Benton MacKaye Trail
USA · North America · Thru-hike / long-distance trail · score 61/100
At a glance
| Countries | USA |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina |
| Type | Thru-hike / long-distance trail |
| Length | 463 km |
| Typical duration | 25 days |
| Difficulty | 4/5 (Hard) |
| Best season | Year-round (best Mar-Nov) |
| Start | Springer Mountain, GA |
| End | Big Creek area, Great Smoky Mountains NP, NC |
| Permit / guide | Great Smoky Mountains NP permit for that section |
| Special gear | none |
Score
61/100
Wilder, quieter AT alternative through the southern Appalachians
How the score works: scoring method. Information confidence: medium.
Notes
Length ~463 km (sources say 288-300 mi); max elevation not reliably sourced
Sources
Information compiled from public sources, as of October 19, 2026. Trail conditions, permits and closures change: verify with local authorities before you go.
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