The Benton Mackaye Trail And Hiking Near Blue Ridge, Ga

The Benton MacKaye Trail has its southern terminus on the top of Springer Mountain - it commences just past the start of the famous Appalachian Trail, the AT. Unlike this eastern brother the Benton MacKaye Trail does not wind through federally protected land . You may find yourself in the midst of vacation rentals and parking lots when hiking the BMT, not to mention encountering some heavy traffic on some roads which become part of the trail. Amazing farms, dilapidated buildings and falling down barns are seen along the way, and depending on the season, beautiful spring flowers or a palette of amazing fall colors will go with the hiker. There are sixteen access points in Georgia for this amazing Trail, offering short loops and longer and more demanding longer hikes.

Springer Mountain offers a wonderful little day hike, starting at the parking lot from F.S. 42. One may simply hike up to the top using the AT, starting from this parking lot and return the same way, offering a 2 mile round trip. If you are more adventurous, return using the BMT - this is a 4.8 miles loop. After leaving Springer Mountain, the Benton Mackaye Trail intersects the Appalachian Trail a few times, just to part ways to the left about one mile past Three Forks, a very picturesque destination by itself. Hike further north, and you will find a beautiful waterfall - Long Creek Falls at this last intersection of the trails, which is a short and favorite family hike, although not advisable during a holiday weekend due to its popularity. Following the trail, after passing through Big Bald, it reaches the Swinging Bridge (about an 8.8 mile hike), also a popular destination, although it is easier accessible from the north - just a 3/10 mile walk. Passing by the Toccoa River, the BMT crosses Shallowford Bridge and after a short walk on Aska Road, it proceeds to turn left on to Stanley Creek Road and eventually passes by Falls Branch Falls, which is also a great and popular destination. A short 1/3 mile of a walk, but pretty up-hill on a fairly rough terrain. You may do most of these hikes on your own, or you may chose to hire a local guide, who will not only keep you safe, but will make your trip so much more entertaining by providing information and local folclore.

Could not talk about the Trail without mentioning its creator Benton MacKaye the Appalachian Trail. Emile Benton MacKaye was born on March 6, 1879, the fifth child to a very poor household. He was named after his paternal grandmother, Emily Benton Steele. His father, Steele MacKaye, was a struggling author in New York, and his mother, Mary, was a homemaker with irregular employment in the theater industry.

MacKaye's early ideas on outdoor recreation, wilderness maintenance, land-use planning, community advancement, and transportation have enthused generations of activists, professionals, and adventurers looking for a harmonious balance between human need and that of nature and the natural environment.

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) was organized in 1979 and incorporated in 1980, to build and keep up the BMT. The organization was formed by volunteers with a wish to create a hiking path along the original path first envisioned for the Appalachian Trail. The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) is a back-country hiking trail, measuring 288 miles (480 km), with 80 miles in Georgia alone, and it intersects with the Appalachian Trail on either end passing through some of the most remote back-country in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It was officially completed in 2005.

MacKaye lived to be 96 years old and died in December of 1975. His legacy and his passion continue to live on with this amazing trail that offers so much pleasure to thousands.