The beginning of Section 1 is approached via the AT just to the north of Springer Mtn. The BMT and AT cross several times in the first few miles, but the BMT is seldom hiked and has a remote feeling, with the same types of scenery. After the Three Forks area (the end of section 1), and the final split from the AT, the BMT becomes very quiet.
Along Section 1 you'll see old growth hardwood forests, white pines, Eastern cedars, plenty of mountain laurel near the springs. Occasionally, the trail goes along rock outcrops with far off views of the other N Ga mountains to the south and north.
Directions:
To the trail head:
From the split of Ga-52 and Ga-9 on the west side of Dahlonega, head northwest on GA-52 toward Hickory Bluff for 4.6 mi, turn right at Nimblewill Church Rd for 2.3 mi, turn right at Forest Service 28-1 for 2.1 mi, slight left at Winding Stair Gap Rd for 5.1 mi, sharp left at County Rd-P193 for 0.4 mi, continue on Forest Service Rd 42 for 1.7 mi. Look for the gravel parking lot.
Shuttle to the end at Three forks (FS 58) from the trail head:
Look on a map for the Stover, Chester, and Long Creeks to form the Noontootla Creek - hence Three Forks.
From the start, head east on Forest Service Rd 42 toward County Rd-P193 for 1.7 mi, continue on County Rd-P193 for 0.4 mi, turn left at County Rd-P207 for 0.3 mi, turn left to stay on County Rd-P207 for 0.1 mi, continue on Duck Rd (FS 58) for 2.2 mi.
Back to home:
Best to bring your own car GPS and route to "home". It can get tricky finding your way out of the N Ga Mountains!
TO TRAILHEAD: See detailed info in the description above.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Benton MacKaye: Section 1
Distance: 7.03 mi
Points: 281
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Springer Mountain to Duck Road
Points of Interest
001
Location: 34.637730, -84.195122
11-OCT-08 11:21:22AM Parking lot At AT and FS 42. Head Down hill, cross a gravel road (FS 42) and follow the White Rectangular Blazes towards Springer Mounain.
002
Location: 34.629860, -84.194473
11-OCT-08 11:42:50AM Turn Right at a three way intersection. The Benton Mackaye Trail starts here if you turn to the left. White Diamond blazes mark the BMT. But, you will want to go a short distance straight ahead to the start of the AT on Springer Mountain with the AT plaque and pay your respects, take photos, etc.
003
Location: 34.628563, -84.194466
11-OCT-08 11:45:01AM Turn Right at a three way intersection. A left turn here leads to the Spring Mountain Shelter and a water source.
004
Location: 34.626698, -84.193741
11-OCT-08 11:49:08AM A plaque marking the start of the AT. Scenic overlook of the Ga mountains. Turn around at Way Point 4 and retrace path back to Way Point 2.
005
Location: 34.629807, -84.194450
11-OCT-08 12:20:05PM Turn Right at a three way intersection. This is also Way Point 2. Start following White Diamond blazes all the way to the end of BMT section 1 at Three Forks. Pay attention. Several tricky turns exist and not all tricky intersections are marked with Double White Diamond Blazes.
006
Location: 34.633518, -84.178520
11-OCT-08 1:00:48PM Turn left at a three way intersection. 200 yards to the right is a dead end spur trail with great views to the south of Ga Mountians.
007
Location: 34.635407, -84.174164
11-OCT-08 1:49:19PM Go straight at a four way intersection.
008
Location: 34.638901, -84.179878
11-OCT-08 2:05:11PM Water source with a small campsite. Not many water sources are on this trail. Top off water when ever possible.
Location: 34.639679, -84.191574
11-OCT-08 2:28:48PM Go straight at a four way intersection. You're crossing the AT at this point.
011
Location: 34.640110, -84.195572
11-OCT-08 2:34:09PM Turn Right at a three way intersection.
012
Location: 34.647781, -84.192513
11-OCT-08 2:52:43PM Go straight at a four way intersection. Another crossing of the AT.
013
Location: 34.662289, -84.184456
11-OCT-08 3:50:25PM Turn Right at a three way intersection.
014
Location: 34.663261, -84.184403
11-OCT-08 3:53:12PM Cross a wooden bridge right before "Three Forks" and come to gravel road FS 58. FS 58 is the end of Section 1 of the BMT. Section 2 starts across the gravel road.
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