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Thru Hikers’ Guide to the

Benton MacKaye Trail

Lookout Rock

The Trail Overview

The Setting:

With its glorious ridgeline views and the innumerable crossings of mountain streams, the almost 300-mile-long Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) comes by its reputation for beauty honestly. Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the BMT has some of the most varied and abundant wildflowers of any temperate climate forest in the world – and — the variety of tree species is second to none.  Whether it’s the creek-side trilliums in the spring, the red-orange of the fall sugar maples at the higher elevations or the unmatched 360 degree views in the winter, the BMT is a visual treat any time of the year.

The BMT traverses 81.8 miles in Georgia and 205.8 miles in Tennessee / North Carolina. This includes 93 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the longest trail in the Smokies. Also known for its remoteness, a third of the trail lies in Wilderness areas where vehicular access and motorized tools are prohibited. Here, the hiker finds true peace and solitude.

A Quick Route Summary:

The BMT shares its start on Springer Mountain with its elder sibling, the Appalachian Trail (AT).  The views south and west from Springer are superb. The two trails, interwoven at first, intersect four times in the BMT’s first seven miles before going their separate ways at the spectacular Long Creek Falls.

With multiple BMT / AT intersections as well as Springer Mountain and Long Creek Falls, these first miles are a day-hikers dream!

After Long Creek Falls, the BMT heads north to cross the Toccoa River on the iconic Swinging Bridge before turning west to traverse numerous summits in the 2500 to 3500 foot range, passing Fall Branch Falls enroute to the Cohutta and Big Frog Wilderness areas and finally crosses into Tennessee at Double Spring Gap.   Dramatic crossings of the Ocoee and Hiwassee rivers are a prelude to the trail’s ascent to the boundary ridge between Tennessee and North Carolina near Sandy Gap and some of the best 360 degree views along the trail.

One hundred eighty miles after they parted ways at Long Creek Falls, the BMT and AT meet again near Fontana Dam as they approach the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once into the Smokies, the BMT follows a course close to Fontana Lake with superb lake-side camping (permit required) before climbing to the top of Mount Sterling (at 5842 feet the BMT’s highpoint) and then descending to Big Creek — the trail’s northern terminus.

This magnificent trail remains open year round, in part, due to the diligent work of volunteers. BMTA volunteers remove downed trees, clear overgrowth vegetation and repair the trail’s tread. After you enjoy a hike on the BMT, join BMTA’s volunteers on one of our Saturday work trips. To learn more, go to Volunteer

Planning a Thru Hike?

Please contact us with your name(s), phone number, email, start date, anticipated end date and whether you are hiking North Bound or South Bound. As you go, consider posting your pictures and stories on Facebook, Benton MacKaye Trail Hikers or on Instagram. We will enjoy following you and may just see you on the trail!

Once you have completed a thru hike go to Completion Report & Request for Listing.

A QUICK ROUTE SUMMARY

Benton MacKaye Trail

Overview Map

Resupply Strategy for Long Distance Hikers 

Food, Bunkhouses, Hostels, Cold Beer, Air Conditioning, Electricity, Showers and more…..

The following is a list of services along or near the trail. Our list includes everything from lodging to places to eat, resupply locations and much more. The list below does include contact information, but because phone numbers, website links and email addresses often change, we cannot guarantee our information is up-to-date. The Benton MacKaye Trail Association is constantly working to identify businesses and services along or near the trail that may enhance your hike experience.

As you plan your thru-hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail please consider doing the following:

  • Obtain the Benton MacKaye Trail Thru-Hikers Guide, 2020-21 Edition by SGT Rock & Kanga, available at the Benton MacKaye Trail Store.
  • Sign Up for Benton MacKaye Trail News, Updates and Announces.
  • Join the Benton MacKaye Trail Association. Membership Information Here.
  • Volunteer on a Trail Work Day. Volunteer Information Here.
  • Check for the latest trail conditions Here.
  • Contact in advance, each business you plan to rely on during a hike and be aware that some businesses are seasonal while others have limited off-peak hours of operation.
  • Be sure to confirm necessary details such as shipping address, operating hours, services and supplies available as well as the payment methods accepted.
  • So that future hikers also will be welcome, show your appreciation and be polite and respectful toward these service providers.
  • To help us keep our information up-to-date, please contact us with any corrections, additions or suggestions.
  • Mail Drops 

    Mail drop packages should have the hiker’s name and “Please hold for BMT Hiker” written clearly on the package. Many establishments will ask you to write your estimated date of arrival on the package as well. You should be prepared to show a picture ID to claim the “drop boxes”. For complete details on mailing packages for resupply, see page 11 in the Benton MacKaye Trail Thru-Hikers’ Guide, 2020-21 Edition by SGT Rock & Kanga available at the Benton MacKaye Trail Store.

    The Pacific Crest Trail Association has excellent information on planning for resupply – see link below.

    Pacific Crest Trail Association resupply recommendations 

    Note:

    • Mileages are given from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain and assume northbound travel, toward Big Creek. References to “right” or “left” at crossroads use this convention.
    • Use caution when traveling by foot along any developed road.
    • Mileages are from the 2017 Benton MacKaye Trail Data Book available in our Trail Store. You can hike with the Data Book and the information on this page, or you can get the BMT Thru-Hikers’ Guide that has this information listed and also is available through the Benton MacKaye Trail Store.
      When two or more access points are listed for the same resource, the preferred one is asterisked (*). Ex: The Coker Creek Welcome Center and Post Office can be accessed at mile 123.6 (via TN Hwy 68) or at mile 128.3 (via the Unicoi Turnpike Trail and / or Joe Brown Hwy). The mile 128.3 access point is preferred because it is closer (and downhill!). Consequently, it is asterisked.
    • LT = Long Term supplier
    • ST = Short Term supplier
  • Services at Mile 18.5, Georgia Hwy 60, Skeenah Creek 

    Campground with rooms

    Skeenah Creek Campground 

    20 Skeenah Gap Road, Suches, GA 30572

    (706) 838-5500

    Email:  acamping@etcmail.com

    Directions:  Turn left on Hwy 60 (southbounders turn right) and walk 0.5 mile
    Services:  Camping, rooms, hot showers, laundry, vending machine and phone. Please contact them directly for current rates. They do not accept credit cards.

    Facebook at Skeenah Creek Campground

  • Services at Mile 37.5, Shallowford Bridge at Aska Road 

    Restaurant

    Iron Bridge Café and General Store
    8436 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, GA. 30513

    (706) 632-4700

    Email:  IronBridgeCafe@gmail.com

    Directions:  Located on the BMT. The store is across from the Shallowford Bridge on Aska Road at mile 37.5 from the Springer Mountain trailhead.

    Services:  The café, serves breakfast and lunch. It is open Tuesday through Thursday (8 AM — 6 PM), Friday and Saturday (8 AM — 7 PM) and Sunday (8 AM — 3 PM).

  • Services at Mile 46.6, Weaver Creek Road 

    Bed and Breakfast

    Aska Lodge B&B

    178 Calen Drive, Blue Ridge Georgia 30513

    (706) 632-0178 / Text: (813) 477-7320

    Directions:  2.9 East on Weaver Creek Road

    Services:  Owners/Innkeepers Steve and Melissa Gray are ready to welcome you to the North Georgia Mountains. Check website for rates. Call in advance to book. Mail drops are accepted for hikers staying overnight and shuttle to town for resupply. All rooms have a private bath, mini fridge and secure WiFi. A full sit down breakfast is included. No pets or smoking please.

  • Services at Mile 49.6 Appalachian Highway, Hwy 76, GA 2, 5 and 515 

    Various services in Blue Ridge, GA (4.5 miles to right) This BMT Trail Town, has most things a hiker may need.

    US Post Office
    273 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (800) 275-8777
    Hours:  Monday — Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday 9 AM — 12 PM

    Medical Care
    Fannin Regional Hospital
    2855 Old Highway 5, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 632-3711
    Directions:  North 5.0 miles on Hwy76, turn left on West 1st Street and go 5.1 miles.

    Outfitter Stores
    The two “outfitters” in town are clothing stores.

    Lodging
    Americas Best Value Inn
    4970 Highway 515, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
    (706) 632-2100
    No pets.

    Comfort Inn 
    83 Blue Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 946-3333

    Douglas Inn and Suites 
    1192 Windy Ridge Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 258-3600

    Restaurants

    Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta 
    Located in Hampton Square
    140 Progress Circle #1, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
    Wednesday thru Saturday 12:000 PM – 8 PM
    (706) 632-6503
    Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays
    Hiker’s Favorite – Benton MacKaye Trail Association Business Member
     

    The Black Sheep 
    Fine Dining — Located in the Historic Butt House, Circa 1914, in Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia.
    480 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA
    (706) 946-3663
    brandon@blacksheepblueridge.com
    Benton MacKaye Trail Association Business Member

    Village Restaurant 

    CLOSED

    4131 East 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    All-You-Can-Eat Country Cooking

    Blue Ridge, GA has numerous other restaurants including McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Waffle House, Zaxby’s, Subway, Burger King, Trailer Drive In, German Bakery, Italian Market, Blue Smoke Barbecue, China 1, Mesquite Restaurant, Wendy’s, Waffle King, Pizza Hut and Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant.

    Groceries

    Save-A-Lot Foods
    2672 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 632-2201
    L T resupply. 8 AM – 9 PM Daily

    Food Lion
    4295 Old Hwy76, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 258-2223
    L T resupply
    7 AM -11 PM Daily

    Ingles Markets
    5679 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 632-8060
    Departments: Ingles Gas Express · Ingles Pharmacy · Redbox · Starbucks · United Community Bank · Western Union
    Hours:  Closes 11PM

    Walmart Supercenter
    97 Commerce Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    Phone: (706) 632-9500
    Bakery · Deli · Garden Center · Pharmacy · Photo Center · Vision & Glasses · MoneyGram · Redbox · Grocery
    Hours:  Open 24 hours

    Pharmacy
    CVS
    30 Orivin Lance Connector, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 632-8097
    8 AM – 10 PM daily

    Fannin Drugs
    2680 East First Street # 107, Blue Ridge Georgia 30513 GA
    (706) 632-3784

    Walmart Pharmacy
    97 Commerce Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
    (706) 761-0191

    Directions: Where BMT emerges from forest and turns left onto an old roadbed, leave BMT by turning right onto Weaver Creek Road and go 3.7 miles to first stop sign (a T-intersection with Aska Road). Turn left (north) and follow Aska Road 1.0 mile to dead-end stop sign on East 1st Street. Turn left and go 0.25 mile, passing Ace Hardware Store. Turn right onto Access Road at three-way stop sign and find grocery store on right.

  • Services at 49.6 Miles: Appalachian Highway, Hwy 76, GA 2, 5 and 515 -- Various services in Cherry Log, GA 

    Gas Station and convenience store

    Restaurant

    Pink Pig 
    824 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, GA 30522
    (706) 276-3311
    Directions: Turn left (southbounders turn right) and proceed south on 4-lane divided Hwy 515/76 a distance of 1.9 miles to access ramp on the left. (Pass Cherry Log Street at 1.1 mile; ramp is next paved road.) Proceed 300 feet down ramp to road intersection. For Pink Pig, turn left and go 0.1 mile.
    Open Thursday thru Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM

    Groceries

    L&A Corner Grocery Store – CLOSED
    (706) 635-8851
    Directions: (2.1 miles to left), across the street from Pink Pig.
    Monday — Saturday 6 AM – 6 PM. Good Grill! Friendly owners.
    ST resupply possible

    Post Office, Cherry Log, GA (2.4 miles to left)
    300 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, GA 30522
    (706) 635-2705
    Counter service Monday -Friday, 7:30 AM — 4:30 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM — 11:30 AM

    Directions: Follow instructions to last road intersection for Pink Pig, above. For Post Office, turn right and go 0.4 mi to PO on left.

  • Services at Mile 91.7, US Hwy 64, Thunder Rock Campground/Ocoee Powerhouse #3 

    Camping

    Thunder Rock Campground 
    Walk-in campground with tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables. Pay fee per night

    Changes to Thunder Rock Campground Reservations

    Effective October 29, 2021— Eight sites at the Thunder Rock Campground on the Cherokee National Forest are now reservable through recreation.gov. Formerly first-come, first-serve, these sites join the rest of the sites at Thunder Rock Campground in being reservable.

    Additionally, Thunder Rock Campground will now be open until January18, 2022, when it will close for one month for maintenance. The Cherokee National Forest is experimenting with keeping the campground open year-round rather than closing for the winter.

