Monday, July 11, 2005
Is everyone aware of the new cell phone tower site in constuction on or very near the BMT on top of Davenport Mountain? Few of the local home owners facing or below this mountain know of it and apparently there hasn't been much opposition yet. What a visual disaster for the Aska Adventure Area and the BMT if this monolith is erected. Please contact me if you have any information on this and how the cell site tower may be halted in this area.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Hiked Section 8 No. to So. as an overnighter. Absolutely beautiful weather. Well Blazed and maintained. Thank you BMTA! A little challenging at times but plenty of places with great views in which to catch your breath. This section could be done as a very long day hike if you start early, carry only essentials, and are in pretty good shape. A great time on a wonderful section of the BMT.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
My husband and I have thru-hiked the BMT 3 times since 2000 (0nce a yo-yo, so techinically 4 times) from Springer Mountain Georgia to Hwy 64 in Tennessee. We absolutely LOVE this trail. It has recently been extended from Hwy 64 all the way through the Smokies to it's northern terminus at Davenport Gap. This addition will lengthen the trail from it's previous mileage of 90.9 miles to 290 miles. The new portion of the trail is expected to be open by late spring of 2005. It will form a giant figure 8 loop with the Appalachian Trail, so hikers could start anywhere on one of these two trails and hike for over 500 miles (since both ends of the BMT intersect with the AT)! The Benton MacKaye Trail Association has a website with maps and trail descriptions available. We can't wait to thru-hike the NEW BMT!
| Diana Ristom a.k.a. Happy Feet |
Monday, December 2, 2002
My family hiked the trail over Thanksgiving and enjoyed it very much. We found the trail (section 8) well marked and in good condition. Over a three day period we did not see anyone else on the trail. Good views and great trail!
Monday, October 22, 2001
We are attempting to hike the Benton MacKaye before the end of this school year (2001-2002). A group of staff from our school has already enjoyed the first three sections. We have been very impressed with the condition of the trails and the beauty along the way. Last weekend there was an added joy because the leaves were changing. We hope to finish through section six before Christmas. I have hiked all over the east coast and also some in California, and this is just a wonderful trail and area. This trail is lightly traveled and the seclusion is fantastic.
Saturday, September 15, 2001
For a short, but breath-taking hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail, park at the top of Wilscott Mountain on Highway 60 (south from Morganton)and hike to the Brawley Mountain Tower. Once there take a few minutes to sit and enjoy the view and a bite to eat before you hike down. We were also brave enough, or stupid enough to skale the tower for a better view. Afterwards, we walked back down the road to our car.
Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Cheers to the Benton Trail Club for the difficult task of maintaining a great trail. the climb from hwy 60 to Licklog will break you if you are not prepared. My software says it is a 44 grade and after packing it a dozen times I certainly agree with the Software. Be Ready
Sunday, November 5, 2000
I have hiked the entire trail and I enjoyed it immensely. The trail far outshines the AT in the fact that it is so rarely used and is always in a pristine condition. Well marked, nice campsites,and even occasional wildlife.There are plenty of strenuous sections and at times very remote (which is why I hike it) so always be prepared. We just hiked the Ga 60 to 60 section and the trail is in great shape. Markings are well done and the footbed is cleared. Best trail to hike in GA !!!!!!
Sunday, July 2, 2000
Although it has been several years since I took on the task to hike the trail for the first time and for the first time for the YMCA Camp Ocoee, I still dream of going back to do the complete trail in its entirity someday. This trail literally has its ups and downs but, it has provided me with some of my best memories. This trail is worth keeping for generations to come!!
Tuesday, June 27, 2000
6-27-00
I AM A LONE HIKER AND AVERAGE ABOUT 200 MILES A YEAR ON WEEKENDS, AND I FOUND THE BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL TO BE ONE OF THE MOST SATISFYING TRAILS I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO EXPERIENCE. I FOUND THIS TRAIL BY ACCIDENT LOOKING FOR A SECTION OF THE APPALACHIAN TRIAL.
I WORK FOR A COMPANY CALLED BENTON EXPRESS AND SO THE NAME ALONE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. I HAVE READ REPORTS THAT THE TRAIL IS TOO EXPOSED TO CIVILIZATION OR LOGGING AND FREQUENTLY CROWDED. I MUST HAVE PICKED THE RIGHT DAYS TO HIKE AND SO BLINDED BY THE BEAUTY OF NATURE, THAT I NEVER CONSIDERED EITHER OPINION CORRECT. I HAVE HIKED EVERY MILE OF THE BMT IN GEORGIA. IN ALL THAT TIME I HAVE ENCOUNTERED ONLY 2 PEOPLE ON THE TRAIL.
AT THE TOCCOA RIVER EXPANSION BRIDGE I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE FISHING OR SIGHT SEEING BUT ALWAYS HAD THE TRAIL TO MYSELF.
