to keep in mind is to be ‘Bear Aware’. Wildlife is abundant, and it is not unusual to see black bear, turkey, deer AND timber rattlers along these sections of the trail. The South Fork of the Jacks is host to a good population of trout. So, for hikers who may also double as fly-fishermen, pack a 7 ½-foot, three- or four-wt rod with a small assortment of nymphs and terrestrials. Casting can be challenging along the Jacks, as rhododendron grow thick along its banks.
Hikers of all levels will enjoy the remoteness of the hike. Due to the limited access points on Section 8, it is not unusual to go all day and see no other hikers. We like to plan this hike so the second night is spent in camp along the South Fork of the Jacks. There are a couple of absolutely gorgeous campsites on the South Fork and this leaves a short hike for the third day out to Watson Gap — especially nice for those who plan to fish a bit, or spend some time in the water with younger hikers.
As you hike this trail, consider the challenge volunteer trail crew members face as they work to keep it clear and in good shape for hikers. Consider giving back and joining the Georgia Trail Crew. They meet and hit the trail the second Saturday of each month. Check out the Calendar of Events to find out all the details on how you can join them.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
8a-8d Brushy Head Gap to Fowler Mountain
8e-8h Fowler Mountain to Dyer Gap
9a-10a Dyer Gap to Jacks River Trail Dally Gap
Check for the latest trail conditions HERE.
Check for the latest trail conditions HERE
A backpacking excursion with several amazing options, the 27.9 -mile to 34.7-mile journey is mainly downhill from the historical Unicoi Gap to the top Buck Bald, ascending to the National Scenic Hiwassee River and passes through a gorgeous limestone gorge. The hike is highly recommended for winter, spring and fall (summer could find it alive with mosquitoes).
A word of caution: if rains have been plentiful, the creeks can become impassable on foot.
10.3-miles with Buck Bald Option (9.5-mles without the Buck Bald Option)
Unicoi Gap is near the TN / NC state line and is a site on the historic Unicoi Turnpike Millennium Trail. The trail spanned the Cherokee Nation reaching from Savannah to the Little Tennessee River. It is said to have been in use for 1,000 years. The historic path has had various names. In 1812, it became a 12-foot wagon road with a tollgate called the Unicoi Turnpike. After the Cherokee Removal, it became known as a segment of the Trail of Tears. Much of the trail now is the Joe Brown Highway, a mostly unpaved road leading to Murphy, NC.
Follow the BMT along the ridge crest 3.6 -miles ‘til it crosses Buck Bald Road FS 113 where you’ll find your first scenic option — Hike 0.8 round trip to enjoy exquisite panoramic views of the mountains in the distance. Continue downhill on the BMT, crossing TN68 and on to the intersection with the Unicoi Mountain Trail, gently ascend the ridgeline — then downhill to the wooden bridge crossing Coker Creek. The trail continues into primitive established campsites (no potable water or toilets!).
5.8 –miles, up to 11.8-miles, depending how far you travel to view Coker Creek Falls
The day begins with the option to follow the moderately difficult Coker Creek Falls Trail along Coker Creek (leaves right from the campsites). You’ll be rewarded with beautiful whitewater cascades and low falls. In the spring, wildflowers abound. In the summer months, be sure to bring a swimsuit so you can cool off in the creek. A moderately difficult trail, round trip to the Coker Creek picnic tables would be six miles. When you return to the campsites, follow FS 228 left ‘til the BMT trail turns left into the forest. Switchbacks will take you across Loss Creek, Wildcat Creek and Towee Creek. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of distant mountain ranges as well as of the Hiwassee River, one of the most gorgeous rivers in the Appalachians. There are several primitive LNT campsites along the route — especially where the trail crosses Wildcat and Loss creeks.