    Thunder Rock Campground is located 1.8 miles northwest of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, just behind TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Nestled alongside the Ocoee River, this facility provides 37 regular campsites and one group campsite.

    Olympic Whitewater Center
    4400 Hwy. 64, Copperhill, TN 37317.
    (877) 692-6050

    Sadly, the Whitewater Center burned down April 26, 2022. The trails are open. Use the Whitewater link above for updates.

    This is the site of the 1996 Olympic Kayak competition.
    Directions: Turn right on Hwy 64 (southbounders turn left) and walk 1.1 mile to Whitewater Center on right.
    Services: Pay phone, water, soda and vending machines. May be easier to find a ride from here. Closed in winter.

    Ducktown, TN — Directions: 7.6 E on Hwy 64

    US Post Office. (423) 496-5467.
    1656 Highway 68 Ducktown, TN 37326.
    9 AM-4 PM Monday-Friday, 830 AM-12 PM Saturday.

    Lodging

    Ocoee River Inn 
    5082 Hwy 64 Ducktown, TN 37326
    (877) 546-2633 5082
    Hwy 64, Ducktown, TN 37326.
    Pet Friendly. Recently remodeled.

    Pharmacy

    Kimsey Pharmacy
    125 Five Points Drive, Ducktown, TN 37326
    (423) 496-5831

    General Retail Stores
    Dollar General
    5084 Hwy 64 Ducktown, TN 37326
    (423) 496-5009
    8 AM – 10 PM Daily

    Family Dollar
    (423) 496-5117
    125 Five Points Drive, Ducktown, TN 37326
    Daily 10 AM — 8 PM.

    Groceries
    IGA
    23 Toccoa Avenue, McCaysville, GA 30555
    (706) 492-3222
    3.5 miles south from Ducktown on TN68.
    Monday — Saturday 7 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 8 AM — 9 PM

    Camping, shuttles, small store
    Raft1 
    4599 Highway 64 West, Ducktown, TN
    (888) 723-8663
    brent@raft1.com or ordusty@raft1.com
    Services: Whitewater rafting company that also services bike riders and hikers. Dusty and Brent offer rafting trips and shuttles to and from Thunder Rock Campground during their season. Tent sites with showers and a small store with snacks and some food. Pet friendly. Mid-March — May and September — December. Open weekends, variable hours. Call ahead. Memorial Day — Labor Day open seven days a week 8 AM — 7 PM. May accept mail drops if you arrange ahead of time at PO Box 80722, Chattanooga, TN 37414.

  • Services at Mile 109.3, Hwy 30 at Hiwassee River Bridge 

    Outfitter, Rafting and Store
    Webb Brothers Store & Float Service (On BMT)
    Box 61, Reliance, TN 37369.
    (423) 338-2373
    info@WebbBros.com
    Open March thru October. Business peaks on weekends, especially warm weather holidays. Directions: Where turning Right (left for southbounders) at TN Hwy 30 on south side of the bridge over the Hiwassee River, walk a few paces into the store. Services: Small store, snacks, sodas, phone land line, electrical outlet. Mail Drop to store.

    Lost Creek Cabins
    328 Lost Creek Road
    Reliance, TN 37369
    (423) 781-1140
    (423) 338-2651
    lostcreekcabinstn@gmail.com

    Cabins and primitive campsites. Mail Drops by prior arrangement only. Send packages to Lost Creek Cabins, 328 Lost Creek Road, Reliance, TN 37369.

    Hiwassee Whitewater and Flip Flop Burgers 
    CLOSED
    179 Tellico-Reliance Road, Reliance, Tennessee 37369
    (423) 338-4987, Bryan Mayhew, Owner

    Directions:  (north side of bridge over Hiwassee River)
    Services: Food, burgers and beer / bunkhouse and showers
    Benton MacKaye Trail Association Business Member

    Outfitter: Clothes and Gear
    Starr Mountain Outfitters, is 12.8 miles from Hiwassee River Bridge
    601 Tennessee Avenue, Etowah, TN 37331
    (423) 781-7695
    Services: Carries backpacks, fuel, hiking clothes, boots and shoes, hammocks, etc.
    Benton MacKaye Trail Association Business Member

  • Services at Mile 110.0, Childers Creek Trailhead

    Store, Deli, Cabins, Campsite

    Reliance Fly and Tackle
    588 Childers Creek Road, Reliance, TN 37369
    Phone: (423) 338-7771
    Services: Cabin, in season weekday $75 / weekend $100. Out of season price varies. Campsite $25 with utilities / primitive $15. Showers available w/overnight stay. Short term resupply, deli food, restrooms, and mail drop with stay. Call ahead.
    Directions: 0.6 West on Childers Creek Road.

  • Services at Mile 130.1, Unicoi Gap on TN/NC State Line 

    Post Office, Mail Drops, Gift Shop
    Coker Creek Welcome Center and Post Office (3.0 miles to left).
    12197 New Hwy 68, Coker Creek, TN 37314.
    (423) 261-2286
    Email: info@cokercreek.org
    Directions: Turn left (southbounders turn right) and follow gravel Joe Brown Hwy to intersection of TN Hwy 68. Visitor center is on corner.
    Services: Call to hold mail drops. Gift shop with very limited snacks, soda machine and pay phone.

    Food (in season) & shuttle services
    Bill’s Pit Stop of Coker Creek
    12150 New Hwy 68, Coker Creek, TN 37385
    (423) 261-2211
    Email: billspitstop117@aol.com

    Lodging

    Coker Creek Village
    CLOSED
    12528 Highway 68 / P.O. Box 96, Coker Creek, TN 37314
    (423) 261-2310 Toll Free: (800) 448-9580

    Directions: 1.1 miles from Welcome Center
    Services: Cabin Rentals.
    Lodging and Store

    Green Cove Store & Lodge
    2870 River Road, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423)-253-2069 or (423) 252-4014
    Email: greencove@gmail.com
    Directions: follow Tellico River Rd 1.3 miles to Green Cove Motel.
    Services: 27-riverfront rooms, in the middle of the Cherokee National Forest alongside the Tellico River. Green Cove Lodge and Store is geared for the outdoor enthusiast. Prices begin at $69. Fire-pits, grills, and gathering areas on property. No Pets Allowed. No Smoking. No Wi-Fi. Call to hold mail drops. Limited groceries and supplies, pay phone, microwave meals and soda machines. Possible shuttle to and from Tellico Plains, TN.

    Note: This area does not have cell service and there is no phone service at the Fish Hatchery. There is a pay phone at Green Cove Store and Lodge.

    Tellico Plains active hikers, Rick and Brenda Harris are willing to shuttle thru-hikers to and from Tellico River Road/BMT crossing to Tellico Plains or to other nearby sites. Rick is on the Board of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association and serves as TN Maintenance Director. He knows the trail conditions well.
    (423) 253-6358 or (513) 260-1184
    Email: HarrisRi@aol.com

    Tellico Plains is 22.9 West on TN 165/Cherohala Skyway or 19.8 West on Tellico River Road.
    This officially designated “Trail Town” has most services a hiker would want.

    Post Office / Mail Drops

    US Post Office
    171 Bank Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-2218
    Hours:  8:30 AM – 4 PM Monday-Friday, Saturday 9 AM – 12 PM

    Tellico Plains Public Library
    209 Highway 165, Tellico Plains, TN 37385.
    (423) 253-6274
    Hours:  Monday 10 AM –7 PM, Tuesday — Friday 10 AM –5 PM, Saturday: 10 AM –2 PM.
    Internet access available. www.tellicolibrary.org/

    Lodging

    Farmhouse Inn
    305 Veterans Memorial Drive, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-3123
    Email: info@tellicofarmhouseinn.com
    Full hot Hiking Breakfast and free laundry included with room.
    We cannot guarantee but will try to return you to the trailhead as availability allows.

    The Lodge at Tellico
    9436 Highway 68, Tellico Plains, TN 37385.
    (423) 253-2506.
    Rooms $99 and up. Shuttle possible. Please arrange ahead of your visit — only available 8 AM –8 PM Laundry service available.

    Restaurants

    Tellicafé
    128 Bank Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-2880
    Email: rich@tellicafe.com
    Monday — Thursday: 11AM – 8 PM
    Friday and Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
    Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM

    Iron Works Grille on the Tellico River
    1641 Cherohala Skyway (Hwy 165), Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-2373
    Email: dmorris360@gmail.com
    Hours:  Wednesday — Sunday, 11 AM to 9 PM

    Tellico Kats Deli & Cafe on the River
    1829 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains TN 37385
    (423) 253-3411
    Email:  tellicokats@hotmail.com
    7 AM – 4 PM Daily, Closed Tuesdays
    (April 1 thru October 31)
    7 AM – 4 PM Daily, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
    (November 1 thru March 31)

    Buckets and Brews at the Outpost Pavilion at Tellico Plains
    123 Main Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 333-6305
    Hours:  Closes 7:30 PM

    Pharmacy

    CVS Pharmacy
    9170 Tennessee 68, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-2823.
    Monday — Saturday 8 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM — 6 PM

    Grocery

    Save-A-Lot Grocery
    9170 Hwy 68, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-3020
    Daily 9 AM – 9 PM
    LT Resupply

    Dollar General
    9170 New Highway 68 # B, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-3977

    Exxon Market
    450 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-6200
    Monday — Saturday 5 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 6 AM – 8 PM
    ST resupply and meals

    BP Minimart
    141 Bank Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
    (423) 253-3303
    ST resupply and meals.

    Other:

    Papa’s Pizza to Go

    Subway

    Tellico Beach Drive-in

    Tellico Grains Bakery

  • Services at Mile 180.3 Tapoco Lodge

    Food and Lodging

    Tapoco Lodge 
    149 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
    (828) 498-2800
    Email: info@tapocolodge.com
    The Benton MacKaye Trail passes through the lodge property. Tapoco Lodge and Tavern are popular with hikers because of their amazing service, great food and especially their cold beer and pizza. Open March 1 to December 31. Inquire about room rates. Accepts mail drops if you have a reservation.

  • Services at Mile 190.1 Side trail to Fontana Village Resort 

    Lodging

    Fontana Village Resort

    The Internet Kiosk in the Fontana Lodge, used for making reservations for camping sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has been moved from the Lodge to the General Store.

    POST OFFICE

    50 Fontana Road, Fontana Dam, NC ZIP 28733
    (828) 498-2315
    Monday – Friday 11:45 AM — 3:45 PM.

    Hikers should NOT send packages to the Fontana Dam Post Office — hours of operation are extremely limited.

    Mail Drops: The Resort is happy to hold resupply packages for hikers. There is a charge of $5 if the hiker is not staying in the village, but free if they get a room. Best for hikers to call the Resort ((800) 849-2258) to verify address, etc.

    Fontana General Store and Hazel Creek Outfitter (828) 498-2211. OPEN 24/7. Expanded selection of hiker foods!

    The shuttle between the Village and the Dam area is in service.

    Coin laundry next to store. CLOSED!

    Hellbender Pit Stop. (828) 498-2211 OPEN and is stocking resupply items.

    The Marina will remain OPEN during the summer with limited services.

  • Services at Mile 192.3 Fontana Marina

    The Hike Inn 
    3204 Fontana Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733
    (828) 479-3677 (landline — no texts, please)
    hikeinn@graham.main.nc.us

    Reached from Fontana Dam — 6 miles east.

    Welcoming foot travelers for 30 years! The Hike Inn is a hikers-only motel and shuttle service run by Nancy Hoch.

    For hikers who have a vehicle with them:  Private room w/bath, TV, WiFi, fridge, microwave and coffeemaker – $65+tax (single hiker) / $75+tax (2-person max). Laundry – $5/load.

    For hikers who do not have a vehicle with them:  Thru/long-distance hiker package (includes private room w/amenities as above plus laundry, dinner/resupply trip to Robbinsville and shuttle from/to Fontana Dam) – $75+tax PP, $55+tax PP if 2 in room.

    Slackpacking options and packages available. Free printing of Smokies permit and free maildrop – for overnight guests only, please.

    Shuttles available – whether you stay with us or not – to BMT trailheads, public transportation terminals and rental car agencies between Atlanta and northern terminus of BMT. Long term parking also available.

    Open March-November. May close periodically from December-February. Please call well ahead during those months.

    Expanded selection of hiker foods!

    Reservations requested, please!

  • Services at Mile 195.8 Entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park.

    Effective March 1, 2023

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park will increase camping fees beginning next year. Parking tags will be required to be displayed on any motor vehicle parked within the park boundary beginning March 1, 2023. Approved parking rates are $5 for a daily parking tag, $15 for a parking tag for up to seven days, and $40 for an annual parking tag. Use of all park roads will remain toll free. Parking tags will not be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park vehicles for less than fifteen minutes. Frontcountry family campsite fees will be $30 per night for primitive sites and $36 per night for sites with electrical hookups.

    Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more Learn more.

  • Services at Mile 229.5, Noland Creek Trailhead, Fontana Road 

    Bryson City, NC — 7.8 East. This is a hard hitch due to low traffic. Bryson City, NC is a bit out of the way for the BMT hiker but it is a resupply option if needed. Bryson City even offers a full service outfitter outside the city.
    Services: groceries, lodging, gear, laundry, library, meals, post office.

    Post Office
    130 Slope Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
    Phone: (828) 488-3481
    830 AM — 5 PM Monday — Friday 10 AM — 12 PM Saturday

  • Services at Mile 254.7, US 441, Smokemont Campground 

    Various services in Cherokee, NC (6 miles to right on US Hwy 441).

    Do NOT mail food drops for your thru hike to the Smokemont Campground!
    Smokemont does have a food lock box for thru hikers.

    Food drops can be left by you personally. You cannot mail them.

    Notes: Cherokee, NC, is a town of moderate size with most services needed by long-distance hikers. Directions:  Turn right (southbounders turn left) and find Cherokee six miles straight ahead on US Hwy 441.
    Services:  Post Office, hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, laundry

    Post Office

    US Post Office
    671 Tsali BLVD
    Cherokee, NC 28719
    Phone: (828) 497-3891

  • Services at Mile 286.2, (TN Hwy 32/NC 284), Davenport Gap, AT Intersection, BMT Northern Terminus 

    Standing Bear Farm Hikers’ Hostel 
    4255 Green Corner Road, Hartford, TN 37753
    (423) 487-0014 or (423) 608-0149 (cell)
    Email: standingbearian@gmail.com

    Directions: From Davenport Gap and junction with the Appalachian Trail, continue North on AT for three miles until junction with Green Corner Road and small creek. Turn left and go 100 yards. We’re on the right. Note: Some maps label Green Corner Road as Waterville School Road. They are one in the same. From I-40 take Exit 451 (do not cross Pigeon River). Continue through stop sign and interstate underpass. Green Corner Road. Graveled roadbed begins after underpass. We are one mile up on the right (first house) From I-40 West, take Exit 451, and turn right onto Green Corner Road.

    Services: Lodging, (Bunk House $25 per person with $5 discount for those willing to do a few chores) See website for other lodging options) Shuttle, Kenneling, Resupply, Mail-drops as well as hammock and tent camping.

THRU HIKERS GUIDE

Wilderness Areas

On your hike along the Benton MacKaye Trail you will touch six wilderness areas including: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is managed as a wilderness area. You will skirt the Rich Mountain Wilderness in GA.

The Cohutta Wilderness straddles the state line between Tennessee and Georgia. That means the wilderness also straddles the line between the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest with about 35,284 acres in Georgia and about 1,746 acres in Tennessee.

The Big Frog Wilderness is an 8,132-acre parcel with about 136 acres in Georgia and approximately 7,996 acres in Tennessee.

The Little Frog Mountain Wilderness, now covered in second-growth forest, encompasses a horseshoe-shaped valley, Pressley Cove. It is formed by Little Frog Mountain on the southeast and Dry Pond Lead on the northwest. Panoramic views are the main attraction atop Sassafras Knob near the northern boundary. The knob is the highest point in the area at 3,322 feet. The terrain bottoms out at approximately 1,200 feet near the Ocoee River, which flows just outside the southern boundary.

The Upper Bald River Wilderness was designated as wilderness in 2018 and it now has a total of 9,038 acres. The Upper Bald River Wilderness is bordered by the Bald River Gorge Wilderness to the north.

The Citico Creek Wilderness is a 16,226-acre wilderness area within the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. The wilderness contains the entire upper drainage of Citico Creek, which consists of the north and south forks and at least eight tributaries.

The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, created in 1975, covers 17,394 acres in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina and the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee, in the watersheds of the Slickrock and Little Santeetlah Creeks. It is named after Joyce Kilmer, author of “Trees.”

Vital Trail Information

  • Trail Length:

    Current official length is 287.6. Approximately 95% of the route is on public lands managed by either the USFS or the NPS. Only 15 miles currently remain as road walks.

  • Trail Type

    The BMT is a backcountry hiking trail. The BMT travels the high ridges but descends to cross seven rivers and numerous creeks. Difficulty is similar to that of the AT. The BMT offers moderately difficult day hikes as well as more challenging backpacking treks and thru hikes. Nearly half the route is on land managed as Wilderness by either the USFS and the NPS.

  • Trail Elevation

    Ascent: 54,682′
    Descent: -56,808′
    High: 5,779′
    Low: 755′
    Grade: Avg Grade: 6% (4°)
    Max Grade: 22% (13°)

    Lowest: 765 feet at crossing of the Hiwassee River in Reliance, TN.
    Highest: 5843 feet at summit of Mt. Sterling in the Smokies.

  • Dog Leash Policy

    Leashed dogs allowed except no dogs allowed in GSMNP.

  • The Blaze

    The official blaze is a white diamond, 5″ across by 7″ tall. (None permitted in Wilderness.)

  • Resupply Points

    For long-distance hikers, see Thru Hikers Guide and Resupply Strategy page.

    Trailheads and Access Points: 16 in Georgia, 24 in Tennessee / North Carolina, and five in the Smokies. See Trail Heads and Access Points for a detailed listing.

  • Shelters

    The BMT is predominantly a tent/tarp/hammock trail. There is a BMT shelter on the Sisson property at mile 50.3. The trail also passes by the AT’s Fontana Hilton and Laurel Gap shelters.

  • Permits Required

    The Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures and more Learn more.

  • Degree of Difficulty

    The BMT travels the high ridge. Difficulty is similar to that of the AT. The BMT offers moderately difficult day hikes as well as more challenging backpacking treks and thru hikes.

  • Water availability

    Generally, not a problem in the Appalachians, though there are a few stretches where water is limited. One stream (at the southern crossing of Georgia Hwy 60, mile 17.9) is not potable.

  • Permitted Uses

    While the BMT is a hiking trail, some segments are routed on local trails with pre-existing horse or bicycle use permitted.

  • Weather

    The BMT is generally open year-round, but hikers should be prepared for extreme weather, especially in the higher elevations.

  • Total Road Walks

    Over the entire trail, approximately 15 miles of road walking combined.

  • Major Intersecting Trails

    The BMT intersects the AT at miles: 0.0, 3, 4, 6-7, 192-195 and connects to the AT at 288; intersects the Pinhoti (GA) at 71; and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at 242-251.

  • Deep Water Fords?

    Several creek crossings but no deep-water fords.

  • Be Bear Prepared on the BMT

    A variety of wildlife exists in the forest — including bears.

    You may never see one on the trail, but if you do, you need to know how to react.

    Better yet, you need to know what you can do to prevent a bear encounter.

    Forest Service Recommendations

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park Recommendations.

  • Crowds

    Known as a trail where hikers can enjoy mile after mile of peaceful solitude, crowds are not a problem. The BMTA has identified an ‘abundance of shelters’ as the primary cause for trail overcrowding and has resolved to honor its charter to keep the BMT as a ‘primitive’ trail by not adding to the number of existing shelters.

    Check for the latest trail conditions HERE.

Hikers on way Bob Bald

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Rich Mountain Wilderness.

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

section hike

Backcountry Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Permits Required

Effective March 1, 2023

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will increase camping fees beginning next year. Parking tags will be also required to be displayed on any motor vehicle parked within the park boundary beginning March 1, 2023. As mentioned above, approved parking rates are $5 for a daily parking tag, $15 for a parking tag for up to seven days, and $40 for an annual parking tag. Use of all park roads will remain toll free. Parking tags will not be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park vehicles for less than fifteen minutes. Frontcountry family campsite fees will be $30 per night for primitive sites and $36 per night for sites with electrical hookups.

Before planning your backcountry trip, please read through this important information about reservations and permits, regulations, bear safety, trail closures, and more Learn more.

Shuttle Services

Benton MacKaye Trail Shuttle Services (Generally South to North with overlaps) Call, text or Email shuttle service providers for quotes and scheduling.

Contact information, websites and email addresses often change as does the businesses service days, hours and services provided. Therefore, we cannot guarantee our information is up-to-date. Always contact the service provider ahead of time. Please let us know of any corrections, edits or suggestions EMAIL US.

A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods
Mostly shuttles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. Limited shuttles south of Fontana Dam.
info@awalkinthewoods.com
(865) 436-8283

Bill Schaaf

Bill Schaaf
Coker Creek, TN
Provides shuttles to BMT trail access points between Thunder Rock Campground (US 64), TN, and Fontana Dam, NC.
billspitstop117@aol.com
(423) 261-2211

Dick Anderson

Dick Anderson
Ellijay, GA
Hiker Shuttles from Atlanta to the BMT, including Springer Mountain, Cohuttas and all BMT points in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Richardjanderson@etcmail.com
(706) 276-2520 home, (404) 408-2524 cell

Eric Sowers

Eric “Voodoo” Sowers
Phone: (706) 455-8775
Email: voodoo.77@yahoo.com
Available most days to shuttle to / from the BMT in GA (as well as the AT from Amicalola to Neel Gap).

Jeff Moon

Jeff Moon
Shuttles to trail in all of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina as far north as Fontana Dam.
Dogs welcome — if notified in advance.
ripplerider8@aol.com
(706) 994-2307
Due to poor cell service area, please text if phone call does not go through.

Jim and Margret DeBernardi

Jim and Margret DeBernardi will shuttle from North Georgia to the southern end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and east to west from Graham County, NC to Athens, TN. They are outfitters and will carry a trunk full of regular and necessary gear for hikers. Shuttles are available year round and they offer guided hikes beginning in May. The DeBernardis will shuttle companion dogs and offer resupply services along the trail as well.
downstreamliving@gmail.com
(423) 333-6350 Call for quote.

Mountain Crossing at Neels Gap

Mountain Crossing at Neels Gap
9710 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512
(706) 745-6095
Open 7 days a week and does trail shuttles in north Georgia area.

Mountain Transport LLC.

Mountain Transport LLC
mountaintransportllc@yahoo.com
(706) 851-9465
P.O. Box33, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Outpost Outfitters and Livery

Outpost Outfitters and Livery
123 Main Street Tellico Plains, TN
downstreamliving@gmail.com
(423) 333-6305, (423) 253-2322
Serves all of Southeast Tennessee and Southwest NC as well as Northwest Georgia.

Raft 1

Raft1
Camping, shuttles, small store
4599 Highway 64 West, Ducktown, TN
brent@raft1.com or ordusty@raft1.com
(888) 723-8663
Whitewater rafting company that also services bike riders and hikers. Dusty and Brent offer rafting trips and shuttles to and from Thunder Rock during their season.

Rick and Brenda Harris

Tellico Plains’ active hikers, Rick and Brenda Harris are willing to shuttle thru-hikers to and from Tellico River Road / BMT crossing to Tellico Plains or other nearby sites. Rick is on the Board of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association and serves as Tennessee / North Carolina Maintenance Director. He knows the trail conditions very well.
(423) 253-6358 or (513) 260-1184
Email: HarrisRi@aol.com

Ron's Shuttle Service

Ron’s Shuttle Service
Ron Brown, Ellijay, GA
Serving Georgia section and some of Tennessee.
Hikershuttles@outlook.com
(706) 669-0919 (cell), (706) 636-2825

Standing Bear Farm (hostel & resupply) Located at Davenport Gap

Standing Bear Farm (hostel & resupply) Located at Davenport Gap
4255 Green Corner Road (Waterville School Road), Hartford, TN 37753
standingbearian@gmail.com
(423) 487-0014 (shuttle calls)
$10 shuttle fee to and from the trail with overnight stay. Inquire about others.
Access: BMT Northern terminus @ Big Creek Ranger Station or AT Davenport Gap @ TN Hwy 32 / NC 284

Survivor Dave’s Trail Shuttle

Survivor Dave’s Trail Shuttle
(678) 469-0978
AT & BMT shuttle service to / from Atlanta and North Springs MARTA station to Amicalola Falls State Park, Springer Mountain (AT & BMT) as far north as Blue Ridge, GA.

The Further Shuttle

The Further Shuttle (The Grateful Hiker)
Donald Ballard and Mary Bastin
Blairsville, GA
indigoskies4u@gmail.com
(772) 321-0905 and (706) 745-3306
Covers from Atlanta Airport through Davenport Gap. Also covers the Appalachian, Pinhoti, Benton MacKaye and Bartram trails as well as the Cohutta Wilderness.