MY FONDEST MEMORY WAS A SECTION ABOVE THREE FORKS (A.T.) THAT I FOUND ONLY BECAUSE I WAS FRUSTRATED AT THE NUMBER OF CARS PARKED AT THREE FORKS AND HAD DRIVEN ON PAST LOOKING FOR MORE REMOTE AREA. I HAD PARKED TO HIKE OUT ON WHAT I THOUGHT WAS AN OVERLOOK, IN THE DITCH I SAW AN OLD BMT SIGN. I SEARCHED AROUND AND FOUND THE HOLE IT HAD BEEN PULLED FROM, INSERTED SIGN POST AND DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE TRAIL A WAYS IF THE DIAMOND MARKINGS WERE VISIBLE. SHORTLY, ABOUT 1/2 MILE OR LESS I FOUND ANOTHER SIGN POINTING TO SCENIC OVERLOOK. A SHORT HIKE AND A BATTLE WITH OVERGROWN BUSHES, I STEPPED OUT ONTO A ROCK OUTCROP THAT TOOK MY BREATH AWAY. NOT BECAUSE OF THE ALTITUDE, BUT THE SCENERY WAS UNBELIEVABLE. AS I SAT ENJOYING THE VIEW A REDTAILED HAWK FLOATED ABOUT 50 FEET BELOW ME ON THE COOL MOUNTIAN WIND CURRENTS. I WENT ON TO HIKE ANOTHER 3 MILES ON THE TRAIL BEFORE TURNING AROUND TO RETURN TO MY CAR.
I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO FIND A VERY LARGE AND NICE BRONZE PLAQUE IN HONOR OF MR. MACKAYE MOUNTED ON A BOULDER. I CANNOT REMEMBER THE PART OF THE TRAIL THIS WAS ON AND MY LOGS ARE NOT HANDY, BUT IT WAS NEAR AN INTERSECTION WITH THE A.T. AND I BELIEVE NEAR SPRINGER MTN. I HAVE SEEN, HEARD, WITNESSED MARKINGS OF ALMOST EVERY TYPE ANIMAL THAT LIVES IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MTNS WHILE HIKING THIS TRAIL. EASY, MODERATE, STRENUOUS, BUT ALWAYS WORTH IT. IT SHOULD BE HIKED AND ENJOYED BY ANYONE WHO LOVES THE OUTDOORS. SELFISHLY I AM GLAD IT IS NOT MORE POPULAR. MANY TRAILS I HAVE HIKED BUT NONE HOLD THE PLACE IN MY HEART THAT THE BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL DOES.
HAPPY HIKING...
BILL JONES
JONESBORO, GA
BILLJONES51@AOL.COM
Thursday, April 13, 2000
November 24, 1999Benton MacKaye Watson Gap to Dally Gap (Part of Section 10)
By Jim Norvill
It was a perfect day for a hike in the mountains! The weather was cool and sunny when Doug Ikelman, Ellen Miller, her son Chris Miller, Patrice Krant and I gathered at the Abernathy Road MARTA lot.
At 8:00am, we drove to the Dawsonville McDonald’s where we joined Andy Ward and Elywn Butler for breakfast. During the drive and at breakfast, I shared a photo album of previous Club hikes that I had recently put together. It was the inspiration for lots of “Remember when…” stories.
After breakfast, we proceeded to an area west of Blue Ridge. After an 11-mile drive on gravel mountain roads, we arrived at Watson Gap.
We noticed that the forest rangers had added a permit box by the Watson Gap sign since the last time we were here. We thought it was for parking permits, but soon discovered that it was for hunting permits. Yes, it was hunting season and we were sharing this beautiful wildlife management area with armed hunters. We assured Ranger Bob that it wasn’t bear season, so he came out of hiding and said he was ready to hike.
The plan was to do a loop hike up the Benton MacKaye Trail until we intersected with Hemp Hill Trail that would take us to Dally Gap. From there we would take the Jacks River Trail back to the intersection of the Benton MacKaye and then back to Watson Gap. Sound confusing? Ellen (as shown in the photo) explained the plan after we reached the intersection with Jack River Trail on the way up.
Andy Ward, our Gadget Guy, provided walkie-talkies so that we could keep track of each other as we spread out along the trail. Andy also brought a Global Positioning System device that allowed us to pinpoint precisely where we were at all times. (Andy also has been known to carry mini-cams and television sets with him on hikes…)
We stopped to eat lunch in a beautiful little valley. While continuing our conversations, we checked out each other’s lunches. A few trades were made; Chris Miller demonstrated his pitching arm by distributing apples to those sitting across the valley.
It turned out to be a very pleasant hike for everyone - just long and fast enough to get a good workout but not quite enough to wear us out. However, we decided that we had still earned dinner at the Smith House in Dahlonega.
Chris remembered visiting the Smith House about ten years ago; he has used their food to describe Southern cooking to people in the various places he has lived, including Seoul, Korea and Bangkok, Thailand. He was glad of the chance for a return visit.
What a wonderful day – this one will be remembered as one of the best!
