The BMT stretches nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lower 200 miles (closest to Chattanooga) follow the western crest of the Blue Ridge. The trail is named for Benton MacKaye, the forester, conservationist, and co-founder of the Wilderness Society who originally envisioned this route for the Appalachian Trail. (AT) Passing through GA, TN and NC, it forms a giant figure-8 loop with the AT, a total distance of over 500 miles. Those seeking solitude should find appealing the many miles of remote and rugged wilderness along the beautiful high ridges of the Unaka Mountains that form the state line between TN and NC. More civilized adventurers may prefer the readily accessible areas around the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers connected by the BMT. Here can be found opportunities for many other outdoor activities such as mountain biking on the trail network around the Ocoee Whitewater Center, rafting, and other whitewater sports and horseback riding. Like its big brother, the AT, the BMT beckons you farther into the woods of the Appalachians.

Related Activities: camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater

Address: near Cleveland, TN in the Cherokee National Forest

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 1 hour plus drive, 65 miles from downtown Chattanooga 

Map(s) and directions:
Although there are many access points along the 290 miles of trail, the most convenient access point from Chattanooga is at Thunder Rock Campground, adjacent to TVA Powerhouse No. 3 (hydroelectric) on US hwy 64, 1/2 hour east of Cleveland, TN or a mile west of the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

Take I-75 north to exit 20 in Cleveland. Turn right (east) and follow US-74 (APD-40) to the Hwy 64 East exit and proceed east. Continue past Parksville Lake and through the Ocoee River Gorge to TVA Powerhouse #3 and Thunder Rock Campground where there is free trailhead parking.

Activity type: leisure, family with trails ranging from easy to strenuous

Dates/Hours: open year round

Trail length: numerous in/out, loop, and combination hikes of 1 to 300 miles.

Estimated Time: varies

Website:  http://www.bmta.org/