The Hike Inn

The Hike Inn
Nancy Hoch
3204 Fontana Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733
hikeinn@graham.main.nc.us
(828) 479-3677
Free shuttle to and from Fontana Dam with overnight stay; inquire about others.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Shuttles

Several local commercial businesses that have Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) Special Use Permits provide shuttle services to locations where visitor demand often exceeds parking capacity.

Shuttles will pick up and drop off at popular destinations like Alum Cave Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Trillium Gap Trail (Grotto Falls), Rainbow Falls Trail, and Clingmans Dome. Visitors should contact the shuttle providers directly with questions or to book a ride. Routes and schedules vary from provider to provider.

As a reminder, all vehicles parked for longer than 15 minutes anywhere in the park are required to display a valid parking tag. Having a parking tag does not guarantee a specific parking spot in a specific location.

For more information about congestion monitoring in the park, please visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/management/ves.htm.

Shuttles with GSMNP Special Use Permits

AAA Hiker Shuttle – (865) 322-0691             Great Smoky Mountains Eco Tours – (865) 900-5979

A Walk in the Woods – (865)-436-8283      Rocky Top Tours – (865) 429-8687

Bryson City Outdoors – (828) 342-6444     Smoky Mountains Rides – (865)-562-2833

Other shuttle sources

In addition to the shuttle providers listed above, there are others listed on the GATC website who operate in the same general area.  See: https://georgia-atclub.org/hike-the-a-t/hike-the-georgia-appalachian-trail/directions-shuttles-parking.

300-Milers

  • Completed-Hikes of the BMT, the 500-Mile BMT/AT Loop and the 1,000-Mile Challenge to Date
    Hiker Trail Name Hail From Started Finished Direction Type
    John Hodges Hangman Jefferson, NC 10/06/2023 10/22/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Levi Oliver Kratom Killen, AL 2/20/2020 11/15/2023 Northbound Thru Hike/500 mile/Loop/Challenge
    Greg Lester Chudy Winston-Salem, NC 5/1/2021 6/19/2023 Mixed Thru Hike/Section/Challenge
    Rowan Gill Legacy Mendocino, CA 11/2/2023 11/24/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Janet C. Sotola JC Altamont, NY 4/4/2023 10/22/2023 Northbound Section Hike
    Gian Bonello GQ Detroit. MI 11/3/2023 11/14/2023 Southbound Thru Hike
    John Congleton Villa Rica, GA 5/3/2023 5/29/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Harry Mathis Spokes Columbia, SC 10/17/2023 11/10/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Richard Rogers Davenport, IA 10/5/2023 10/21/2023 Southbound Thu Hike
    Bridget Hazel Fierce Flamingo Trenton, SC 2/18/2022 11/5/2023 Mixed Thru Hike 500 mile/Loop/Challenge
    Ivey Smith Kaleidoscope Crested Butte. CO 10/5/2023 10/12/2023 Southbound Thru Hike
    Aaron P LeMieux Doppler Cleveland, Oh 5/8/2023 5/29/23 Northbound Thru Hike
    D’Anne Ducios Dallas Signal Mountain, TN 9/20/2023 10/10/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Deborah Coleman Mona Lisa Lake Mary, FL 9/16/2023 10/7/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Shelley Nuckols Frito Macedonia. OH 5/2/2023 6/12/2023 Southbound Thru Hike 500 mile/Loop
    Paul Nuckols Beyonce Macedonia, OH 5/2/2023 6/12/2023 Southbound Thru Hike 500 mile/Loop
    David J. Scott Tippy Top Smyrna, GA 4/1/2022 4/6/2023 Northbound Section Hike
    Angela M. Grubbs Little Tinkler Alpharetta, GA 4/1/2022 4/6/2023 Northbound Section Hike
    Kathy Anderson Storm Dallas, GA 4/4/2023 4/29/2023 Northbound Section Hike
    Eric Thomas Woodbine, MD 4/3/2023 4/25/2023 Southbound Thru Hike
    Phillip Arnall Blue Ridge, GA 11/4/2016 6/8/2023 Mixed Section Hike
    Joshua Sheets Soulslosher Clayton, DE 4/12/2023 4/28/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Julia Krebs-Moberg Sunshine Asheville. NC 3/15/2023 5/19/2023 Northbound Section Hike 500 mile/Loop
    Angela Morgan Huntsville, AL 6/16/2018 6/20/2023 Mixed Section Hike
    John Thomas Fowler, Jr. Shaggy Atlanta, GA 1/28/2021 5/13/2023 Section Hike 1,000 Mile Challenge
    Rebecca Konieczny West Yellowstone, MT 4/20/2023 5/5/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jennifer Keesler Pine Needle Atlanta. GA 4/2/2023 4/23/2023 Southbound Thru Hike
    Richard Antle Allegany, NY 4/15/2023 5/19/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Ethan Allison Chapin, SC 5/5/2023 5/23/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kevin Allison Chapin, SC 5/5/2023 5/23/2034 Northbound Thru Hike
    Rolf Asphaug Kinnikinnick Centennial, CO 4/6/2023 4/29/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Chris LeBlanc Chickenfat Morrisville, NC 4/1/2023

    10/12/2014

    4/8/2023

    4/8/2023

    Northbound Thu Hike

    500 Mile Loop

    Jim Chevalier San Antonio, TX 3/14/2023 4/3/2023 Northbound Thru Hike
    Rikk Lewis Chief Cleveland, TN 5/28/2020

    7/5/2022

    2/21/2023

    7/18/2020

    7/16/2022

    3/15/2023

    Mixed Section Hike

    500 Mile Loop

    1000 Mile Challenge

    Bridget Hazel Fierce Flamingo North Augusta, SC 8/20/2022

    2/18/2022

    4/9/2023

    4/9/2023

    Southbound Section Hike

    500 Mile Loop

    Sandra Byard Mama Bear Matawan, NJ 10/20/2022 11/8/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Rikk Lewis Chief Cleveland, TN 5/28/2020

    7/5/2022

    7/18/2020

    7/16/2022

    Mixed Section Hike

    500 Mile Loop

    Alan Grubb Buddy Kennesaw, GA 10/25/2022 11/18/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Lily M Gelfars Hastings on Hudson, NY 10/16/2022 10/30/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    George Stuart KJ Chapel Hill, NC 3/5/2022 4/3/3022 Northbound Loop Hike
    Adam Snyder Atlanta, GA 2/25/2022 3/10/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Daniel Koch Zigzag Farragut, TN 10/24/2022 11/14/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Robert Boyle Tuna Roll Pittsburg, PA 10/13/2022 11/4/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Joseph Hall Joe Hikes Warrior, AL 4/2/2022 11/4/2022 Northbound Section Hike

    Loop Hike

    1000 mile Challenge

    James Parker Steps Santa Rosa Beach, FL 9/24/2019 3/29/2022 Northbound Section Hike

    Loop Hike

    1000 mile Challenge

    Maxine Presto Short Stix Bartlett, NH 10/7/2022 10/20/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Mike McCue Salesman Mooresville, NC 5/31/2021 10/04/2022 Northbound Section Hike
    Mathew Born Maryvillle, TN 8/20/2022 9/14/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    William Robichaud Snakebite Sebago, ME 9/15/2022 9/30/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Daniel Anderson Atlanta, GA 5/19/2022 6/18/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Elizabeth Mont Canton, OH 5/19/2022 6/18/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Peter Rohloff Boston, MA 5/2/2022 5/13/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Greg Seymour Sunsets Franklin, NC 7/13/2022 7/30/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Mike Watkins Doc Wats Fillmore, IN 12/15/2021 7/9/2022 Northbound Section Hike
    Greg Dodds DadBod Martinez, GA 5/1/2022 5/22/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Eric Sowers Voodoo Ellijay, GA 5/31/2022 7/6/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Tara Dower Candy Mama Virginia Beach, VA 6/7/2022

    3:01 AM

    6/12/2022

    12:26 AM

    Southbound Thru Hike
    Evelyn Mead Stinkerbell Norfolk, VA 5/19/2022 6/21/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Donovan Mead Norfolk, VA 5/19/2022 6/21/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Benjamin Mead Mouth Norfolk, VA 5/19/2022 6/21/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jonathan Mead Norfolk, VA 5/19/2022 6/21/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Meagan Mead Caboose Norfolk, VA 5/19/2022 6/21/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Brian Mead Norfolk, VA 5/19/2022 6/21/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jesse King Charleston, SC 5/30/2022 6/15/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    David Wilbur Summerville, SC 5/30/2022 6/17/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    John Emberson Johnny Chattanooga, TN 5/8/2022 5/26/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Karen Attaway Cashmere Jasper, GA 9/1/2019 5/21/2022 Northbound Section Hike
    Sjors van Eijsden Dutch Tin Man The Netherlands 3/5/2022 4/13/2022 Southbound Thru Hike

    Loop 1000 mile Challenge

    Erica Notini Spitfire Henniker, NH 4/23/2022 5/12/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Peter Mazzilli/Rohloff Moretown, VT 5/1/2022 5/13/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Elisabeth Mazzilli/Rohloff Moretown, VT 5/1/2022 5/13/2022 Southbound Thru Hike
    Michael Barger Tengo Hambre Seauket, NY 10/20/2020

    3/23/2017

    11/13/2020

    5/5/2022

    Northbound Thru Hike

    Section Hike 1000 Mile

    Jim Smith Gravity Oak Ridge, TN 10/20/2020

    4/3/2017

    11/13/2020

    5/5/2022

    Northbound Thru Hike

    1000 Mile

    Dan Byrne Bandana Alburquerque, NM 3/17/2022 4/19/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Amanda Williams Stealth Mt. Pleasant, NC 4/18/2022 5/5/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Lauralee Bliss Blissful Ruckersville, VA 3/27/2021

    3/24/2013

    4/16/2021

    3/30/202

    Northbound Section Hike  1000 Mile Challenge
    Adam Snyder Atlanta, GA 2/25/2022 3/10/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Travis Crouch Odiferous Cherrylog, GA 3/29/2022 4/18/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Hannah Vickery Running Bear Burlington, VT 3/30/2022 4/18/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    Micheal Sutton Marietta, GA 7/2012 12/2020 Northbound Section Hike, Loop Hike

    1,000 Mile Challenge

    Aidan Tierney Showstopper Abingdon, UK 2/28/2022 3/18/2022 Northbound Thru Hike
    David Chandler Music Man Louisville, KY 10/2/2020

    10/2/2020

    10/31/2020

    3/6/2022

    Northbound Thru Hike

    Section Hike

    1,000 Mile Challenge

    Tim Higgs Tennessee Jedeye Kingston Springs, TN 2/9/2021

    1/20/2022

    11/11/2021

    3/3/2022

    Northbound Section Hike

    1,000 Mile Challenge

    Sara Leibold Tide Walker Hazel Green, AL 10/27/2020 11/11/2021 Mixed Section Hike
    Reid Schmidt Hopper Harriman, TN 6/09/2020 2/02/2022 Southbound Thru Hike

    Loop Hike

    1,000 Mile Challenge

    Ansel Beacham Slugg Atlanta, GA 4/30/2016 3/31/2021 Mixed Section Hike

    Loop Hike

    1,000 Mile Challenge

    Chandler Shepherd Stitch Oneida, TN 1/1/2015 10/30/2021 Mixed Section Hike

    Loop Hike

    Chris Phillips Mischief Draper, VA 7/10/2020 12/6/2021 Southbound Thru Hike

    Loop Hike

    Glenn Justis Scoutmaster Summerville, SC 11/5/2021 11/3/2021 Southbound Thru Hike
    Richard Gehring Ohibro Chillicothe, OH 9/18/2017 4/26/2021 Northbound Section Hike
    Susan Paul Side Kick Blue Ridge, GA 10/2/2015 11/11/2021 Mixed Section Hike

    Loop Hike

    Kiernan Huggins Snowmass Village, CO 10/7/2021 10/31/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    JC Van Etten Catmando Daytona Beach, FL 3/7/2021

    2/22/2019

    11/1/2021

    11/1/2021

    Northbound

     

