The Benton MacKaye Trail, The Perfect Mini Thru-Hike by Aly Winkler

Aly Winkler is a 2023 FarOut Scout

A tent on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

When people think of hiking in Appalachia they think of the Appalachian Trail, but did you know that there’s a quieter, equally beautiful trail called the Benton MacKaye Trail that runs parallel to the AT for 290 miles (467 kms)? 

 

The Benton MacKaye Trail or BMT as it is more colloquially known, is named after the founder of the AT, Mr Benton MacKaye. MacKaye had originally proposed the idea of a continuous trail through Appalachia back in 1921 with certain spur trails included. That proposal gave way to the famous Appalachian Trail. 

A hiker walking on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler
A hiker sitting on the grass on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

It wasn’t until 1975 that Dave Sherman proposed the BMT, naming it after the famous conservationist Benton MacKaye. Work slowly began by volunteers alongside the US Forest Service. The trail was completed in 2005, 30 years after Sherman first proposed it. Since then, the Benton MacKaye Trail Association has continued to maintain and improve the trail. The result is a stunning route that begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finishes at Big Creek in Smoky Mountain National Park, in North Carolina. 

A view from the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler
a bridge of a creek on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

This trail is the perfect intro to thru-hiking, an ideal backpacking trip to get a glimpse into the world of thru hiking without having to quit your job or sell your house. Depending on your pace the trail can be completed in anywhere between 10 – 30 days. Some people tackle it as one big hike, others hike it in sections, or as a series of day or weekend hikes. That’s part of the beauty of it, this trail is for everyone, no matter your experience level. 

 

With towns or major roads spaced every few days, there’s no need for long food carries. There’s plenty of opportunities to slack pack, particularly at the southern end near Blue Ridge, with a handful of friendly shuttle drivers willing to help out. If you really wanted, you could arguably have someone meet you at a trailhead or road every 20 miles or so. 

A very green forest on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler
white flowers on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

Another advantage of the BMT is that it can be hiked in early spring or late fall when other trails are blanketed under many feet of snow. It is a year round trail, something most other thru hikes can’t claim. You may get wet and cold while hiking the BMT in the middle of January but it can be done. Of course, check the weather and conditions before setting out.

An old stone shelter in a very green and lush area on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler
A hiker walking across the bridge on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

FarOut Guides allows for easy navigation with water sources and campsites well marked on the app. It takes away a lot of the stress regarding route planning, with all the information you could need at your fingertips. The BMT association also provides lots of information on their website to help with planning.

I set out to hike the BMT in the spring of 2023 as a shakedown hike, and to attempt to have some semblance of fitness before starting a summer of thru hiking.

The trail was quiet and I would often go the whole day without seeing other hikers. In contrast, the Appalachian Trail, which runs parallel to the west, will see dozens of hikers a day.

pink flowers on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler
waterfall on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

In May the flowers were in full bloom, the rhododendrons creating bright flashes of color amidst the sea of green. Mountain laurel crowd the trail, pushing for sunlight. Rivers and lakes provide lovely lunch spots along with the perfect afternoon swimming spots. 

 

This is a trail that can be hiked quickly or slowly. You pick the pace. No matter what, it is a wonderful chance to experience the beauty of Appalachia and go for a nice long walk in the woods. 

a tunnel and road on the Benton MacKaye Trail
Photo provided by Aly Winkler
National Forest Wilderness sign on a tree
Photo provided by Aly Winkler

Related Trail Guide

The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT), named for the man who originally proposed the idea for the Appalachian Trail. The BMT is an approximately 290-mile trail in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. It shares the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The AT crosses it several times, and ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near the Appalachian Trail. As a result making it a possible to use the AT as an alternate route or loop.