5.4 plus-miles, depending on the campsite that was chosen for second night
Begin your day with an ascent to a high point on the ridge and then descend to follow the John Muir Trail (JMT) along the edge of the Hiwassee River. The JMT is named in honor of John Muir’s Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf that he took in 1867. Your trek will take you down an old roadbed lined with beautiful rock formations. Depending on the season, you’ll be joined by other outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the Hiwassee River – rafters, kayakers, canoeists, fishermen – not to mention other hikers. As you pass through the community of Reliance, you’ll notice several old buildings, including the historical Webb Brothers Store. Turn left just past the historical community building and walk down the dirt road under the railroad trestle. Camping is available at Hiwassee Outfitters which offers the option to explore the river further by renting a watercraft.
8.0-miles roundtrip hike to Lost Creek or 4-mile overnight and back
This section of the BMT parallels a deep limestone gorge with lovely small waterfalls. During the summer months, you can cool off with a quick dip in the creek. Follow the trail across Little Lost Creek and continue the old logging road ‘til you reach the Lost Creek Campground with campsites and picnic tables (minimal amenities).
Become a Member of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association – details HERE
Upper Bald River Wilderness Loop
Begin at Campsite 11 (near the start of Brookshire Creek Trail) along Bald River Road. After hiking for about two miles up along the Bald River on the Brookshire Creek Trail, you’ll turn right at the BMT signpost uphill along Brookshire Creek to Sledrunner Gap, about four miles further up the trail. There are several crossings of Brookshire Creek and the Bald River which, depending on water levels, might require water shoes.
Just before the Bald River / Brookshire Creek intersection is a nice waterfall on the Bald River locally known as Upper Bald River Falls. Just past the intersection is a crossing of Brookshire Creek just before it joins the Bald River with a small eight-foot waterfall. The pull up the Brookshire Creek Trail to Sledrunner Gap along the BMT is a long uphill haul, but there is a nice campsite about two thirds of the way up right along Brookshire Creek.
When you reach Sledrunner Gap, the trail to the left will take you to Beaverdam Bald after about a half mile. The trail to the right is the BMT and crosses over several peaks in a generally downward direction to Sandy Gap after about 6.3 miles. From here, I recommend the backpacker continue on the BMT straight ahead to Six Mile Gap, then right to Waucheese Bald (total distance about 2.5 miles) to a great place to camp on a big open grassy bald. Water is available about a half mile down the road where the road takes a sharp left or you can bring water up from the spring near Sandy Gap a short ways down the Kirkland Creek Trail.
The next morning, return from Waucheesi Bald to Sandy Gap, then take the Kirkland Creek Trail downhill for 4.5 miles to several crossings of the creek — then a crossing over the Bald River, all without bridges. Just past the Bald River crossing, you’ll reach Bald River Road. Turn right and go a short distance back to your car.
This is a challenging section of trail to maintain for the volunteers with the Benton MacKaye Trail Association Tennessee trail crew. They are always looking for a few good trail warriors to work this section. The Tennessee Trail Crew regularly goes out the fourth Saturday of each month. Go to the Calendar of Events to find all the details and plan to join the crew.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and additional details:
Check for latest trail conditions HERE
A One- or Two-Day Backpacking Hike in Tennessee and North Carolina
Miles from traffic noise, a high elevation open meadow with a clear view of the eastern horizon offers you the opportunity to experience one of the most unique topographic features found only in a very few places in east Tennessee.
Your “in and out” hike begins at Beech Gap on the Cherohala Highway at the Tennessee / North Carolina state line. At Cold Springs Gap, take Trail 54A on the right, the Bob Bald Connector to Bob Stratton Bald and beyond to The Hangover.
This is a moderately easy hike except for the brief, but steep, hike from Cold Springs Gap to Bob Stratton Bald – a special backpacking spot where sunrises, moon rises and dark sky viewing will keep you coming back.
Make it a two “nighter” and spend day two on the moderately difficult round-trip hike to The Hangover, a 5160-foot pinnacle with 360 degree views, including a dramatic, one of a kind look at the southern end of the GSMNP. The Hangover is rivaled only by the Smokies’ Mount Cammerer fire tower lookout, noted for its high, unobstructed panoramic views.