    Section Hike

    Loop Hike

    Kyra Long Raindrop Snowmass, CO 10/07/2021 10/31/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    Andy Andresen Viking Newnan, GA 5/1995 6/1995 Northbound Thru Hike
    Rick Coulon Coolio Clarksville, GA 4/5/2021 5/25/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    Robby Clark Winder, GA 9/23/2021 10/10/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    John Cowart Journey Man Ashville, NC 4/4/2021 4/26/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    Lynsey Abrams Stubbs Sykesville, MD 3/6/2021 3/28/2021 Southbound Thru Hike Loop Hike
    Trevor Abrams Frisbee Sykesville, MD 3/6/2021 3/28/2021 Southbound Thru Hike Loop Hike
    Jared Alvare SuperRare Collegeville, PA 7/8/2021 8/12/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Josh Caldwell Seeds Concord, GA 8/21/2021 9/8/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Rob Burgess Lakeway, TX 8/10/2013 8/21/2021 Northbound Section Hike
    Jeffery Anderson Polka Bear Lititz, PA 6/4/2021 6/25/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Donald Welch Babysteps New York, NY 7/10/2021 8/28/2021 Southbound Thru-Hike Loop Hike
    Jonathan Welch J-Dub Mooresville, NC 7/10/2021 8/28/2021 Southbound Thru-Hike Loop Hike
    Ansel Beacham Slugg Atlanta, GA 6/4/2017 3/31/2021 Mixed Section Hike
    Emmanuelle Slaughter Clover Bayville, NY 3/15/2021 5/15/2021 Northbound Section

    Hike

    Joe Smith Crispy Goode, VA 6/4/2021 6/25/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    Melanie Harmon Gamel Kingston, TN 10/25/2008 4/8/2021 Mixed Section

    Hike

    Patrick Cain Wild Turkey Lawrenceville, GA 5/17/2021 6/5/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    Isaac Hillman Bethesda, MD 5/15/2021 5/28/2021 Northbound Thru Hike
    Deane Giordana Wandering Roo Asheville, NC 5/4/2021 6/1/2021 Mixed Thru Hike
    Sarah Sundstrum Yappy Two Rivers, AK 4/1/2021 5/7/2021 Northbound

    BMT/AT Loop

    Thru Hike
    Lindsey Grissom Birthday Girl Birmingham, AL 2/9/2019 5/22/2021 Mixed Section Hike
    Greg Lester Chudy Winston-Salem, NC 5/1/2021 5/18/2021 Southbound Thru Hike
    Brian McGarrahan Low Branch Elgin, SC 4/30/2021 5/14/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    David Stubelt Gryffindor Griffin, GA 4/3/2021 4/24/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Levi Oliver Villain Killen, AL 4/3/2021 4/23/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Randy Topken Wayward Matthews, NC 3/19/2021 4/8/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Taylor Peter-Bibb Skipper Kaneohe,HI 4/3/2021 4/18/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Jerome Richard Rattler Clinton, Maine 3/21/2021 4/4/2021 Southbound Thru-Hike
    Billy Meredith Wahoo Marietta, GA 9/29/2020 10/15/2020 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Steven Houser Walrus Saluda, NC 3/16/2021 4/3/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Jarrod Bradfield Wanderer Rock Spring, GA 2/1/2021 2/16/2021 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Michael Sutton Marietta, GA 1/06/2018 1/24/2021 Northbound