Thursday, April 13, 2000
Oct 24, 1999WCOG October Hike
Benton MacKaye – Section 9
Dyer Gap to Watson Gap
By Doug Ikelman
On October 24, Mary Ann Blessing, Scott Harriss, Patrice Krant, Peggy Collins, Susan Helper, Joann and Johnny Helper, Emma and Phil Sisk, and I set out to hike Section 9 of the Benton MacKaye Trail from Dyer Gap to Watson Gap.
(Ranger Bob was home taking care of Jim Norvill, who was suffering from the flu and couldn’t make it on this hike. This was the first hike Jim has missed in two years – he must have been really sick!)
It was a cold 40-degree morning, so we hiked the trail from north to south, hoping that it would get warmer as we went further south. Actually, this saved a shuttle trip for the vehicles, as we had to approach the trail from the north.
Cold, clear, northern air had settled over the mountains, so we had spectacular views over the mountain ranges and valleys. Some leaves had started to turn, and the sun enhanced their colors.
The trail follows the South Fork Jack’s River Trail for 1.6 miles. Along this section, we were treated to views of water rushing over rocks in the river and the river winding through a marsh. We also crossed several creeks flowing into the river. Parts of the trail also followed some old logging roads.
The trail was to the west of Dyer Mountain, so it was not until the afternoon hours that the sun began to warm us.
At Dyer Gap, we explored the Dyer Family Cemetery, drank some soft drinks that Scott had brought along for us and prepared for the trip home. The drive back to Watson Gap provided some excellent views of the slopes and valley to the east of Dyer Mountain, with their quilt of changing leaf color.
Thursday, April 13, 2000
June 19, 1999Benton MacKaye Trail- Section 5
Wilscot Gap to Shallowford Bridge
By Jim Norvill
What a great day for a hike! There was not a cloud in the sky as we drove to the Shallowford Bridge, dropped off Andy Ward’s jeep and my jeep at the point where we planned to finish our hike. Andy, Scott Harriss and I got into Frank and Caryle Mann’s Blazer, and we headed to Wilscot Gap, the beginning point of the hike where Ralph Fressola and Doug Ikleman were waiting for us.
After getting all of our gear together, we headed out on our 7.1 mile trek. The trail was a bit steep in the beginning, a 730-foot climb in 1.3 miles, but soon leveled off and we walked on ridges for a while.
Just before we reached the peak of Brawley Mountain, we stopped and had lunch. Frank picked two handfuls of blackberries and shared them with everyone.
Reaching the top of Brawley, we discovered an old fire tower. There were no ladders for about the first 20 feet of the tower, so Frank and Andy climbed up the structure until they were able to reach the steps that took them to the top of the tower. They said it was a wonderful view from the top. We took their word for it.
The trail took us down to and across Dail Road. We then hiked up Free Knob and down the other side to a gravel road that ran along side the Toccao River.
As we walked, we could see people tubing down the river. We watched in envy as tubers went over rapids and then leisurely floated on the current down to the Shallowford Bridge.
We found our cars by the Bridge and threw our gear in the cars. Scott brought cold drinks for everyone, so we sat on the river bank, enjoyed our drinks and watched as the tubers attempted to get out of their tubes and carry them up the embankment.
We piled into the Jeeps and headed back to the beginning point. Once arriving we split up and headed home.
Thursday, April 13, 2000
May 15, 1999Benton MacKaye Trail- Section 4
Skeenah Gap – Wilscot Gap
Ranger Bob
Karen Lakin, Jim Lakin, Elwyn Butler, Manning Davis, Mary Ann Blessing, Doug Ikelman, Scott Harriss, Ranger Bob, Ellen Miller, Jim Norvill
Yawn! I awoke from my annual hibernation just in time to accompany the WCOG hikers on the fifth section of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Ellen Miller, who I live with when I am not in the woods, got me up early. We mumbled to each other as we gathered our hiking gear, clothes, and food together.
As a bear heading out into the woods, I didn’t really need much – some nuts and berries, water, and my sunglasses. Ellen, however, packed all sorts of stuff – food, water, extra socks, a rain poncho, bug repellant, etc., etc. I know most of it was necessary, and some was just-in-case, but it’s a good thing she has a hiking list, or she never would have been ready on time.
We drove to the Abernathy Road MARTA Park ‘n Ride (I snoozed on the way) where we met up with Mary Ann Blessing, Manning Davis, Scott Harris, Doug Ikelman, and Jim Norvill, our leader. I was introduced to Manning, who was new to the group, and was welcomed warmly by the others who hadn’t seen me since I started hibernating in January. (I got a late start, what with the unseasonably warm winter and all …)
We drove to McDonald’s up in Dawsonville, where we met Jim and Karen Lakin, and had breakfast. McDonald’s is strictly people food, so I just hung out listening to the conversations about past hikes. These people are inordinately proud of themselves for surviving a few hours in the woods – were I the bragging type, I could tell them some stories that would make their fur stand on end…. Elwyn Butler, who had arrived late at the MARTA parking lot and missed us, also caught up with us at McDonald’s.
