The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) is a 275-mile wilderness backpacking route through the southern Appalachians, running from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Davenport Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Named for the man who originally conceived the Appalachian Trail, the BMT resembles what the AT once was: remote and solitary, with minimal infrastructure and few crowds. This is a route for self-reliant backpackers. You may go days without seeing another person.
The trail passes through seven federally designated wilderness areas, including the Cohutta and Big Frog Wildernesses, follows rugged 4,000-5,000 foot ridgelines, and crosses numerous mountain streams and rivers. Unlike the parallel Appalachian Trail, the BMT has only two shelters along its entire length (Cherry Log Shelter at mile 50 and one at mile 273), so you will rely mostly on dispersed camping or designated sites. The trail demands strong navigation skills, competence at creek crossings, and comfort with long resupply intervals.
Most thru-hikers complete the BMT in 20 days, though completion times range from 10-30 days depending on pace and conditions. The terrain, grades, and difficulty are similar to the Georgia AT: frequent steep ascents and descents, rocky and rooty footing, and few switchbacks. The trail is best suited to experienced backpackers comfortable with primitive conditions and long stretches between towns.
Most of the BMT requires no permits. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the national forest sections in Georgia and Tennessee, following Leave No Trace principles: camp at least 200 feet from water and trails, use established sites where available, and bury waste 6-8 inches deep.
The major exception is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park section (approximately 93 miles). Backcountry camping there requires advance reservations and paid permits. You must book specific campsites up to 30 days before your trip through the park's online system at https://smokiespermits.nps.gov or by calling (865) 436-1297. On the AT you get one permit for the park section; on the BMT you reserve individual campsites for each night. Book early, especially for popular sites.
If parking at Davenport Gap (northern terminus), a separate parking permit is required.
One short section near Blood Mountain in Georgia requires bear-resistant canisters from March 1 to June 1 annually. Traditional bear bags are not allowed during this period; the canister must be solid and non-pliable. Elsewhere, proper bear bagging or canisters are strongly recommended but not mandated.
Group size is limited to 12 hikers in wilderness areas. Dogs are prohibited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but allowed elsewhere on leash. Fire restrictions vary by jurisdiction, so check current conditions with the Chattahoochee-Oconee, Cherokee, or Nantahala National Forests before building fires. Use established fire rings where they exist.
April and November are the best months for a BMT thru-hike, with moderate temperatures and none of the worst insects, severe weather, or extreme heat.
Spring (April-May): Temperatures range from the upper 30s to mid-70s, comfortable for hiking. Wildflowers peak in March-May, with displays of trillium, pink lady's slippers, flame azaleas, mountain laurel, and Catawba rhododendron. Blooms begin in southern Georgia in March and move north through May. One major caveat: southern lightning storms with tornadoes and flash flooding can be brutal in March-April. Ticks are minimal early in the season (late March-April), and one 2024 hiker reported zero mosquitoes on a late April thru-hike.
Fall (October-November): Cooler temperatures, fall foliage peaking in October, and minimal insects make this the most popular season. Expect fewer people than in spring. Nights can be cold; lows in the 20s are common at higher elevations.
Summer (June-September): Avoid if possible. Heat and humidity combine with abundant mosquitoes, ticks, and venomous snakes. September is peak hurricane season, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding. Water sources are reliable, but the misery factor is high.
Winter (December-March): Challenging but possible for experienced winter backpackers. The high peaks regularly get snow, with storms dropping 6+ inches. Temperatures on the 5,000-foot ridgelines fall to the teens overnight, and daytime highs barely clear freezing. One December hiker saw 12-degree lows and significant snowfall at Laurel Gap Shelter. Pack full winter gear, including insulated layers, and consider snowshoes. Most hikers skip this season.
Snow typically clears from the high elevations by late April, though patches can linger on north-facing slopes into May.
The BMT crosses innumerable mountain streams and seven major rivers (Toccoa, Ocoee, Hiwassee, Upper Bald, Tellico, and others), so water is generally reliable throughout. Purify all of it; many streams flow down from agricultural areas and livestock operations.
Some creeks may run low or dry during late summer droughts (August-September). Water is most reliable in spring and fall. The BMTA website and navigation apps like FarOut carry user-updated water source comments.
Resupply is much harder than on the AT. The BMT travels the high ridges with few road crossings, so getting to town usually means a long hitch. Plan for 3-5 day resupply intervals.
Major resupply towns (south to north):
Blue Ridge, GA (mile 50): Full resupply with Save-A-Lot, Food Lion, Ingles, and Walmart. An officially designated BMT Trail Town about 3 miles from the trail. Most hikers hitch in from a road crossing.
Fontana Village, NC: Accessible from Green Gap. The resort has an extremely limited grocery selection but accepts mail drops sent to Fontana Dam Village (front desk). DO NOT send packages to the Fontana Dam Post Office; its hours are extremely limited and unreliable. Fontana is also where you pick up GSMNP backcountry permits if needed.
Other road crossings reach smaller towns, but expect longer hitches and limited services. Many hikers send resupply boxes to cut down on town visits. Check the BMTA resupply page for detailed options.
Mail drop timing takes careful planning because of the long stretches between access points. Most thru-hikers buy supplies in Blue Ridge and use a mail drop at Fontana.
The BMT's remoteness is both its appeal and its primary hazard. Cell coverage is nonexistent for most of the route; one thru-hiker went 10 days without a signal, and the Forest Service confirms no coverage on several sections. Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach, SPOT, etc.) for emergencies, since you may not see another person for days.