    BMT/AT Loop

    Section Hike
    Lora Young Lansing, NC 7/26/2020 8/12/2020 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Lora Young Lansing, NC 7/11/2020 8/12/2020 BMT/AT Loop
    Kaitlin Thompson Gaia the Womble Elk River, MN 10/14/2020 11/28/2020 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Kaitlin Thompson Gaia the Womble Elk River, MN 10/14/2020 11/28/2020 BMT/AT Loop
    Jeffery T. Hoilman Jeff Chattanooga, TN 9/9/2009 10/9/2020 Mixed Section Hike
    Johnathon Cranston Leonidas Birmingham, AL 10/31/20 11/15/20 Northbound Thru-Hike
    Adam Lint Pistachio Patton, PA 4/11/15 11/1/20 BMT/AT Loop
    Adam Lint Pistachio Patton, PA 10/18/20 11/1/20 Southbound Thru-Hike
    Heather Anderson Anish Patton, PA 10/18/20 11/1/20 Southbound Thru-Hike
    Kelsey Solomon Half-Pint Athens, GA 5/17/20 6/2/20 Southbound Thru-Hike
    Deane Giordano Roo Asheville, NC 7/22/20 8/16/20 Mixed Thru Hike
    Deane Giordano Roo Asheville, NC 7/22/20 10/12/20 BMT/AT Loop
    Michael Barger Tengo Hambre Setauket, NY 10/22/20 11/13/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jim Smith Gravity Oak Ridge, TN 10/22/20 11/13/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    Zachariah Nagy Just Awesome Nashville, TN 10/22/20 11/13/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    Collin Chambers Winston Salem, NC 10/1/20 11/6/20 Mixed Section Hike
    Drew Boswell Greensboro, GA 10/4/20 10/23/20 Southbound Thru Hike
    Rick Glisson Tick Magnet Ooltewah, TN 5/13/17 11/1/20 Mixed Section Hike
    Brian Kane Newport, Ky 9/11/20 10/2/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    Christopher Summerlin Greensboro, NC 10/9/20 10/24/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    T.J. Pitts Lakewood, CO 10/4/20 10/10/20 Southbound Thru Hike
    Joshua Klinger Lawrenceville, GA 9/2/20 9/29/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    McDowell Crook Movin’ Montgomery, AL 3/2/19 8/23/20 Northbound Section Hike
    McDowell Crook Movin’ Montgomery, AL 5/15/99 6/17/99 BMT/AT Loop
    Don McDowell Early Bird Ooltewah, TN 6/22/20 7/26/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    Don McDowell Early Bird  Ooltewah, TN 6/1/15 7/26/20 BMT/AT Loop
    Rikk Lewis Chief Cleveland, TN 6/11/20 7/18/20 Mixed Section Hike
    Bruce Gunning Papa Roswell, GA 6/26/20 7/18/20 Northbound Thru Hike
    Craig D. Myers G-Pa LaGrange, GA 6/14/20 7/10/20 Southbound Thru Hike
    Marc Greenwald SkyWatcher Cincinnati, Ohio 6/14/20 7/10/20 Southbound Thru Hike
    Carl Morrison Cardinal Hampton, VA 6/14/20 7/10/20 Southbound Thru Hike
    Michael Vassalott Richmond, VA 8/5/19 8/30/19 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kelly Hornsby Expresso Warner Robins, GA 10/20/16 10/20/19 Northbound Section Hike
    Kelly Hornsby Expresso Warner Robins, GA 10/20/16 10/20/19 BMT/AT Loop
    Cindy Cronquist Peaches Athens, TN 9/22/19 10/20/19 Mixed Thru Hike
    James Parker Steps Santa Rosa Beach, FL 9/24/19 10/15/19 Northbound Thru Hike
    Scott Dickey Artimus Rockford, TN 9/13/19 10/5/19 Mixed Thru Hike
    Scott Dickey Artimus Rockford, TN 9/11/19 10/22/19 BMT/AT Loop
    George Guo Johns Creek, GA 10/14/18 9/2/19 Mixed Section Hike
    Sterling Mackert Atlanta, GA 1/20/19 9/2/19 Mixed Section Hike
    Dana Dragonduek Atlanta, GA 10/13/18 9/2/19 Mixed Section Hike
    Dr. Barbara Schlefman DPM Norcross, GA 9/30/18 9/2/19 Mixed Section Hike
    Joshua McMahon Forestdale , RI 4/7/18 5/2/18 Southbound Thru Hike
    Matthew J. Griffith Long Hauler Hubert, NC 6/2/19 6/24/19 Southbound Thru Hike
    Bret Eady Suches Suches, GA 6/23/19 7/9/19 Southbound Thru Hike
    Eli Schelin Eli Tallahassee, FL 5/22/15 5/19/19 Mixed Section Hike
    Eli Schelin Eli Tallahassee, FL 5/22/15 5/19/19 BMT/AT Loop
    Larry Koons Clanton, AL 3/3/19 5/14/19 Northbound Section Hike
    Larry Koons Clanton, AL 3/3/19 5/14/19 BMT/AT Loop
    Sean Kamp P-diddy Asheville, NC 3/20/18 4/1/18 Northbound Thru Hike
    Arthur S. McMillan Bear Bait Greenville, NC 3/10/18 9/10/18 Northbound Section Hike
    Curt Thomas Big Turtle Crossville, TN 12/1/15 12/1/17 Mixed Section Hike
    Cindy Strong Sea Turtle Albany, KY 12/1/15 12/1/17 Mixed Section Hike
    J. Andrew Blaher Dragonstick Punta Gorda, FL 6/13/18 7/15/18 Northbound Thru Hike
    Steve Toth Steve the Hiker Cleveland, OH 5/1/18 5/11/18 Northbound Thru Hike
    Danny Divilly Pittsburgh, PA 2/28/18 4/3/18 Southbound Thru Hike
    Danny Divilly Pittsburgh, PA 2/28/18 4/3/18 BMT/AT Loop
    Zach VanderPlate Hurculeas Atlanta, GA 12/7/17 12/23/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Tom Barrett High Loon Newark, OH 10/4/17 12/4/17 Mixed Section Hike
    Tom Barrett High Loon Newark, OH 3/13/14 12/4/17 BMT/AT Loop
    John Haffner Dirt Stew Asheville, NC 11/13/17 12/2/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Christine Martens Dormouse Asheville, NC 11/13/17 12/2/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    David E.Owens Vancleave, MS 5/24/14 11/19/17 Southbound Section Hike
    David E.Owens Vancleave, MS 10/13/10 11/19/17 BMT/AT Loop
    David Gress Biloxi, MS 5/24/14 11/19/17 Southbound Section Hike
    David Gress Biloxi, MS 10/13/10 11/19/17 BMT/AT Loop
    Becky Gibson Graven Gal Knoxville, TN 11/5/14 11/10/17 Mixed Section Hike
    Andy Cowles Kennesaw, GA 06/08/201/ 7/5/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Nathan Sires Marietta, GA 06/08/201/ 7/5/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Robert Sloan Blue Canton, GA 1/1/14 9/30/17 Mixed Section Hike
    Jimmy Carr Wandering1 Charlotte, NC 8/4/17 10/12/17 Northbound Section Hike
    Christopher Graham Uncle Fool Deska, FL 8/12/13 5/9/14 Northbound Section Hike
    Beth Whitaker Madison, WI 4/19/17 5/13/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Brian Ellis Early Bird Greensboro, NC 6/15/17 7/5/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Dennis R Newton Trail Pilgrim Ozark, AL 4/24/17 6/4/17 Mixed Thru Hike
    Dennis R Newton Trail Pilgrim Ozark, AL 4/24/17 6/4/17 BMT/AT Loop
    Ronn Raszetnik Wayfinder Largo, FL 3/22/17 4/12/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Garrett Cole Buster Sidney, NY 9/7/13 5/15/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Linda Moore Ghosthiker Tazewell, TN 4/12/17 5/8/17 Northbound Thru Hike
    Lee Mathis Atlanta, GA 11/25/11 4/16/17 Northbound Section Hike
    Joan Tomlinson Blue Jay Knoxville, TN 5/1/11 4/16/17 Mixed Section Hike
    Peter Victor Gelzinis Palm Bay, FL 12/27/11 4/6/17 Northbound Section Hike
    Michael Fermin Rhino Hollywood, FL 10/23/16 11/13/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Duke Windsor Silverspring Atlanta, GA 5/7/16 8/28/16 Mixed Thru Hike
    Kimberly Windsor Atlanta, GA 5/7/16 8/28/16 Mixed Thru Hike
    Jason Murrell Ocoee, TN 11/5/16 11/16/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kristy Gentry Cox Almond Delano, TN 9/16/16 10/15/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kristy Gentry Cox Almond Delano, TN 9/16/16 12/28/17 BMT/AT Loop
    Ellen Morar Knoxville, TN 10/1/10 9/28/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Ben Pugliese Mclovin Boulder, CO 10/10/16 11/5/16 Southbound Thru Hike
    Richard Ryburn Maryville, TN 1/6/10 4/20/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Stephen Foster Roanoke, VA 9/14/16 10/2/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kirk Eaton OB Covington, GA 6/4/15 8/31/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Kirk Eaton OB Covington, GA 6/4/15 8/31/16 BMT/AT Loop
    Evan Schaeffer Franklin, TN 4/9/16 5/8/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Elizabeth Dannemiller Tumbleweed New Smyrna Beach, FL 3/12/16 4/10/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Gary Merachnik Shiv New Smyrna Beach, FL 3/12/16 4/10/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Simon Goddard Slims Barbados 4/15/16 5/1/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Chris Walker Knoxville, TN 3/24/12 6/26/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Allen Brackett Tellico Plains TN 8/10/12 6/25/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Isabel Low Quixote Brooklyn, NY 3/4/16 3/24/16 Northbound Thru Hike
    Frank March The Diviner Sevierville, TN 3/9/15 5/23/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Debra G. Barton Fireball Heiskeel, TN 5/1/14 5/12/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Wayne Johnson Wunky Charlotte, NC 5/28/16 6/16/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Phil Antovelli Yooper Knoxville, TN 1/28/12 6/1/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Lorinda Garufi Curious George Walland, TN 5/5/14 5/13/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Ramsay Roth Stardust Gatlinburg, TN 3/27/14 5/13/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Cindy Spangler Loon Knoxville, TN 5/1/14 5/13/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Cullen B. Cole Dustly Gravel Atlanta, GA 4/10/16 4/24/16 Southbound Thru Hike
    Doug Maples Motel Man Sevierville, TN 6/1/07 4/20/16 Mixed Section Hike
    Tom Bielecki “45” Alto, MI 9/27/13 10/30/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Greg Farmer Fairburn, GA 12/24/85 12/25/15 Northbound Section Hike
    Drew Glines Birdman Miami, FL 2/29/12 1/1/16 BMT/AT Loop Section Hike
    Drew Glines Birdman Miami, FL 4/13/14 1/1/16 Northbound
    Megan Hensley Critter Knoxville, TN 4/13/14 1/1/16 Northbound Section Hike
    Mike McGhee Photon Jasper, GA 9/26/15 11/19/15 Mixed Thru Hike
    Mike McGhee Photon Jasper, GA 9/26/15 11/19/15 BMT/AT Loop
    Louise Lefebvre Tchin-Tchin Sainte-Luce, Quebec, Canada 9/26/15 11/19/15 Mixed Thru Hike
    Louise Lefebvre Tchin-Tchin Sainte-Luce, Quebec, Canada 9/26/15 11/19/15 BMT/AT Loop
    Rusty Ridling Mc Dorough, Ga 3/28/15 11/13/15 Northbound Section Hike
    Ellie Doughty Lady Smatha Maryville, TN 8/4/04 10/15/15 Mixed Section Hike
    Richard Savage Cookeville, TN 9/15/15 10/11/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Noah Granderson Fruit Bat Siloam Springs, AR 6/14/15 7/23/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Chloe Granderson Bear Siloam Springs, AR 6/14/15 7/23/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Laurel Granderson Llama Siloam Springs, AR 6/14/15 7/23/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Samuel Granderson Tree Rat Siloam Springs, AR 6/14/15 7/23/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Elizabeth Granderson Siloam Springs, AR 6/14/15 7/23/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Josh Granderson Siloam Springs, AR 6/14/15 7/23/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Dan Sambenedetto Tbone Niceville, FL 5/21/15 6/12/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Dan Sambenedetto Tbone Niceville, FL 5/24/15 6/9/15 BMT/AT Loop Thru Hike
    Ryan Guess Spam Presque Isle, ME 5/21/15 6/12/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Gavin McGimpsey Tamp, FL 6/9/15 7/2/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Glenn Collins Laserlegs Lynchburg, VA 5/3/15 6/19/15 BMT/AT Loop Thru Hike
    Glenn Collins Laserlegs Lynchburg, VA 5/25/15 6/19/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Meredith Altland York, PA 5/2/15 5/21/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Meredith Altland York, PA 5/2/15 5/21/15 BMT/AT Loop
    Patrick Kennedy NoKey Syracuse, NY 3/31/12 5/27/15 BMT/AT Loop Thru Hike
    Patrick Kennedy NoKey Syracuse, NY 5/8/15 5/27/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jennifer Kelley Sprinkles Syracuse, NY 4/7/12 5/27/15 BMT/AT Loop Thru Hike
    Jennifer Kelley Sprinkles Syracuse, NY 5/8/15 5/27/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Barbara Nash Late Start Bethesda, MD 3/30/15 4/30/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Ned Porter Ned Brunswick, ME 4/6/15 5/4/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Ted Spetnagel Teddy Bear Smyrna, GA 10/2/01 11/13/14 Mixed Section Hike
    Ted Spetnagel Teddy Bear Smyrna, GA 10/2/01 11/13/14 BMT/AT Loop
    James Yurchenco Palo Alto, CA 4/8/15 4/29/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Amy Lauterback Palo Alto, CA 4/8/15 4/29/15 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jeff Hagart Greer, SC 6/7/14 6/30/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Teresa Hagart Greer, SC 6/7/14 6/30/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Mark Jones Bug Bait Knoxville, TN 9/28/14 10/23/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Mark Jones Bug Bait Knoxville, TN 9/28/14 10/23/14 BMT/AT Loop
    Michael Natter Dorothy Hoover, AL 9/26/11 9/27/14 Mixed Section Hike
    Michael Natter Dorothy Hoover, AL 9/26/11 9/27/14 BMT/AT Loop
    Donald Slovensky Great Expectations Pelham, AL 9/26/11 9/27/14 Mixed Section Hike
    Donald Slovensky Great Expectations Pelham, AL 9/26/11 9/27/14 BMT/AT Loop
    Andy Boyes Hiker Boy Island Park, NY 4/10/14 5/5/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Yvonne Entingh Princess Doah Dayton, OH 6/17/14 7/10/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Guy La Chine Eight-Thirty Macon, GA 6/5/14 7/1/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Dan McLean LandStar San Antonio, TX 1/16/14 6/25/14 Southbound Section Hike
    John Wagaman Cullowhee, NC 5/12/14 6/4/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Mark Budden Cullowhee, NC 5/12/14 6/4/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Alec Readel Limpy Oak Ridge, TN 5/18/14 6/8/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Sam Scheffler Shepherd Oak Ridge, TN 5/18/14 6/8/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Sharon Smith Mama Goose Asheville, NC 5/19/14 6/7/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Teresa Tuers Mother Teresa Asheville, NC 5/19/14 6/7/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Craig Smith Jet Lag Brevard, NC 5/19/14 6/7/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    E. J. Allred Bethesda, MD 5/16/14 6/4/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jonathan Schwan Chattanooga, TN 5/1/14 5/24/14 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kevin Sedgwick Special K Beech Mountain, NC 4/1/06 4/16/14 Northbound Section Hike
    Luis Bowen Luis The Beast Sandy Springs, GA 4/2/11 3/16/14 Northbound Section Hike
    Bruce Bowen Sandy Springs, GA 4/2/11 3/16/14 Northbound Section Hike
    Stan Krajeski Tortuga Virginia Beach, VA 9/16/13 10/15/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    James Meeks Maverick Nashville, TN 3/11/13 9/2/13 Northbound Section Hike
    Mark I. Dinges Plantman Salt Point, NY 8/25/13 9/15/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    Mark Hudson Skeeter Pleasant Valley, NY 3/25/92 9/15/13 BMT/AT Loop Section Hike
    Mark Hudson Skeeter Pleasant Valley, NY 8/25/13 9/15/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    Don Minton Lilburn, GA 7/21/13 8/10/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    Alex Fantauzzo Hrum Franklin Park, IL 6/3/13 7/19/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Bruce Merwin Left Turn Clearwater, FL 6/3/13 7/19/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Tonya Echelberger Patch Clearwater, FL 6/3/13 7/19/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Ken LaFlamme Pillgrim Knoxville, TN 1/20/13 6/5/13 Mixed Section Hike
    David N. Langford Whitewater Lawrenceville, GA 4/18/13 5/12/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Andrew Preece Chico Leakey, TX 5/8/13 5/25/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    Andrew Preece Chico Leakey, TX 4/17/13 5/25/13 BMT/AT Loop
    Brett Davis Uncle Daddy Fredricksburg, TX 5/8/13 5/25/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    Brett Davis Uncle Daddy Fredricksburg, TX 4/17/13 5/25/13 BMT/AT Loop
    Doug Riddle Wizard Roswell, GA 5/23/08 5/29/13 Mixed Section Hike
    Doug Riddle Wizard Roswell, GA 4/1/03 5/29/13 BMT/AT Loop
    Kevin Riedel Greyhound Richmond, VA 3/29/13 4/9/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Asher Molyneaux Tecolote Whiting, ME 4/4/13 4/22/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Paul Molyneaux Venado Whiting, ME 4/4/13 4/22/13 Northbound Thru Hike
    Richard (Dick) Evans Beowulk Robbinsville, NC 6/1/09 12/6/12 Mixed Section Hike
    Richard Harris Doc Tellico Plains, TN Spring 2009 5/10/12 Mixed Section Hike
    Robert Berry Muffin Man Fort Worth, TX 2/27/13 4/1/13 Southbound Thru-hike (flip)
    Robert Berry Muffin Man Fort Worth, TX 2/27/13 4/1/13 BMT/AT Loop Thru Hike
    Peter Reber Hollywood Rancho Mirage, CA 3/1/13 3/22/13 Sobo Flip-flop Thru Hike
    Peter Reber Hollywood Rancho Mirage, CA 3/17/12 3/22/13 BMT/AT Loop Section Hike
    Lindsay Fiskars Cutling Fat Ankle Fiskars 11/6/12 12/1/12 Southbound Thru Hike
    Joanna Swanson Someday Askov, MN 11/6/12 12/1/12 Southbound Thru Hike
    Keith C. Truppi Throwline Nashville, TN 11/4/12 12/9/12 Southbound Thru Hike
    Paul Brame Solo Glastonbury, CT 9/29/11 9/26/12 Northbound Section Hike
    Gretchen Ionta Hell Yeah St. Petersburg, FL 9/4/12 10/2/12 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kurt Grissom Deacon Blues St. Petersburg, FL 9/4/12 10/2/12 Northbound Thru Hike
    Simon Peters Hiker Simon Buford, GA 8/16/12 9/5/12 Northbound Thru Hike
    Simon Peters Hiker Simon Buford, GA 4/1/04 9/5/12 BMT/AT Loop Section Hike
    J. R. Oliver McDonough, GA 6/25/10 9/16/12 Northbound Section Hike
     Randy R. Bean McCaysville, GA 6/25/10 9/16/12 Northbound Section Hike
    Don Davis Zoots Champaign, IL 7/14/08 6/13/12 Mixed Section Hike
    Don Davis Zoots Champaign, IL 7/14/08 7/26/08 BMT/AT No. Loop Thru Hike
    Don Davis Zoots Champaign, IL 5/17/12 6/13/12 BMT/AT So. Loop Thru Hike
    Jan Barlow Pooh-Bear Brimfield, MA 6/24/12 7/14/12 Southbound Thru Hike
    Mike Debowski Pooh Pittsburgh, PA 3/29/12 4/21/12 Northbound Thru Hike
    Sarah Aubrey McKenzie Daytona Beach, FL 3/25/12 4/18/12 Northbound Thru Hike
    Alexis McKenzie So Way Daytona Beach, FL 3/25/12 4/18/12 Northbound Thru Hike
    Larry LaPierre Subman Ellijay, GA 11/4/11 12/10/11 Mixed Thru Hike
    Teri Hanavan Hopper Louisville, KY 10/18/11 11/20/11 Southbound Thru Hike
    Renèe Wrest Roam Springfield, MO 9/28/11 10/20/11 Southbound Thru Hike
    Tyler Boone Weaverville, NC 6/12/11 7/10/11 Northbound Thru Hike
    Erin Boone Weaverville, NC 6/12/11 7/10/11 Northbound Thru Hike
    Travis Crouch Solo Cherry Log, GA 6/1/07 6/20/07 Northbound Thru Hike
    Travis Crouch Solo Cherry Log, GA Dec. 2005 6/20/07 BMT/AT Loop Section Hike
    Marty Trepanowski Magnet Warren, PA 3/27/11 4/26/11 Northbound Thru Hike
    Christine Herpfer Buttons New York 3/27/11 4/26/11 Northbound Thru Hike
    Marcus Branch Little Engine Clinton, NC 4/11/11 5/7/11 Northbound Thru Hike
    Tom Bradford 10-K Erwin, TN 4/11/11 4/23/11 Northbound Thru Hike
    Coley Epperson Canton, GA Oct. 2006 Feb. 2011 Northbound Section Hike
    Donna Dean Stambler Nashville, TN 10/29/10 11/17/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Regina Reiter MssngLnk Decatur, GA 6/8/09 7/11/09 Southbound Thru Hike
    Regina Reiter MssngLnk Decatur, GA 10/11/09 11/1/09 Southbound Thru Hike
    Regina Reiter MssngLnk Decatur, GA 4/6/10 4/26/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Regina Reiter MssngLnk Decatur, GA 12/29/12 1/25/13 Southbound Thru Hike
    Obie Reynolds Leaky Foot Warner Robins, GA 5/15/98 4/10/10 BMT/AT Loop Section Hike
    Robert Reese Weaverville, NC 5/26/10 6/23/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Jane Fredrickson Weaverville, NC 5/26/10 6/23/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Dave Thomas Brakeman Blairsville, GA 5/29/10 6/13/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Dave Thomas Brakeman Blairsville, GA 5/26/10 6/22/10 BMT/AT Loop
    Marcy Thomas Grasshopper Blairsville, GA 5/29/10 6/13/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Marcy Thomas Grasshopper Blairsville, GA 5/26/10 6/22/10 BMT/AT Loop
    Jonathan Olsen Chef Vicksburg, MS 5/5/10 5/29/10 Northbound Thru Hike
    Bob Ruby Flying Eagle Sandy Springs, GA 1/2/05 6/27/10 Mixed Section Hike
    Pamela Reddoch Tennessee Girl Knoxville, TN 1/8/08 4/30/10 Mixed Section Hike
    Connie Tatgenhorst Knoxville, TN 1/2/08 4/30/10 Mixed Section Hike
    Keith Mertz Frosty Maryville, TN 5/1/07 4/30/10 Mixed Section Hike
    John Beaudet Bodacious Flag Pond, TN 4/7/10 4/22/10 Southbound Thru Hike
    Susan Turner Hammock Hanger Jacksonville, FL 5/1/05 May-09 Northbound Section Hike
    Joanna Cahill Trickster Fairview, NC 12/18/08 1/11/09 Northbound Thru Hike
    Stuart D. Tauber Silverwing Asheville, NC 4/10/06 5/10/06 Northbound Thru Hike
    Kevin Hessler Welchs Asheville, NC 11/7/05 11/30/05 Northbound Thru Hike
  • How to Register Your Completed Hike

