Hiking In North Georgia On The Benton Mackaye Trail

The Benton MacKaye Trail has its southern terminus at the top of Springer Mountain - it commences just past the start of the legendary Appalachian Trail, the AT. As opposed to 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 trekking the BMT, not to mention facing some heavy traffic on certain roads which become part of the trail. Remarkable farms, grungy buildings and falling down barns are found on the way, and varying with the time of year, exquisite spring flowers or a palette of astounding autumn colors will go with the hiker. There are 16 access points in Georgia for this remarkable Trail, featuring short loops and longer and more challenging longer hikes.
Springer Mountain provides a wonderful little day hike, beginning at the parking lot from F.S. 42. You are able to 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. For anybody who is more ambitious, return using the BMT - this is a 4.8 miles loop. After leaving Springer Mountain, the Benton Mackaye Trail intersects the Appalachian Trail a couple of times, just to part ways to the left about 1 mile past Three Forks, an extremely beautiful destination by itself. Hike further north, and you will discover a beautiful waterfall - Long Creek Falls at this last intersection of the trails, which is a short and much loved family hike, even though not recommended during a holiday weekend as a consequence of 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 continues to turn left on to Stanley Creek Road and eventually passes by Falls Branch Falls, which is also an outstanding and popular destination. A short 1/3 mile of a walk, but pretty up-hill on a relatively difficult terrain.
Could not discuss the Trail without citing its originator Benton MacKaye the Appalachian Trail. Emile Benton MacKaye came into this world on March 6, 1879, the 5th child to an extremely poor household. He was named after his paternal grandmother, Emily Benton Steele. His father, Steele MacKaye, was a struggling novelist in New York, and his mother, Mary, was a housewife with sporadic occupation in the theater industry.
MacKaye's initial concepts on outdoor recreation, wilderness maintenance, land-use planning, community advancement, and transportation have encouraged generations of activists, professionals, and travelers in search of 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 establish and sustain the BMT. The organization was established 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 each end passing through some of the most remote back-country in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It was formally finished in 2005.
MacKaye lived to be 96 years old and passed away in December of 1975. His legacy and his commitment continue to endure with this beautiful trail that promises so much pleasure to many.