We headed up to Skeenah Gap (I slept the entire way), where we paused for photos. The pre-hike photo is one of those rituals that people seem to delight in, but I can’t complain about another photo of me appearing in the WCOG newsletter - I am pretty photogenic, even if Ellen has to hold me up so the camera captures my best side.
The hikers started out at a fast pace – I won’t bore you with the details; suffice it to say, there were some inclines and an equal number of descents, lots of beautiful scenery, and animated conversation throughout the morning. Scott is our official flora-meister, so he identified lots of trees, bushes, and the flowers we saw (Trilliam, yellow starflowers, May apples, etc.).
He also took pains to point out the poison ivy that lined the trail. I didn’t have to worry about that, because I travel in a sleeping bag attached to someone’s hiking pack. It’s comfortable, I don’t delay the faster hikers, and the swaying motion is very soothing. I tended to doze off during the morning, but exclamations and laughter woke me frequently.
A bit after noon, we paused for lunch. It took a long time for the group to find a spot with “ambiance” – they wanted a great view with comfortable seats for all – but they finally found the perfect spot. I got to stretch my legs as they enjoyed their lunches. Elwyn, the club Aussie, brought some Vegemite (their version of peanut butter) sandwiches for us to taste – it was an interesting experience, but I don’t think she converted many of us.
This was not a particularly long section of the Benton MacKaye Trail – the availability of access roads tends to determine the length of the sections – so we finished up earlier than usual. Some of the hikers headed back to Atlanta, but several of us decided to circle back to see the suspension bridge on a previous section of the trail. The bridge was really impressive; we lingered a while, looking down at the rushing river and watching fly-fishermen, before we hiked back to the cars.
All in all, it was a fine day with interesting people to listen to. (I am the strong, silent type myself.) I think I’ll stay awake for the next WCOG hike in June. Why don’t you plan to join us?
Thursday, April 13, 2000
February 20, 1999Benton MacKaye Trail
Hwy 60 to Toccoa Bridge
By Jim Norvill
Our hike to view a spectacular 265-foot-long suspension bridge over the Toccoa River was only 6.2 miles round-trip, but included 1,600 feet of vertical climb. This combination of length and elevation made the trip equivalent to hiking 8.7 miles. It was a great workout - at one point during the hike in, we climbed for 1 mile with no let up at all!
On the way, we saw a house that belonged to some people we met on our hike from Springer Mountain in January; we mentioned that we were hiking the Benton MacKaye trail, and they told us their house was on our route.
As we were passing the house, we noticed them on the screened back porch waving at us. I don't know if they recognized us or if they wave at all the hikers that pass through, but it was funny to see them there.
Our hard work was rewarded with a view of the neatest suspension bridge I have ever seen. We saw a group of Boy Scots exploring the bridge, the rocks below the bridge and a rope swing that was mounted on a tree limb above a very deep area of the river. We talked with the Scout leaders for a while and shared what we knew about the Benton MacKaye trail from there to Springer.
We then found a campsite with a great view of the bridge and plenty of logs to sit on, and had lunch. After a while, it started to get windy and a bit cold, so we started back.
Our return took us back over Toonie Mountain, which was just as challenging as it had been on the way in. We arrived at the cars about 2:45pm, feeling tired but accomplished. It was a good day.
Thursday, April 13, 2000
January 16, 1999Benton MacKaye Trail
Springer Mountain to Three Forks
By Mary Ann Blessing
What could be better than a New Year and a New Trail to follow the first leg of the Benton MacKaye Trail starts at the top of Springer Mountain (the same as the Appalachian Trail). After the ritual breakfast at McDonald's; setting up our shuttle at Three Forks (the end of our hike); and, of course, picture taking we started up Springer Mountain to the beginning of the trail and the beginning of our hiking adventure for 1999.
It was a perfect day - the weather was clear and crisp and the sky so blue it made me feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to be out of doors to enjoy such a day. The group consisted of veteran hikers of the Appalachian Trail, Jim Norvill, Ellen Miller, Doug Ikelman and Ralph Fressola; intermittent hiker, Mary Ann Blessing; and long time club member Fred Bradigan who was along for his first hike.
The trails divide a short, way down the mountain and we started following the white diamond blazes, which mark the Benton MacKaye. About a mile down Springer we spotted a very small sign marked "view.'' A short way off the trial we were treated to an outstanding overlook with ridges unfolding into the horizon. I know all seasons are beautiful in the mountains, but the subtle palette of greys and browns and the unobstructed views afforded to the winter hiker are not to be missed.
The rest of the trail was fairly moderate with some pleasant climbs, which seemed to end before becoming too strenuous. At one location Doug pointed out several large piles of stones which be explained were the graves of a Cherokee burial ground. We were very impressed and it did seem to us to be an unusually serene spot. As we neared Three Forks we passed through a thick rhododendron thicket and a dense hemlock forest where the light was very dim and there were still icicles from the cold night before. (It must be a refreshing place on a hot summer day.)After crossing the footbridge over Chester Creek we were back at our cars.
