Three Forks Loop via AT and Benton MacKaye (with extra trip to a waterfall)

Three Forks Loop via AT and Benton MacKaye (with extra trip to a waterfall)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Fannin County - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Hike: Three Forks Loop via AT and Benton MacKaye (with extra trip to a waterfall)

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Jul 26 2025 9:00 am >> Sat, Jul 26 2025 3:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Fri, Jul 18 2025 7:01 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jul 25 2025 7:01 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

12.5 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Chuck M
Kelly

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Enjoy a loop hike from Three Forks to Springer Mountain. We will take the Benton MacKaye Southbound to Springer and take a break for lunch. Then the return trip will be via the AT. After passing our vehicles we will continue an additonal .8 miles (1.6 round trip) to the Long Creek Falls to cool down in the water. This hike is approximately 12.5 miles with about 2375 feet of elevation gain.

We will go a moderate pace of about 2.5 miles/hour and stay together since there are multiple junctions with the Benton Mackaye and the AT in this area. Be sure to bring plenty of water and electrolytes. You may want to have water shoes and clothes for the dip in the falls at the end.

Copy and Paste the following link to view the map.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/three-forks-loop-via-appalachian-and-benton-mackaye-trail-14db622?u=i&sh=owxyek

Please Note: If you are a carpool driver, your car will get very dusty and dirty. About 30-40 minutes of the drive is on rough Forest Roads. Low clearance vehicles can make the trip, but high clearance vehicles are ideal.

Required Items to Bring:

Water / fluids to last at least 5 hours of hiking

Snacks or light lunch

Good hiking shoes or boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking poles
Clothes/water shoes for the waterfall
Change of clothes/socks/shoes for ride home
plastic bag for wet clothes

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/orbdhVQy2Ztj6EwY8

Take US-19 N and Georgia 400 S to GA-136 W in Dawson County

51 min (51.9 mi

Continue on GA-136 W. Take Winding Stair Gap Rd to Forest Srv Rd in Fannin County

1 hr 6 min (28.5 mi)

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

172Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $68.80 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Three Forks Loop via AT and Benton MacKaye (with extra trip to a waterfall) - Sat, Jul 26 2025

Three Forks Loop via AT and Benton MacKaye (with extra trip to a waterfall)