Key Swap: BMT Section 8

Benton MacKaye, Section 8, trail information:  http://bmta.org/sections/BMT-SecDescrip-08.pdf

Trail map:  https://caltopo.com/m/BMRN

Elevation approximation from BHG to Dyer:  3900'; from Dyer to BHG 3100'

The plan:  Three vehicles will be used to drive to the trailheads and a split of the group will be determined by your trip leaders. Preference to attendance will be given to those who have a high clearance vehicle (no corvettes) and are willing to drive.  FYI - my Subaru or your CRV will make it fine...

There is no "meet at event" because of the key swap.

At lunch we will complete the key swap.

You must have recent D5 experience to be on this hike.

Trail highlight: This section of trail is the longest and one of the most remote in Georgia. The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) follows or is closely parallel to the western rim of the Blue Ridge and the Tennessee Valley Divide for the duration of this section. The elevation on this section varies from 2090' at Bush Head Gap to 3732', the second highest point on the BMT in Georgia, at Flat Top Mountain. Beginning at Bush Head Gap, the trail leads southwest along the Blue Ridge, passing through Hudson, McKenny, and Hatley Gaps. Beyond Hatley Gap, the trail climbs abruptly to the summit of Fowler Mountain. Here the trail turns to the north and northwest. After passing through Halloway Gap, the BMT climbs to an immense flat upland that makes up Flat Top Mountain. The trail crosses the headwaters of the Jacks River, reaches the high point on Flat Top Mountain, and makes a long descent to Dyer Gap. While trail improvements over seven years have improved the grade of the trail, this section must be rated as "Most Difficult" due to the total length and amount of ascent and descent encountered.