Since it was still early, Jim suggested that we continue up to Long Creek Falls, which he said, was "about half mile." It turned out to be over a mile (mostly uphill), but well worth the climb. This will be the first mile of the next trek (from Three Forks to Highway 60) which promises to be much more challenging in both distance and terrain. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 13, 2000
April 17, 1999Benton MacKaye Trail Section Three
The Great Dog Rescue
US 60 - Skeenah Gap
by Doug Ikleman
Our hikers Andy Ward, Jim Norvill, Ralph Fressola and I started on a cold but sunshine-filled morning. It was great weather for hiking, and jackets and shorts were the preferred dress until the afternoon when clouds and the wind cooled the air down. The ascents to Wallalah and Licklog proved to be the most strenuous parts of the hike, taking us in places almost straight up the sides of the two mountains. The leaves were just starting to come out on the trees, so we had some spectacular views through them to the mountains around us. The cold, clear northern air enabled views of distant mountains.
On the descent from Wallalah Mountain, we came across a lost pug-nosed bulldog. It was very excited to see us and was thirsty and hungry. Andy provided water and Ralph gave up half of his sandwich. The dog had a tag on its collar with a telephone number and the name Rusty. Jim and Andy tried to reach the telephone number with their cell-phones but could not reach anyone.
Rusty followed us willingly, although at times seemed reluctant to climb some of the slopes and became intrigued with things along the trail. We kept a watch over him and made sure that he stayed with us for the remaining 3.6 miles of the hike. There was concern about how to reunite him with his owners. At lunch, we discovered that he would not eat crackers, Fig Newtons, carrots or granola bars. He did however like sandwiches and cinnamon covered raisins. Concerned about water for Rusty and upon reaching a trail to water, Ralph trudged the 250 feet (according to Ralph a guide book said 25) to the source of a stream. However, Rusty would not follow him down the side trail, preferring to lap our water out of a plastic sandwich bag. Ralph claimed that the hike back up from the stream was the steepest part of the hike.
Reaching the end of our hike at Skeenah Gap Road, Andy carried Rusty across the highway to prevent him from being hit by a car. As soon as we put him down, he headed to the highway and was almost run over. While we were trying to find something to use as a leash, a van pulled onto the shoulder of the road. "I hope they are looking for a dog," commented Ralph. The side door of the van slid open revealing four little girls who cried out, "That's our dog".
They had recently moved into the area and Rusty had been missing for four days.
All is well that ends well. We had a great day for a hike, spectacular views and helped reunite a lost dog with its family
Saturday, April 8, 2000
Just look out for Wahallah and Licklog--get ready for some ups. A beautiful trail, though, and well worth the hike.
Wednesday, April 5, 2000
I thought this trail was great. Lots of great veiws and a varitey of wildlife. Thanks Nick
Monday, February 7, 2000
Hiked Section 8 Saturday February 5, 2000 and found the trail very difficult due to a tremendous amount of damage from the recent ice and snow storm. Trees and limbs have fallen on the trail requiring you to navigate around or climb over the debris. The section from Bush Head Gap to Hatley Gap took about 3.25 hours, from Hately Gap to Double Hogpen Road was about 3.5 hours, and the remaing section to Dyer Gap was about 2.5 hours. There were lots of trail "finding" challenges escpecially from mile 9.5 to 11.5 which was complicated with the ground covered beautifully with snow! This trail should have taken me about 6.75 hours to complete with my 48 lbs. pack, but took actually 9.25 hours! Unfortunately, the trail will need a lot of maintenance to clear the limbs and trees, but the remote nature of this trail is great. I am just glad I began at 7:45AM to be able to finish before dark.
Monday, January 3, 2000
Hiked sections 4, 5, 6 from HWY 60/Skeenah Gap to Weaver Creek Road, approx. 22 miles from Dec. 30 - Jan.1 2000. Very good surrounding mountain views due to winter season. Water scarce all the way up to Brawley Mountain. Small stream at Owen Gap. Good campsite at Brawley firetower. Burned out areas at junction of MacKaye/Rich Mountain Trail due to recent fires. Good winter hike!
Sunday, December 12, 1999
A road less traveled. Even though there is more contact with civilization, this is a much less traveled trail with most of the attraction of the AT. Water can be more difficult to find in dry years. Becoming a favorite.