    Walking the entire trail, whether in sections or as a continuous hike, is an accomplishment of which any hiker can be proud. If you’ve hiked all of the Benton MacKaye Trail and would like to have your name listed on this page, please complete the Thru Hiker Registration form online (under the “COMPLETION REPORT & REQUEST FOR LISTING” tab at the end of the 300-Miler section) or download the Completion Report Form and submit by mail.

    Note:  BMTA does not certify or affirm any hiking achievement.  Hikers listed on this page have completed, signed and submitted the Completion Report Form, which states that they have walked the entire Benton MacKaye.

  • Conventions on Patch and Rocker Arrangement
    • A hiker who finishes walking the entire Benton MacKaye Trail becomes a “300-Miler”.  This designation is independent of speed, duration, direction of travel and all other factors.  Walk the whole trail — become a 300-Miler!
    • Any 300-Miler is entitled to attach the 300-MILER rocker to the BMT patch. (One 300-Miler rocker per trail completion.  Example: Two rockers would mean two full trail completions, roughly 600 miles.)
    • Those accomplishing a Thru-hike on the BMT are entitled to display not only the 300-MILER rocker, but also the THRU HIKER rocker.  (A “Thru Hike” is defined as a continuous, end-to-end traverse of the trail with no more than a few days off during the trek.)
  • BMT/AT Loop

    The BMT/AT Loop in this context means the 500+ mile figure-eight formed by the Benton MacKaye Trail and the southern section of the Appalachian Trail between Springer Mountain and the northern BMT terminus at Big Creek, with the BMT/AT connector at the north end of the Smokies being the Chestnut Branch Trail.  References to the North Loop are to the part of the figure-eight north of Sassafras Gap in the Smokies, and references to the South Loop are to the part of the figure-eight between Sassafras Gap and Springer Mountain.  The Chestnut Branch Trail connects the BMT Northern Terminus at Big Creek to the AT.  Anyone who has completed the entire BMT/AT Loop and submitted the Completion Form is entitled to attach the 500-MILER rocker to the BMT patch.

  • 1,000 Mile Challenge

    The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA), the Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association (APTA) and the Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association (GPTA) have joined together to offer the 1,000 Mile Challenge.

    The route for the Challenge includes:

    • The Appalachian Trail (AT) (Davenport Gap >> Springer Mountain)
      (The Chestnut Branch Trail (Big Creek >> Davenport Gap) is used to connect the AT and BMT.)
    • The BMT (Springer Mountain >> Big Creek)
    • The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail (PNRT) (Flagg Mountain >> the intersection with the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT near Dyer Gap)

     

    BMTA will provide a complimentary BMT patch and 1,000-Miler rocker for hikers who complete the Challenge. To receive their complimentary patch and rocker from BMTA, hikers who have completed the Challenge, should go to the COMPLETION REPORT & REQUEST FOR LISTING.

    To receive their CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION from APTA, hikers should contact Adam Dasinger with the Alabama Pinhoti Association.

  • Fastest Known Time for the Benton MacKaye Trail

    To see the records for the Fastest Known Time for completing the Benton MacKaye Trail go to FKT.

  • Our recognition policy:
    • Gives equal recognition to thru-hikers and section-hikers.
    • Recognizes access trails or officially required road walks as viable substitutes for the official BMT route in the event of an emergency, such as a flood, forest fire, or an impending storm on an exposed, high-elevation stretch.
    • Operates on the honor system.

    Our recognition policy does not consider sequence, direction, speed or whether one carries a pack.

  • Ordering Patches and Rockers

    BMTA provides one complimentary patch as well as one complimentary Thru Hiker, 300-Miler, 500-Miler and 1,000-Miler rocker as appropriate for the hike completed, for each person who completes the entire Benton MacKaye Trail.  Hikers may display multiple thru-hiker patches — for example, if they complete more than one thru hike, BMTA provides a complimentary patch or rocker only for the first completion of a BMT hike.

    To order your complimentary, first “Thru Hiker”, “300-Miler”, “500-Miler” or “1,000 Miler” rocker or subsequent ones you pay for, you must complete and submit the Completion Report & Request for Listing form.

    Additional items can be ordered from the Benton MacKaye Trail Store.

  • Completion Report & Request for Listing

    To order your complimentary patch and / or rocker(s), please complete this form online or, Download the Form:

    Email the form to thruhikerregistration@bmta.org or mail to the address below:

    Benton MacKaye Trail Association, Inc.
    PO Box 6
    Cherry Log, GA 30522-0006

    If you wish to order additional patches or rockers, please submit your order at the BMTA Store.

    Please consider membership in the BMTA. To join or renew go to Membership.

    Completion Report

    • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    • MM slash DD slash YYYY
      Note: A "Thru-Hike" is defined as a continuous, traverse of the entire trail with no more than a few days off.
    • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    • MM slash DD slash YYYY
      Note: A "Thru-Hike" is defined as a continuous, traverse of the entire route with no more than a few days off.
    • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    • For BMTA Records Only (Information below will not be posted on the website)
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recommended Maps & Guidebooks

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association is greatly appreciative of the REI: Hiking Project. We have made extensive use of the valuable resource throughout our website. It is excellent for planning, but probably not the best for navigation.

  • When hiking, an electronic app of the BMT is an essential item for every hiker’s backpack — the FarOut app is one that has excellent reviews.
  • Hikers also should carry a good compass, excellent maps and guidebooks. These items not only have more detailed information on the trail, more importantly, they act as a “safety net” in case the phone’s battery goes to “0”, the phone gets wet or, even worse, is lost.

The following maps and guidebooks are available at the BMTA Trail Store.

BMTA sign

Maps

Trails Illustrated #777 – Springer and Cohutta Mountains [Chattahoochee National Forest]  covers the BMT from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, GA, (shared with the Appalachian Trail) to Big Frog Mountain just across state line in Tennessee.

Trails Illustrated #781 – Tellico and Ocoee Rivers [Cherokee National Forest]  covers from Scroggin Knob (mile 44, near Rich Mountain Wilderness in Georgia) all the way to the Smokies (mile 190).

Trails Illustrated #316 – Cades Cove, Elkmont: Great Smoky Mountains National Park  covers the eastern section of the BMT within the National Park from the eastern end of Lakeshore Trail to Big Creek Terminus.

Trails Illustrated #317 – Clingmans Dome, Cataloochee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park  covers the western section of the BMT within the National Park from Fontana Dam to Campsite 63 on Noland Creek.

Trails Illustrated #229 – Great Smoky Mountains National Park (covers the GSMNP in a single, two-sided map).

Trail Guide Series

Each guide gives details of the trail section by section, including trailhead directions, map, elevation guide, tips and more. The guides are essential for hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail.  Each is 4.25″ x 11″, 48 pages, full-color, on heavy duty stock.

Benton MacKaye Trail Guide – Georgia Section

Benton MacKaye Trail Guide – Tennessee/North Carolina Section

Benton MacKaye Trail Guide – Smokies Section

TRAIL SERIES GUIDE
Mountain view

BMT Data Book and Thru-Hikers Guide

BMT Data Book Newly revised for 2017, the BMT Data Book lists distances, elevations, landmarks, roads, campsites and services over the entire 300 miles of the BMT and Approach Trails — including the Yellow Creek Reroute. Pocket-Sized (4″ x 5″) 36 pages on heavy duty stock.

Benton MacKaye Trail Thru-Hikers Guide 2020-21 EDITION The definitive publication for those hiking the entire trail. Sgt. Rock’s Thru-Hikers Guide contains all the info you need to plan your trip and carry out the plan. 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, 66 pages on heavy duty stock.

Access Points/Trail Heads

Georgia

At Mile: Location Trail Head Name BMT Section # Linked to REI: Hiking Project Road Name Link 2 Latitude Longitude
1.7 Big Stamp Gap FS 42 Big Stamp Gap 1a-1b FS 42 Blue Ridge Road N34° 38.116 W84° 10.452
5.9 Three Forks Three Forks 1c-2a FS 58 Noontoolah Road 2a-2b N34° 39.795 W84° 11.055
14.3 Toccoa River Toccoa River 2c-2d FS 816 Tooni Gap Rd N34° 44.209 W84°10.029
17.9 GA 60, southern crossing Little Skeenah Creek 2d-3a GA Hwy 60 3a-3c N34° 45.966 W84°9.855
23.5 Skeenah Gap Skeenah Gap 3c-4a Skeenah Gap Rd 4a-4b N34° 48.365 W84° 8.450
28.8 Wilscot Gap (GA Hwy 60, northern crossing) Wilscot Gap 4b-5a GA Hwy 60 5a-5c N34° 48.450 W84° 11.247
34.4 Old Dial Road Old Dial Road 5c-5d Old Dial Rd 5d-6a N34° 47.715 W84° 14.582
36.3 Shallowford Bridge Shallowford Bridge 5d-6a CR 222 Aska Rd N34° 47.032 W84° 15.546
39.8 Falls Branch Falls Fall Branch Falls 6a-6b Stanley Creek Rd 6b-6d N34° 47.048 W84° 18.113
46 Weaver Creek Road Weaver Creek 6d-7a Weaver Creek Rd 7a-7d
48.6 GA 515 / US 76 GA 515 / US 76 7a-7b GA 515 / US 76 N34° 48.719 W84° 22.135
52.6 Boardtown Road Boardtown Rd 7c-7d Boardtown Rd N34° 50.461 W84° 23.836
54.7 Bushy Head Gap Bushy Head Gap 7d-8a Bushy Head Gap Rd 8a-8d N34° 50.984 W84° 25.044
67.2 Dyer Gap Dyer Gap 8h-9a FS 64 Old Hwy 2 9a-10a N34° 52.090 W84° 30.872
71.7 Watson Gap Watson Gap 9c-10a FS 64 Old Hwy 2 N34° 54.351 W84° 30.777
74.3 Jacks River Trail (Dally Gap) Dally Gap 10a-10b FS 22 N34° 56.009 W84° 31.117
87.9 FS 221 FS 221 West Fork Trailhead 11d-11e FS 221 11e N35° 3.573 W84° 29.283