This family friendly backpacking adventure is highly recommended for first time backpackers — to see if they really like backpacking. Of the upmost importance … everyone should be old enough to carry their own pack!
As you hike this amazing section of trail, you will quickly come to realize the challenges of distance and access our volunteers face as they seek to keep the trail open and in good shape for your hike. You are invited to help us. Learn more here.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and additional details: Hike to Bob Bald with The Hangover Added.
Check for the latest trail conditions HERE.
A Two-Night Backpacking Hike
Check for the latest trail conditions HERE
Travel six miles on a scenic mountain highway to arrive at one of the most unique trailheads ever … the “Tunnel to Nowhere” / the “Road to Nowhere”. The quarter-mile long tunnel was to be part of a relocated route to Deals Gap for residents of Swain County displaced by the then new Fontana Lake. Environmental issues prevented the rest of the route from being completed.
The 26.5-mile backpacking excursion begins as you cautiously take your first steps into the tunnel’s entrance. Your initial hesitancy quickly is overcome by the appeal of the sunlit forest beyond the darkness. Features along this section of the BMT include a huge boulder field, fragrant pine forest and the now deserted community of Solola Valley.
A great place to camp for the first night is Campsite #61, between the Nolan Divide and the junction of Bull Creek. The sound of rushing water between the two creeks makes for a restful night’s sleep.
In the spring, day two will be a gorgeous wildflower / Rosebay Rhododendron-lined hike along the joint BMT / in-development North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail.
With 360 degree views of the Smokies, including Clingmans Dome, Mount LeConte and Charlies Bunion, Newton Bald is the perfect spot to camp for the final night of your journey.
The last leg of your trek is an easy one — all downhill with a spectacular array of wildflowers in the spring: Harebells, Vasey’s Trillium, Jack in the Pulpit, Foam Flower, Hepatica, Crested Dwarf Iris, Showy Orchis and the rarely seen Umbrella plants.
Your journey ends at the site of a once thriving lumber community — now the Smokemont Campground.
Become a Member of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association – details HERE.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
22c – Lower Noland Creek Trail
Southern Loop: Springer Mountain to Sassafras Gap – 367 miles
This is the southern loop of the big figure eight formed by the Benton MacKaye Trail and Appalachian Trail. The Benton MacKaye Trail / Appalachian Trail intersection at Sassafras Gap is shortly after each trail enters the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are numerous trailheads on either the Benton MacKaye Trail or Appalachian Trail on this loop.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
Hiking Project – Benton MacKaye Trail Once on this page, scroll down to “Hike Sections” & select the section you want to research.
Northern Loop: Sassafras Gap to Big Creek – 154 miles
This is the northern loop of the big figure eight formed by the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Appalachian Trail. It is entirely within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access on the Appalachian Trail is from Fontana Dam, Newfound Gap and Big Creek. Trailheads on the Benton MacKaye Trail are at the Twentymile Ranger Station, Noland Creek, Smokemont, Round Bottom and the Big Creek Ranger Station.
See REI: Hiking Project for map and further details:
Note: this multi-trail loop hike is entirely in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and requires a back-country permit. Go to Backcountry Camping – Backpacking – Permits Required
Figure Eight: Springer Mountain to Big Creek – 521 miles
This lopsided figure eight is formed by the Benton MacKaye Trail and Appalachian Trail between their southern terminus at Springer Mountain and the northern terminus of the Benton MacKaye Trail at Big Creek, where the Appalachian Trail leaves the Smokies. Between these points, the Benton MacKaye Trail covers 287 miles while the Appalachian Trail covers 234 miles.
Hiking Project – Benton MacKaye Trail Once on this page, scroll down to “Hike Sections” & select the section you want to research.
Other Long-Distance Trails Intersecting the Benton MacKaye Trail
Although not forming loops with the Benton MacKaye Trail, the following long-distance trails also intersect the Benton MacKaye Trail and can be combined with it:
Pinhoti Trail in Section 2 and
Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Section 21.
Go to Facebook – Benton MacKaye Trail Hikers, ask to join and then post your pictures and stories here.