Thursday, November 18, 1999
i have hiked the A.T 10 times and this trail once and it was easy
Friday, October 8, 1999
Thursday, October 7, 1999
WCOG August Hike – Benton MacKaye Trail Section 7
Georgia Highway 5 to Bush Head Gap, August 21, 1999
By Patrice Krant
It is not unusual that there are other groups at the MARTA Park-n-Ride on Abernathy Road when we gather on Saturday mornings before a hike. Like us, they are meeting to car pool to north Georgia for hiking or other outdoor activities. Church groups, singles groups, and the Atlanta Ski Club all meet there. It is pretty unusual that someone defects from one group to another there at the parking lot, but that’s exactly what happened the day of our August hike. And because it did, we had the good fortune to meet Tricia Warren, an experienced hiker who recently relocated to Atlanta. Tricia woke up planning to spend the day hiking with the Sierra Club and decided at the Park-n-Ride to spend it with the Walking Club of Georgia instead. Thanks to Doug Ikelman and Mary Ann Blessing for the excellent WCOG marketing effort! We hope Tricia enjoyed hiking with us as much as we enjoyed meeting her.
It was a beautiful day for a hike in north Georgia. Sunny, low eighties in temperature, and thankfully lower humidity than Metro Atlanta. Since a couple of local landowners donated some land, there has been quite a bit of trail maintenance done in recent years to take more and more of this section of the trail off the roads and into the woods. This sometimes signals that trail markings will have suffered in the move, but for the most part we had no trouble staying on the trail and finding where it took dramatic twists and turns.
The trail was steep and narrow for a short time in the beginning, giving us all a quick warm-up to target heart rate. After that, it meandered back and forth, under the first of two covered bridges, into and out of the woods, along a railroad track for a piece, and then onto and off the road. We preferred the off-road sections naturally, especially because of the choking dust the summer-long drought has created.
This section of the Benton MacKaye Trail passes by four small lakes, Moon, Cherry, Indian Rocks, and Bear. At the first lake, there was a tiny rustic chapel on the shore. Inside we found a small pulpit and photographs on the walls of couples who’d been married there over the years. There were five or six cabins around the lake, each with a dock or a diving platform in the water. We rested for a few minutes on a comfortable public deck on the shore before climbing up the stairs to a walkway that returned us to the trail.
We ate lunch after about four miles. We’d just crested a steep hill and welcomed the chance to sit for a bit. There were nine of us on the hike: leader Jim Norvill, Doug Ikelman, Scott Harriss, Mary Ann Blessing, Karen and Jim Lakin, Tricia Warren, Ranger Bob and myself. Accompanying us at various times along the way were a turtle, a dead snake, some wild turkey and a bobcat. The Joe-Pye Weed was in full bloom in every field, as were a number of other wildflowers, in spite of the heat and dry weather.
The last leg of the trail was uphill for a mile on a mountain road. We were tired and hot, but the reward at the top, cold drinks from Scott and Karen’s homemade lemon squares, made it all worth while.
Thursday, October 7, 1999
Benton MacKaye Section 2
A G’Day Hiking from an Aussie’s Point of View
By Elwyn Butler
My husband and I moved to Atlanta last September, from Australia, and the hike from Three Forks to Hwy 60 was my first hike in the Georgia Mountains. A friend rang me on Friday to ask if I was still going on the hike on Saturday as the weather channel had forecast "snow" for the mountain area on Saturday. Feeling a little apprehensive about hiking in what I would consider to be difficult conditions, I rang Jim Norvill, whose response to my information was, "That's great!" and made me feel that I would be fortunate if I was to experience snow as well as the adventure of the hike. Needless to say I couldn't wait for Saturday morning to arrive but had packed an extra large backpack with a lot of unnecessary clothing in anticipation of encountering "freezing" conditions (snow is a unique experience for an "Aussie" unless you go skiing in the mountains).
I was almost disappointed when Saturday arrived and the weather turned out to be absolutely beautiful with no snow! The group consisted of Jim Norvill, Andy Ward, Milnor Kessler, Doug Ikelman, Scott Harriss, and Mary Ann Blessing. Andrea Ikeda and myself were along for our first hike.
There was a slight change to our original plan to drop the cars at the Toccoa River suspension bridge as the access road to this site was closed so we couldn't leave the cars where originally planned. Also one of our new hikers had fuel problems with his car and had to turn back so we were one car short for our shuttle.
We headed off on our 8.4 mile adventure from Three Forks and about a mile into the walk we came to Long Creek Falls. The 25 ft drop of white cascading water was quite spectacular, framed with the glossy green leaves of Rhodadendrum trees which grew on the banks of Long Creek. I would love to see this scene when the Rhodadendrums are in bloom.
We had an unexpected "warm up" to the hike as we missed a left turn onto the Benton MacKaye trail and followed the Appalachian Trail for some distance before realizing we were on the wrong track. After finding the Benton MacKaye trail (marked with a blue-blaze and a white diamond) and removing the tree that had fallen and covered the sign, we came across a grave of a dog who had lived 11 years and had spent many hours with his owner walking the trails in this area. The dog enjoyed the walks so much that his owner felt it appropriate to bury him alongside the track and on the cross, which marked the site, was a photo of the dog and heart wrenching message about how much the dog had meant to the owner.