Tennessee

91.3 Thunder Rock CG / US 64 Thunder Rock / US 64 11e-12a US 64 11e N35° 4.526 W84° 29.058
98 Kimsey Highway, southern crossing Kimsey Hwy 12b-12c FS 68 Kimsey Highway 12a-12b N35° 6.7412 W84° 27.8104
100.4 McFarland Rd, FS 23 McFarland Rd 12c-12d FS 23 McFarland Rd N35° 7.471 W84° 28.325
104.3 White Oak Flats, FS 103, Lost Creek CG. Lost Creek 12d-12e FS 103 White Oak Flats Rd 12c-12d N35° 9.650 W84° 28.047
108 Hwy 30 at Hiwassee River Webb Store 13a TN State Hwy 30 N35° 11.297 W84° 30.175
109.6 John Muir TH at Childers Creek Parking Childers Creek JMT Trailhead 13a-13b Childers Creek Rd 13b-13c N35° 11.392 W84° 29.431
112.6 Big Bend Picnic Area Big Bend 13b-13c FS 10B Powerhouse Rd 13b-13c
115.5 Towee Creek Towee Creek 13c-13d FS 10B Powerhouse Rd 13b-13c N35° 11.751 W84° 26.999
119.6 FS 228 at Coker Creek on Hiwassee R. Coker Creek Campsite 13e-14a FS 22B  13d-13e N35° 10.796 W84° 23.522
123.6 Tennessee Hwy 68 TN 68 / Unicoi Mountain 14a-14b TN State Hwy 68 14b-14c N35° 11.583 W84° 20.708
124.7 Buck Bald Road Buck Bald Rd Crossing 14b-14c FS 311 Old State Hwy 68 N35° 12.097 W84° 19.729
128.3 Unicoi Gap, TN/NC state line Unicoi Gap 14c-15a FS 40 Joe Brown Highway 14b-14c N35° 13.509 W84° 17.413
134.6 Sixmile Gap (Wauchisi Mt. access) Waucheesi Bald 15b-15c FS 126c Waucheesi Mtn Rd/Lookout Tower Rd N35° 16.553 W84° 13.106
136.6 Sandy Gap Sandy Gap 15c-16a FS 50 Evans Road 15a-15c N35° 15.318 W84° 12.184
145.9 Bald River Rd CS 11 Brookshire Creek Trail 180, Campsite 11 16c-16d FS 126 Bald River Rd N35° 17.039 W84° 10.005
150.8 Tellico River Rd, FS 210 Tellico River / Pheasant Fields Picnic Area 16e-17a FS 210 Tellico River Rd 16c-16d N35° 15.950 W84° 7.283
156.8 FS 61B Whigg Meadow 17b-17cc FS 61B Sycamore Rd 17b-17cc N35° 18.212 W84° 2.596
160 Mud Gap, Cherohala Skyway Mud Gap 17c-17d Cherohala Skyway N35° 19.510 W84° 2.596
163 Beech Gap, Cherohala Skyway Beech Gap 17d- 18a Cherohala Skyway 17c-17d N35° 20.902 W84° 2.273

North Carolina

174.1 Big Fat Gap Big Fat Gap 18c-18d FS 62 Slickrock Rd N35° 25.032 W83° 58.673
180.3 Tapoco Lodge Tapoco Lodge 18e-19a US 129 19a-19e N35° 26.607 W83° 56.310
180.5 Meadow Branch Road 19a Meadow Branch Rd N35° 26.592 W83° 56.194
182.3 Old Field Gap Road Old Fields Gap 19a-19b Old Fields Gap Rd N35° 26.460 W83° 54.794
189.6 Fontana Village Lodge Fontana Village Lodge 19c-19d Fontana Rd N35° 25.938 W83° 49.265
192.6 Fontana Marina Fontana Marina 19d Fontana Marina Rd N35° 26.480 W83° 47.725
193.8 Fontana Dam Shelter Fontana Dam Shelter Parking 19d Fontana Dam Rd N35° 26.949 W83° 47.802
194.2 Fontana Dam Fontana Dam Visitor Center Parking 19e Fontana Dam Rd 20 N35° 27.107 W83° 48.121
End of Fontana Dam Rd AT Lakeshore Trail 19e-20a Fontana Dam Rd N35° 27.626 W83° 48.668

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

229 Noland Creek Trail Jct, ‘Road to Nowhere’ Road to Nowhere Tunnel 22b-22c Lakeshore Rd 22c N35° 27.512 W83° 32.205
254.6 US 441, Smokemont CG Smokemont Campground Trailhead Parking 23c-24a Smokemont Rd / US 441 24a N35° 33.179 W83° 18.605
269.3 Straight Fork Rd. Round Bottom Trailhead Parking 24b-25a Straight Fork Rd 25a-25b N35° 37.284 W83° 12.667
287.6 Big Creek Campground Big Creek 25b Big Creek Entrance Rd N35° 45.570 W83° 6.350

YouTube Benton MacKaye

Benton MacKaye Trail NOBO Thru-Hike 2019 with Benny Braden, Plug-Iti-In-Hikes. This is a comprehensive view of the entire trail through a series of 15 three to five minute videos. A must see for anyone planning a thru-hike.

Find a must-see video or want us to use yours, email us.

Watch a few of Birthday Girl hikes. You’ll be amused, delighted and informed as she and French Dip show you the best of the Benton MacKaye Trail

Evans Backpacking Videos give you an in-depth look at preparation and implementation of your plans when hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Search YouTube for other Benton MacKaye Trail hikes and share your YouTube Benton MacKaye Trail hikes on Facebook at Benton MacKaye Trail Hikers.

Find a must-see video or want us to use yours, email us.

Baxter

Section Hiker's Tracking Log

Benton MacKaye Trail Section Hikers Log Sheets
Georgia
Section Id Trailhead Names Miles Total Date/s
01a Springer Mountain » Big Stamp Gap 1.70 1.70
01b Big Stamp Gap » 2nd Cross Trails 2.20 3.90
01c 2nd Cross Trails » Three Forks 2.10 6.00
02a Three Forks » No Name Gap 2.60 8.60
02b No Name Gap » Bryson Gap 3.40 12.00
02c Bryson Gap » Toccoa River 2.80 14.80
02d Toccoa River » GA HWY 60 3.60 18.40
03a GA HWY 60 » Wallalah-Licklog Saddle 2.20 20.60
03b Wallalah-Licklog Saddle » Licklog-Rhodes Saddle 1.40 22.00
03c Licklog-Rhodes Saddle » Skeenah Gap 2.00 24.00
04a Skeenah Gap » Payne Gap 2.10 26.10
04b Payne Gap » Wilscot Gap, GA HWY 60 3.20 29.30
05a Wilscot Gap, GA HWY 60 » Ledford Gap 2.30 31.60
05b Ledford Gap » Brawley Mountain 0.90 32.50
05c Brawley Mountain » Dial Road 2.40 34.90
05d Dial Road » Shallowford Bridge 1.90 36.80
06a Shallowford Road Bridge » Fall Branch (at Road) 3.50 40.30
06b Fall Branch (at Road) » Stanley Gap Trail 1.20 41.50
06c Stanley Gap Trail (old Rich Mountain Trail) » — 2.10 43.60
06d Stanley Gap Trail » Weaver/Laurel Creek Road 2.90 46.50
07a Weaver/Laurel Creek Road » GA HWY 515 2.60 49.10
07b GA HWY 515 » Shelter (Sisson`s) 1.70 50.80
07c Shelter (Sisson`s) » Boardtown Road 2.30 53.10
07d Boardtown Road » Bushy Head Gap (Road) 2.10 55.20
08a Bushy Head Gap » Hudson Gap 2.60 57.80
08b Hudson Gap » McKenny Gap 1.50 59.30
08c McKenny Gap » Hatley Gap 1.00 60.30
08d Hatley Gap » Fowler Mountain 1.30 61.60
08e Fowler Mountain » Halloway Gap 2.00 63.60
08f Halloway » Double Hogpen Gap 1.20 64.80
08g Double Hogpen Gap » Flat Top Mountain 1.60 66.40
08h Flat Top Mountain » Dyer Gap 1.20 67.60
09a Dyer Gap » Pinhoti Intersection (SFT) 2.20 69.80
09b Pinhoti Intersection (SFT) » Pate Gap 1.60 71.40
09c Pate Gap » Watson Gap 0.70 72.10
10a Watson Gap » Jacks River Trail 2.60 74.70
10b Jacks River Trail » Hemp Top Trail 1.50 76.20
10c Hemp Top Trail » Hemp Top 3.10 79.30
10d Hemp Top » Double Spring Gap 1.30 80.60
11a Double Spring Gap » Big Frog Mountain 1.30 81.90
11b Big Frog Mountain » Fork Ridge Trail 1.80 83.70
11c Fork Ridge Trail » Rough Creek Trail 1.80 85.50
11d Rough Creek Trail » USFS Road 221 2.80 88.30
11e USFS Road 221 » US HWY 64 3.40 91.70
Tennessee & North Carolina
Section Id Trailhead Names Miles Total Date/s
12a US 64 » Dry Pond Lead high point 4.00 95.70
12b Dry Pond Lead » Kimsey Highway 2.70 98.40
12c Kimsey Highway » McFarland Road, FS 23 2.40 100.80
12d McFarland » White Oak Flats, FS 103 3.90 104.70
12e FS 103 » FS 173 – Trestle 4.10 108.80
13a Trestle » John Muir Trail at Childers Creek 1.20 110.00
13b Childers Creek » Big Bend 3.00 113.00
13c Big Bend » Towee Creek 1.20 114.20
13d Towee Creek » Wildcat Creek 2.70 116.90
13e Wildcat Creek » FS 22B 3.10 120.00
14a FS 22B » Unicoi Mountain Trail (TN HWY 68) 4.00 124.00
14b TN HWY 68 » Buck Bald Road 1.10 125.10
14c Buck Bald Road » Unicoi Gap 3.60 128.70
15a Unicoi Gap » Tate Gap 4.50 133.20
15b Tate Gap » Sixmile Gap 1.80 135.00
15c Sixmile Gap » Sandy Gap 2.10 137.10
16a Sandy Gap » Round Top, State Line 3.90 141.00
16b Round Top » Sled Runner Gap 2.40 143.40
16c Sled Runner Gap » Brookshire Creek xing 3.20 146.60
16d Brookshire Creek » Sugar Mountain Road 2.50 149.10
16e Sugar Mountain Road » Tellico River Road (FS 210) 2.40 151.50
17a Tellico River Road » Mangan Branch 2.90 154.40
17b Mangan Branch » FS 61B 3.20 157.60
17c Sycamore Creek Trailhead » Mud Gap 2.90 160.50
17d Mud Gap » Beech Gap, Nantahala NF 3.00 163.50
18a Beech Gap » Haoe Lead Intersection (SW) 4.20 167.70
18b Haoe Lead Intersection (SW) » Hangover Lead Trail 1.60 169.30
18c Haoe Lead intersection (NE) » Big Fat Gap 3.10 172.40
18d Big Fat Gap » Yellowhammer Gap 4.30 176.70
18e Yellowhammer Gap » Tapoco Lodge 1.80 178.50
19a Tapoco Lodge » Old Field Gap Road 1.90 180.40
19b Old Field Gap Road » FS 251C (East End) 3.00 183.40
19c FS 251C (East End) » Fontana Lodge 4.80 188.20
19d Fontana Lodge » AT Intersection 2.90 191.10
19e AT Intersection » Fontana Dam (North End) 2.20 193.30
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Section Id Trailhead Names Miles Total Date/s
20a Fontana Dam (North End) » Eagle Creek Trail 6.80 200.10
21a Eagle Creek Trail » Campsite 86 4.40 204.50
21b Campsite 86 » Campsite 77 7.60 212.10
21c Campsite 77 » Campsite 98 7.20 219.30
22a Campsite 98 » Campsite 74 6.00 225.30
22b Campsite 74 » Noland Creek Trail Junction 3.70 229.00
22c Noland Creek Trail Jct. » Noland Divide Trail Jct. 9.20 238.20
23a Noland Divide Trail Jct. » Deep Creek Trail, MST 3.30 241.50
23b Deep Creek Trail, MST » Campsite 52 7.90 249.40
23c Campsite 52 » Smokemont Campground 5.40 254.80
24a Smokemont Campground » Campsite 47 9.40 264.20
24b Campsite 47 » Straight Fork Road 5.50 269.70
25a Straight Fork Road » Laurel Gap Shelter 4.50 274.20
25b Laurel Gap Shelter » Big Creek 12.10 286.30
section hike

onX: Hiking Project - Interactive Maps and Trail Descriptions

onX Hiking Project – go to this link for complete and detailed descriptions of every section as well as maps of the 300-mile Benton MacKaye Trail. The Benton MacKaye Trail Association and other trail associations and hikers are extremely appreciative of onX’s innovations and support.

Here is an excellent source for planning your hike. Although this website does not take the place of a good compass, maps and guide books, the site does offer descriptions, maps, pictures and much more. Please say “thank you” to onX by uploading your pictures and trails stories to this site.

The site is open to all hikers. Your pictures and trail stories on the Hiking Project will help others. Your updates, corrections and suggestions will make the Benton MacKaye Trail a better experience for everyone.

To receive the latest BMTA news, updates and announcements, Sign Up Here.

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Benton MacKaye Trail Hikers Facebook  – Ask to join and post your trail photos and stories here.

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