Trail Description:
The trail in Georgia stretches from Springer Mountain to
Double Spring Gap on the Tennessee border. The first 20
miles of this trail merge with the Appalachian and Duncan
Ridge Trails. From Springer Mountain, the Benton
MacKaye Trail goes north to Rhodes Mountain and turns
west, crossing the Toccoa River at Shallowford Bridge.
The trail uses county roads near Stanley Gap, and then
follows ridge tops to Cherry Log. The trail then crosses
private property before following state and county roads
to Bush Head Gap. The entire trail is marked with white
diamonds and blazes on trees.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Benton Mackaye Trail
Length of Trail: Over 10 miles
Travel Information
Trailhead Directions: There are many access points along the trail.
Two are given here. Shallowford Bridge Access: From
Blue Ridge, take old U.S. 76 for l mile east to Aska Road.
Turn right, and go south for 9 miles to a steel bridge. GA
Highway 60 Access: From Blue Ridge, take Old U.S. 76
east for 5 miles to Morganton. There, turn right on GA
60 and travel south 15 miles near Tooni Gap.
The last 7 miles are located within the Cohutta Wilderness.
The terrain varies from streams through laurel and
rhododendron thickets to scenic ridge tops, mature forest,
and country roads. The trail is marked with white
diamonds and blazes on trees. On the Cohutta District,
the trail merges with the South Fork, Jacks River, and
Hemptop Trails, where horse travel is permitted within
the wilderness.
The following access points are available
within the Cohutta Ranger District - Watson Gap: Take
GA 5 northwest out of Blue Ridge for about 4 miles. Turn
left at the Watson Gap directional sign onto Old GA 2
and travel 10.5 miles to Watson Gap, a four-way intersection,
where the trail enters the road. Dyer Gap: Follow
directions to Watson Gap. Then turn left onto Forest Service
Road 64 and go 3.5 miles to the Dyer Cemetery. The
trail crosses the road just beyond this point. Dally Gap:
Follow directions to Watson Gap. Then turn right onto
Forest Service Road 22 and go about 3.5 miles to Dally
Gap and the Jacks River trailhead. Hike down the Jacks
River Trail about 0.8 mile to where the Benton MacKaye
Trail intersects.
For more information on this hike
National Forest: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Local Office: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Address:
3941 Highway 76
Chatsworth, GA, 30705
706-695-6736
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