Creek and river crossings: The trail includes numerous unbridged stream crossings. The Brookshire Creek and Bald River crossings can be difficult or dangerous in high water and may call for water shoes. Kirkland Creek Trail has several crossings without bridges. Some approach loops include 18+ crossings; avoid these in winter or after heavy rain when water levels are up. Spring snowmelt and summer storms can make crossings treacherous.
Wildlife: Black bears are common throughout. Hang food properly at least 200 feet from camp, or use a canister where required. Timber rattlesnakes are active spring through fall, especially at lower elevations. Turkey and deer are abundant.
Navigation: White diamond blazes mark the entire route, with "Benton MacKaye Trail" signs on green backgrounds in the Smokies. Wooden signs stand at most junctions. The trail is less maintained than the AT, though, and blazes are infrequent in some sections. Navigation apps (FarOut) and the BMTA guidebook are essential at confusing junctions. One 2024 hiker reported the first 40 miles were "in great shape with very few blowdowns," but conditions vary.
Weather: Southern Appalachian weather changes fast. March-April brings severe thunderstorms with lightning, tornadoes, and flash flooding. The higher ridgelines are exposed to lightning strikes. Winter storms can drop heavy snow above 4,000 feet. Always carry rain gear and layers.
Terrain: The BMT goes "straight up and straight down" with minimal switchbacks. Expect constant elevation change even when the net gain is small. Rocky, rooty footing is standard, and some sections are eroded, with awkward rock steps and very steep grades. The trail is not technical, but it demands strong knees and hiking poles.
Resupply logistics: Long hitches into towns with limited services add stress to every resupply. Plan carefully and carry extra food in case a hitch takes longer than expected.
Southern terminus (Springer Mountain): From Atlanta, take GA-400 north to Dahlonega, then follow Forest Service roads to the Springer Mountain parking area on FS Road 42 (approximately 6.5-7 miles on forest roads). High-clearance vehicles are recommended but not required in good conditions. Alternative access from Three Forks on FS Road 58. No parking fees reported.
Northern terminus (Davenport Gap/Big Creek): The northern terminus is at Big Creek Campground in the far northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Davenport Gap where I-40 crosses the AT. From Asheville, NC or Knoxville, TN, take I-40 to Exit 451, then follow signs to Big Creek. A parking permit is required.
Nearest airports: Atlanta (ATL) for southern access, Asheville (AVX) or Knoxville (TYS) for northern access. All are 2-3 hours from the trailheads.
Shuttle services: Multiple shuttle operators serve the BMT (also AT shuttles): - Bandit's AT Shuttles: 828-231-7728, rdalej@gmail.com (covers entire BMT, Atlanta airport pickup) - Dick Anderson (Ellijay, GA): 706-276-2520, richardjanderson@etcmail.com (Georgia section) - Bill Schaaf (Coker Creek, TN): 423-261-2211, billspitstop117@aol.com (Thunder Rock to Fontana Dam) - Outpost Outfitters (Tellico Plains, TN): 423-333-6305, downstreamliving@gmail.com - Mountain Crossing (Neels Gap): 706-745-6095
See the BMTA shuttle page for the complete list. Shuttles are essential for thru-hikers, so plan and book ahead, especially in peak season.
Road conditions: Forest Service roads to the southern trailheads are generally well-maintained gravel but can be rough after storms. Check conditions after heavy rain or snow.
Embrace solitude or hike with a partner: The AT puts dozens of hikers in your path daily; the BMT sees only a handful of thru-hikers annually (fewer total completions than the AT gets starters in a single year). If you thrive on trail community, this may not be your hike. If you want wilderness solitude, this is where to find it.
Navigation tools are non-negotiable: Download offline maps (FarOut app, BMTA maps, or Pocket Profiles) before starting. Cell coverage is too sparse to count on downloading maps mid-trail. The BMTA Databook lists campsite locations, water sources, and road crossings.
Camp flexibility: The AT has established campsites every few miles; the BMT does not, so camping takes some improvisation. Start scouting for flat spots 30 minutes before sunset rather than banking on a specific site. The BMTA maintains some established sites with fire rings near water sources, but don't count on them.
Water shoes or trail runners: Several unbridged creek crossings warrant water shoes or footwear you can wade in comfortably. Some hikers wear trail runners all day rather than boots and accept wet feet as normal.
Carry extra food: Resupply logistics are complicated. Carry at least one extra day of food in case hitches into town take longer than planned or you need to bail due to weather.
Smokies permit strategy: Book GSMNP campsites as soon as the 30-day window opens, especially for popular sites. Have backup dates and sites ready. Consider hiking this section during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Timing through the Smokies: The 93-mile GSMNP section is the longest stretch. Plan 5-7 days depending on pace, and make sure your food carry matches your campsite reservations.
Lesser-known highlights: The Cohutta and Big Frog Wilderness sections (roughly 13 miles combined) are the most remote part of the trail. The ridgeline views rival the AT without the crowds. Spring wildflower displays in the Georgia sections (March-April) are world-class, particularly the pink lady's slippers near Rocky Mountain.
Skip summer: Seriously. April or November timing avoids 90% of the misery (heat, humidity, bugs, storms) and gives you the best hiking conditions.
Consider a NOBO start: Most BMT hikers start southbound from Davenport Gap, but northbound from Springer lets you follow the spring bloom north and build fitness on the Georgia section before tackling the Smokies.
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