Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye trail is currently a work in progress.
So far, I've only completed the trail from Big Creek to Lakeview Dr. That was done over 2 weekends - both going from North to South. So far, the trail has been absolutely stunning - but also has had some killer climbs! The campsites are nice ... except #57 (Bryson Place) - I don't recommend it and as of this writing it's closed due to aggressive bear activity, however my reason was due to aggressive flying insects!
You could probably day hike some of these sections due to road access - but always double check accessibility and warnings through the NPS website ( Current Delays and Closures - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) )
The trail is dog friendly outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I highly recommend the FarOut Guide/App for this trail ... it was great to see upcoming climbs, campsites, and water sources.
Here's the trail associations page ... there's alot of great information located here - Home - Benton MacKaye Trail Association (bmta.org)
If you need a shuttle, I highly recommend Nate (Traveling Lite - 1.817.239.4266) or Sherpa Al (1.305.216.7234).
Day 1
Our first section of the Benton MacKaye trail! We parked at Smokemont and got shuttled to Big Creek trailhead by Nate with Traveling Lite Shuttle/Resupply. I'm feeling all kinds of excited (though a bit sad too - because Sally can't be in the Smokies) ... and also apprehension because I know the climb up to Mount Sterling from Big Creek all too well! I've been up it once before and well there's a story (you'll have to keep watching the video for that!). Our first day took us up and over Mount Sterling to Laurel Gap Shelter - a very nice shelter! Along the way we see several trout lillies and various other flowers ... along with some pretty streams and the views from the ridge and the tower were gorgeous!
Day 2
Our second day along the Benton MacKaye started with me leaving camp around 7am. This was a beautiful section of trail with ridgeline views then dropping down to the creek near the end of the day. Along the way, I got to meet some nice trail maintainers that were on horseback (just out for a fun ride this particular day) ... it was a great to meet some of the people who help keep the trail in such great condition! I was so grateful to get to camp early enough to soak my tired feet in the cold water of Raven Fork and enjoyed lounging by the campfire.
Day 3
Our last day was another beautiful one. The first few miles you parallel Enloe Creek as you climb back up to the ridge ... it was absolutely gorgeous! Once the climbing ended there was a huge area of trilliums just covering the hillside. Then as the end of the hike was nearing ... I got to see several butterflies. This whole hike was just beautiful and I can't wait to see what else the Benton MacKaye has in store.
Big Creek to Smokemont
* Highly recommend the Enloe Creek campsite - being able to soak tired feet was a blessing at the end of the day! Also, the park service has replaced the floor in Mount Sterling fire tower – so you should be good to climb up if you're so inclined!
Smokemont to Lakeview Dr
* There's several nice campsites along this section along with several water crossings! Highly recommend this as a 2 night trip for maximum enjoyment.
Day 1
Back again on the Benton MacKaye! We left one car at Lakeview Dr then drove around to Smokemont to begin our overnight adventure. We climb up Newton Bald trail then down to Deep Creek for camp at Bryson Place (#57). The trail was once again in fantastic shape ... and got to see some wild irises, plenty of the green tunnel, and mountain views thru the tree tops! I didn't quite beat the rain ... but I didn't mind! I got to camp and my friend & I decided it was a great time to take a nap - which I thoroughly enjoyed. After awakening enough to realize it was dinner time ... I pulled myself out of my hammock and tried to enjoy dinner. Unfortunately, we were harassed by some sort of flying insect while trying to cook & eat. We enjoyed chatting and eating ... before it started sprinkling rain. So, we retired to our respective shelters. I had all intention to read (I'd brought a book) and well I fell asleep before I could even get my book out! At some point, I woke up and did a small amount of reading before settling into a deep restful slumber!
Day 2
After getting so much rest the night before, I was ready to hit the trail the next morning. Unfortunately, my flying insect friends had made themselves at home under my tarp and inside of the snakeskin I use to contain my tarp. So, what is usually a 5 minute task turned into an almost 40 minute ordeal! I don't recommend Bryson Place (#57) for camping. Anyway, once I finally got packed up I hit the trail. The hike back to the car was a long, wet, and beautiful hike. I truly think I'm going to enjoy the Benton MacKaye trail. Be warned, this section in particular had a lot of stream crossings - so just be prepared mentally for wet tired feet! But the surrounding beauty more than made up for any uncomfortable feeling. I was happy the only wildlife seen was a lone black snake who was far more interested in sunning than being bothered by me. There was some old ruins - probably from one of the homesteads that used to be in this area. This truly is a beautiful trail but I was so glad to see the car - after one last climb!