Location
The BMT stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through 3 states (Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina), five wilderness areas, a wilderness study area, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), which is managed as wilderness.

Description
This trail is named for Benton MacKaye (muk-EYE), the forester, conservationist, and co-founder of the Wilderness Society who originally envisioned this route for the Appalachian Trail (AT). The trail is described in 3 sections. Section 1 lies between Springer Mountain, Georgia and the GA/TN state line. Section 2 continues north along the western Blue Ridge Mountains through some of the most remote and rugged wilderness in the entire southeast, to just south of the Smokies after traversing the beautiful high ridges of the Unaka Mountains that form the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Section 3 lies entirely within the GSMNP using existing trails between Twenty Mile Ranger Station and Davenport Gap, a length of 96 miles. The BMT forms a giant figure 8 with the AT, a total loop distance of over 500 miles. The trail is marked with signs and white diamond blazes except in wilderness areas where there is often nothing marking the intersections. There is only one shelter on the trail in the Georgia section and one in the GSMNP.

When to Go
Year round, although most prefer spring, summer, or fall. Many hikers underestimate the harsh winter conditions that can occur in the mountains even in the south. If hiking in the winter be prepared for treacherous conditions. Blaze orange is recommended during hunting season.

Reservations or Permits
None required except for backcountry overnight camping in the Smokies.

Maps, Guides and Contacts
Section and profile maps and section descriptions are available at www.BMTA.org. There is also a link for ordering the guidebook "Hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail" by Tim Homan, which details the Georgia portion of the trail.

National Forests
Chattahoochee-Oconee: www.fs.fed.us/conf
Cherokee: www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee
Nantahala: www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc

National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: www.nps.gov/grsm