Our nostalgic mood changed when we negotiated the "moderate" (are you kidding!) diagonal climb to a ridge-top clearing. It was about 1pm when we reached this clearing so was a good place to recuperate, sit in the warm sun, eat lunch and admire the view of Springer Mountain to the south.
The rest of the hike was great and I was pleased to learn about some of the different trees and a bit about the history of the area from other hikers. Somewhere towards the end of our hike, around 3.15pm we stopped for a spell and then continued on an old road that headed downhill through a heath thicket at quite a steep decline. One should always be careful of what one says as Mary Ann and myself had both remarked on how we would hate to be climbing UP this grade when it was discovered that we were off the track and the BMT trail was at the TOP of the hill. Climbing back up this steep grade was definitely a personal challenge and it was good to focus on how "slim" the hips would be by the time we reached the top. Even though we did have some unexpected detours I felt confident that I was in the hands of "experienced" hikers and that we would get back on track without any problems. However, it did cross my mind that Jim was trying to achieve his goal of the 11.5 mile walk that he had originally planned.
Our detours caused us to arrive back at Jim's car a little later than planned so we didn't have time to see the suspension bridge but that will be something to look forward to next hike.
An additional "challenge" for the day was for 8 of us to fit into Jim's Jeep Grand Cherokee and travel (15 Miles) …. distance back to the shuttle cars at the beginning of the walk. Andy and Milnor were in the rear cargo area of the jeep and said they were in training for "yoga" classes and it sounded as though they were riding in a "Rodeo" when we hit a few potholes. I started off a stranger on this hike and by the time the hike was over, I felt that we were good friends. Going anywhere new for the first time, by yourself, can be rather daunting and I would like to thank everyone on the hike for the friendship they extended to me and for making this hike such a pleasant adventure.
Thursday, October 7, 1999
WCOG September Hike
Benton MacKaye – Section 8
Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap
By Karen and Jim Lakin
SHE SAYS: This will be remembered as “Four Guys, A Girl, and Too Many Miles.” After doing the Lekotrek race the day before and NOT properly stretching afterward, this 12.8-mile hike was more strenuous that I imagined! The worst part was driving to the start and end point. Since there were only five of us, we took two cars and all drove together. To start off, Jim Norvill drove his sport utility with Scott Harriss and Doug Ikelman. Jim and I followed in my little, 1982 used-to-be-white, stick-shift Beemer. To make a long story short, the drive up the mountain was on a narrow, dusty, gravel road with lots of blind curves along a ridge. So much dust kicked up on the car that it was hard to see out the window to stay on the road. I kept hearing stones hitting underneath the car as we spun the tires trying to get up the steep road and avoid the rocks that were threatening to blow out a tire. Since the road was so narrow and steep, there was no way to pull over for a scenic view; besides it was hard to see over the kudzu while sitting in bucket seats.
HE SAYS: The Lekotrek was the perfect tune-up for this great hike on Section 8 of the Benton MacKaye Trail in Northeast Georgia along the Tennessee Valley divide. We first drove in two cars to the finish point. Jim Norvill, in his Jeep, drove ahead of us up a steep mountain road to Dyer Gap. The view about two thirds of the way up the road at about 2,000 feet is stupendous. Just before getting to Dyer Gap, deep in the Chattahoochee National Forest, we passed Dyer Cemetery, an old family cemetery. We left Jim’s car there, all piled into Karen’s Beemer, and backtracked to the start point at Bushy Head Gap over backcountry roads. By the time we arrived at the start point it was 12:00 noon. Figuring our average trail speed at two miles per hour, we would have to push to complete the 12.8-mile hike by sundown.
SHE SAYS: We finally started our hike at 12:00 noon on definitely the most remote part of the trail. I not only found my walking stick a necessity to make it up and down the steep paths, it also helped to knock down the cob webs and push away any creeping vines that wanted to reach out and grab me. Before the hike was over even the guys had to find sticks to use as staffs of support since the trail was narrow, rocky, steep in most places and not well maintained. Many fallen branches were covering the path and the guys worked together to remove them. I found the trail very strenuous and was the only one who screamed when I spotted a snake on the path. Scott spotted a tree with fresh gashes in it and said a bear made it! After hearing that, I couldn’t wait to get to the end of the trail. Ranger Norvill making growling sounds behind some bushes just made me hike even faster!
HE SAYS: The trail ascended steeply for about two miles through some pretty rugged terrain. We then trekked through a series of moderate ups and downs in some of the most remote forest I can remember. It is well worth the trip! At about 10.5 miles, we entered a valley at 3,500 feet where the headwaters of the Jacks River flow. At the entrance to the valley is the most remarkable wild rhododendron forest we had ever seen. The boughs were so high we could walk under them. Fed by natural springs the rhododendrons are everywhere in this valley. It must be fantastic in the springtime. Beyond the valley we descended a rather steep grade down to Dyers Gap where Jim Norvill, hiding in the woods, growled at Karen, imitating a bear. I have never seen Karen hike so fast.
