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Note: This trail can be combined with the Appalachian Trail to create a loop that is slightly more than 60 miles long that takes 8-10 days to complete.

This path is extremely strenuous. For experienced backpackers this trail offers some of the most challenging climbs in the United States.

The Duncan Ridge Trail begins at Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail and shares the same footpath with the Benton MacKaye Trail until it reaches Ga. Highway 60. Shortly after the highway, near the top of Rhodes Mountain the Benton MacKaye goes west while the Duncan Ridge heads east. From Rhodes Mountain the trail descends rapidly into Rhodes Mountain Gap. The next mile is an easy up and down, but then the trail goes sharply up and down and continues the rapid ascent/descent cycle until it reaches Fish Gap. Another sharp ascent and the trail reaches the summit of Akin Mountain and continues on to Mulky Gap. 3 miles after leaving Mulky Gap the DRT begins to run next to Forest Service Road 39, also known as Duncan Ridge Road. Continuing the steep ascent/descent cycle that it began at Rhodes Mountain, the DRT climbs both Wildcat Knob and Coosa Bald. The Coosa Backcountry Trail joins the Duncan Ridge Trail briefly. A final climb up Slaughter Mountain and the trail ambles easily down to its end at the Appalachian Trail in Slaughter Gap.

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Duncan Ridge Trail
Duncan Ridge Trail maps and directions
Trail reports for Duncan Ridge Trail
Historic reports for Duncan Ridge Trail