Springer Mountain (via Big Stamp Gap)

The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) is a footpath of nearly 300 miles that traverses the Appalachian mountains of the southeastern United States. It is named in honor of Benton MacKaye whose was a forester, planner and conservationist whose vision resulted in the creation of the Appalachian Trail in the early 1900’s. The BMT is designed for foot travel in the tradition of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap on the northern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Benton MacKaye Trail passes through some of the most remote backcountry in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina, including eight federally designated Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas.

This loop hike uses both the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trails to run a moderate 4.4 mile route with nice views from both Springer Mountain on the A.T. and Ball Mountain on the BMT. The Benton MacKaye vista is located at a small clearing just past Ball Mountain as you approach Big Stamp Gap. The hike starts and ends at a gravel parking area on USFS 42 at the Appalachian Trail.