Hike: BMT – Whigg Meadow to Beech Gap, leaving Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. Moderately strenuous with elevation gain of up to 2000 feet. THIS HIKE IS OPEN TO DOGS AND TO MEMBERS OF BOTH THE BMTA AND CHC. This 4.8-mile section of the BMT will start at Whigg Meadow (~5000’ elevation) with its expansive views and will follow the BMT north to Mud Gap then along the state line ridge all the way to Beech Gap. With minimal tree foliage, the views should be fantastic with the majority of the winter should be behind us. There are quite a bit of ups and downs, so expect to get a good workout. What to bring: Lunch, water, your dog on leash. After the hike, we will have to retrieve vehicles up on the Whigg, then we can go to Tellico Plains for dinner possibly at the Ironworks Grille right on the edge of the Tellico River. They have outside seating where well-behaved dogs are allowed.

Contact Hike Leaders Rick and Brenda Harris (and Nahme, our dog) at rharris@bmta.org