SHE SAYS: The best part of the trail was the end. We hiked 12.8 miles in 6.5 hours and it felt good knowing it was over. My feet were killing me so much I was sure I had blisters on them, but I didn’t. We all toasted each other with cold drinks and a few toffee squares before heading home for what I needed: a shower and a strong drink!
HE SAYS: This was a great hike. Just be sure you are in condition and start in time to finish by dark. It will take 6.5 to 7 hours to complete. Also, be sure to take a little extra water; the steep uphill sections demand that you stay hydrated. The Jack River Valley at 10.5 miles can be reached from Dyer Gap and should be a great spot when the rhododendrons are in bloom next spring. The Cokes (courtesy of Scott) and Karen’s toffee squares were welcome at the end, and I, like Karen, enjoyed getting home to a shower and that drink.
Doug Ikleman, Jim Lakin, Scott Harriss, Jim Norvill, and Karen Lakin
Sunday, October 3, 1999
Monday, Sept. 27, 1999 Hiked the three mile portion from Hwy. 60 to the suspension bridge over the Toccoa river. The weather was overcast and very humid. The trail was very beautiful, although the first and last portions were very difficult as it was somewhat steep and slippery with acorns. We did consume a lot of water. The suspension bridge was the highlight and more than worth the effort to reach it. There were some very beautiful sites around the bridge by the river. We explored this area quite a bit as it was hard to finally leave it. We ate lunch on rocks in the middle of the river
Thursday, September 30, 1999
Excellent trail, allows one to get away from the traffic of the AT.We hiked for three days in the summer and didn't see a soul. The bridge is great.
Saturday, July 31, 1999
Hiked the portion from Highway 60 to the swinging bridge. The trial head was hard to find and no one seemed sure where it was. If you take highway 60 from Dahlonega, you travel North for about 26 miles. When you come to the Fish Hatchery, it is about 2.5 miles past, keeping on highway 60. The markings for the trail are small, just a square brown one on a pole very near the woods. Parking on the shoulder of the road either side. If you go to the swinging bridge, enter fron the west side of the road. The hike was great, hard the first mile or so as it seemed always up. The ridge was fine, but the decent was steep. Same on the return. Make sure you have plenty of water as we went through almost 2 gallons. Very hot and humid day. Hike was well worth it. Got some great pictures of the swinging bridge!
Wednesday, May 26, 1999
The suspension bridge over the toccoa river is neat. Need better directions to it, though. Thought the trail was very hard. There were several steep, straight up inclines that wore my legs out!
Monday, April 19, 1999
I HIKED THE BMK TRAIL SECTION FROM HIWAY 60 TO THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE ON TOCCOA RIVER. THE FIRST 1/3 OF THIS TRAIL IS ALL UP HILL WHICH I FOUND QUITE DIFFICULT. BY THE TIME THE TRAIL STARTED LEVELING OFF I HAD GOT MY 2ND WIND AND BREEZED OVER THE RIDGES WITH VIEWS THAT WERE SPECTACULAR. THE LAST PART WAS ALL DOWNHILL WHICH I FOUND DIFFICULT BECAUSE THE LEAVES AND PINE NEEDLS WERE VERY SLIPPERY UNDER MY HIKING BOOTS. TRAIL IS VERY WELL MARKED WITH WHITE DIAMONDS, AND A WELL BEATEN PATH THAT IS VERY EASY TO FOLLOW. IT TOOK ME FROM 5:20 PM TO 6:55 TO HIKE THIS 3.0 MILE STREACH DUE TO ITS UPHILL START AT HIWAY 60....I SUGGEST STARTING MUCH EARLIER IN THE DAY TO MAKE A ROUND TRIP HIKE IN AND BACK...I MET A COUPLE THAT HAD BEEN TROUT FISHING ON THE TOCCOA WHO GAVE ME A RIDE BACK OUT TO MY CAR OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE HAD TO HIKE BACK IN THE DARK FOR ABOUT THE LAST 1/3 OF THE HIKE. PROBABLY ONE OF MY MOST REWARDING HIKES BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF FIRST PART AND THE BEAUTIFUL 264 FT SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER A CRYSTAL CLEAR TOCCOA RIVER AT THE END OF HIKE...I MET ONLY 2 OTHER HIKERS AND A DOG ON THE ENTIRE TRAIL UNTIL I REACHED THE BRIDGE WHICH IS LOCATED NEAR A COUPLE OF DIRT ROADS. ALSO ONLY A SHORT DRIVE SOUTH ON 60 TO A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE DINNER AFTER THE HIKE AT ROCKY CREEK CAFE....
Trail Length:50.0 miles(Ga.), 250 miles total
Location: Gilmer Lumpkin Fannin County
Features:ATaccess, camping.
Last hiked:05/24/2001 | Type of trail:Point-to-point
Our rating:Difficult
Your rating:Hard (364)
Date added:01/01/1995
Trail Usage:Light
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