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.
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.
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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
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Services at Mile 18.5, Georgia Hwy 60, Skeenah Creek
Campground with rooms
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
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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).
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Services at Mile 46.6, Weaver Creek Road
Bed and Breakfast
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.
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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 PMMedical 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) 946-3333Douglas Inn and Suites
1192 Windy Ridge Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 258-3600Restaurants
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 MemberCLOSED
4131 East 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
All-You-Can-Eat Country CookingBlue 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 DailyFood Lion
4295 Old Hwy76, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 258-2223
L T resupply
7 AM -11 PM DailyIngles 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 11PMWalmart 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 hoursPharmacy
CVS
30 Orivin Lance Connector, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 632-8097
8 AM – 10 PM dailyFannin Drugs
2680 East First Street # 107, Blue Ridge Georgia 30513 GA
(706) 632-3784Walmart Pharmacy
97 Commerce Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
(706) 761-0191Directions: 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.
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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 PMGroceries
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 possiblePost 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 AMDirections: Follow instructions to last road intersection for Pink Pig, above. For Post Office, turn right and go 0.4 mi to PO on left.
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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 nightChanges 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) 692-6050Sadly, 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) 496-5831General Retail Stores
Dollar General
5084 Hwy 64 Ducktown, TN 37326
(423) 496-5009
8 AM – 10 PM DailyFamily 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 PMCamping, 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.comCabins 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, OwnerDirections: (north side of bridge over Hiwassee River)
Services: Food, burgers and beer / bunkhouse and showers
Benton MacKaye Trail Association Business MemberOutfitter: 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.comLodging
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 StoreGreen 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.
Hammer’s Hideaway Campground LLC
13431 New Highway 68
Tellico Plains, TN 2861Located near where the BMT crosses Hwy 68 … near the community of Ironsburg.
Campground with restaurant and teepee/tents for hikers. Laundry room and some resupply items — plan to have a supply of clothes for hikers to wear while they are doing laundry. Resupply, laundry and shuttle service.
Contact Property Mgr. Mike Stanfill (423) 807-1350 for shuttle service from Hwy 68 and Reliance.
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.comTellico 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 PMTellico 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 PMIron 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 PMTellico 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 PMPharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
9170 Tennessee 68, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
(423) 253-2823.
Monday — Saturday 8 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM — 6 PMGrocery
Save-A-Lot Grocery
9170 Hwy 68, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
(423) 253-3020
Daily 9 AM – 9 PM
LT ResupplyDollar General
9170 New Highway 68 # B, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
(423) 253-3977Exxon 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 mealsBP 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
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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
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.
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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.usReached 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!
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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.
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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, laundryPost 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.comDirections: 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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Blaze
The official blaze is a white diamond, 5″ across by 7″ tall. (None permitted in Wilderness.)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Permitted Uses
While the BMT is a hiking trail, some segments are routed on local trails with pre-existing horse or bicycle use permitted.
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Weather
The BMT is generally open year-round, but hikers should be prepared for extreme weather, especially in the higher elevations.
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Total Road Walks
Over the entire trail, approximately 15 miles of road walking combined.
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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.
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Deep Water Fords?
Several creek crossings but no deep-water fords.
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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.
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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.
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.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.
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 “Feather” Sowers
Phone: (706) 455-8775
Email: feather.77@yahoo.com
Available most days to shuttle to / from the BMT in GA (as well as the AT from Amicalola to Neel Gap).
Hammer's Hideaway Campground LLC
Hammer’s Hideaway Campground LLC
13431 New Highway 68
Tellico Plains, TN 2861
Contact Property Mgr. Mike Stanfill (423) 807-1350 for shuttle service from Hwy 68 and Reliance.
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
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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 Renee Theriault Brooklyn, NY 4/23/2023 5/17/2023 Northbound Thru Hike Elizabeth Granderson Siloam Springs, AR 6/24/2024 8/11/2024 Southbound Thru Hike/500-mile BMT/AT Loop Joshua Granderson Siloam Springs, AR 6/24/2024 8/11/2024 Southbound Thru Hike/500-mile BMT/AT Loop Eric Sowers Feather Blue Ridge, GA 5/29/2022 3/18/2024 Northbound Thru Hike/500 Mile Loop/1000 Challenge Wayne Southwell No Worries Tallahassee, FL 5/22/2024 6/16/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Kevin Collier McGyver Cropwell, AL 5/5/2024 6/2/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Rene Collier Cropwell, AL 5/5/2024 6/2/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Randy Aird Newnan, GA 8/5/2023 9/6/2023 Northbound John Wigington H3 Crossville, TN 9/14/2021 10/19/2021 Thru Hike Matt Kerstetter Lionheart McClure, PA 4/6/2024 4/30/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Isaac Quillen Whittier, NC 5/24/24 6/14/24 Northbound Thru Hike Brittany Dewitt RedEaredSlider Memphis, TN 5/18/2024 6/8/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Allison Stokes Bel Air, MD 5/5/2024 6/3/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Miles Spalding Miles Louisville, KY 11/2/2018 5/10/2024 Mixed Section Hike Jim Wooten JimEcricket Duvall, WA 3/25/2024 4/24/2024 Southbound Thru Hike Brian DuCommun Caboose Hot Springs, NC 3/15/2024 4/2/2024 Northbound Thru Hike Tom Mount Concord, NC 2/13/2024 3/8/2024 Northbound Thru Hike George Helf Straggler Glen Ellyn, IL 3/11/2024 3/28/2024 Northbound Thru Hike 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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
- The Appalachian Trail (AT) (Davenport Gap >> Springer Mountain)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 bmtathruhikerregistration@bmta.org. or mail to the address below:
Benton MacKaye Trail Association, Inc.
PO Box 6
Cherry Log, GA 30522-0006If 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
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.
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
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.
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 | |
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.
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