Region: Deep South

Distance: 30 miles (2-4 days)

Physical Difficulty: Difficult

• 7,000 feet of total elevation gain SOBO; 8,200 feet NOBO
• Rocky and rooty terrain
• Steep sections and seasonal water sources

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate 

• Route is poorly marked in Shining Rock Wilderness
• Infrequent water sources, depending on the season
• Easily accessible trailheads

Season: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter

Elevation Gain: 7,000 feet SOBO / 8,200 feet NOBO

Hiking the Art Loeb Trail

The Art Loeb Trail is a difficult point-to-point route in the Pisgah National Forest that takes hikers through a variety of terrain across the Blue Ridge Mountains. As is typical with hiking the Southern Appalachians, there are steep ascents and descents, offering spectacular views at the top but tough on the knees going down. We chose to hike this trail north-to-south as it was both logistically and physically easier than the alternative. 

The northernmost quarter of the trail, heading south, is a steady climb up toward Cold Mountain through the heavily wooded forest of the Shining Rock Wilderness. A spur trail can take you to the top of Cold Mountain if you wish to further explore the namesake of the popular book and movie. Continuing on the ALT, you will pass through The Narrows, a single-track, rhododendron-lined section of ridge walking that offers gorgeous overlooks. Exiting The Narrows, the trail widens and you enter Shining Rock Ledge, an area scattered with quartzite ranging from pebble-sized rocks underfoot to small boulders resting among the trees. At mile 6.8 is Shining Rock Gap and a junction with Old Butt Knob Trail, which you can take to see the actual Shining Rock itself. Near the end of this section, you’ll pass two water sources near each other, which are the last opportunity to get water if you plan on camping before Black Balsam. 

Continuing on, you’ll reach Flower Gap in less than half a mile, the first spot of near-continuous views for several miles. There are some campsites in this area that looked great but were all taken by the time we got there. We continued toward Ivestor Gap, an open, grassy gap with views on each side, where we set up camp for the night. Both the sunrise and sunset were absolutely incredible from this location. I highly recommend camping here. If you do want to keep moving down the trail, there are some sporadic campsites between here and Black Balsam that also offer stellar views.

After packing up the next morning at Ivestor Gap, we continued south along the ridge and summited Tennent Mountain, which has jaw-dropping 360-degree views of many well-known mountaintops in the region, including Clingmans Dome far off in the distance. The hike from Tennent Mountain to Black Balsam Knob is definitely one of my all-time favorite hiking experiences! I cannot stress this enough. An abundance of blueberry and blackberry bushes line the trail, offering a good opportunity for a morning snack, and the continuous views impress for miles. The berry bushes do entice bears to the area and there was evidence of their presence, though no bears were spotted during our hike. You will pass a water source in this area–the last one until Deep Gap Shelter about six miles ahead.

Ascending Black Balsam Knob we inadvertently took the Black Balsam Trail instead of the ALT, but after talking to a few people I learned that this is a common mistake that actually provides a better viewing experience than following the Art Loeb Trail to the top. We hung around Black Balsam for a bit and took in the scenery while trying to identify the mountains we spotted in the distance. If you reach Black Balsam after 8 in the morning on a weekend, expect it to be somewhat crowded. As you descend Black Balsam, after you descend the wooden stairs, veer right at the Mountains-to-Sea Trail junction to cross USFS 816 to stay on the Art Loeb Trail. A steep descent to the Blue Ridge Parkway provides some additional views and a chance to escape the crowds.

The southern half of the trail has a very different vibe than the sections before Black Balsam. The trail is rocky and rooty and the ascents and descents are steep, but peaks such as the one on Pilot Mountain offer magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the top. In early September, we only came across three water sources between the spring past Tennent Mountain and the southern terminus at the Davidson River. The first of the two sources you’ll come across if doing a SOBO hike is just south of Deep Gap Shelter, along an old logging road. The second source is next to Butter Gap Shelter and the third is about a mile down the trail from there. After Butter Gap, there are many small climbs mixed with some smooth ridge running and old logging roads before reaching the final descent toward the southern terminus, where you’ll find a river to dip in to celebrate your completed thru-hike if the season’s right!

How to Get to the Art Loeb Trail

Nearest City: Brevard, North Carolina (42 miles from Camp Daniel Boone/northern terminus; 5 miles from Davidson River Campground/southern terminus)

Camp Daniel Boone / northern terminus (Google Map)

Davidson River Campground / southern terminus (Google Map)

No parking is allowed at the northern terminus at Camp Daniel Boone. We left our car at the southern terminus and had a friend drive us to the northern trailhead.

There are shuttles in the area that are a good option if you only have one car or are flying to the area and need a ride. If driving and you only have one car, depending on the direction you’re hiking, the shuttle could drive you to Camp Daniel Boone to begin a SOBO hike or pick you up there at the end if you’re hiking NOBO.

If you’re flying to North Carolina, your best bet is probably to fly into the Asheville airport (AVL) and take a shuttle to and from the trail. This airport is 22 minutes from the Davidson River Campground and 52 minutes from Camp Daniel Boone.

When to Hike the Art Loeb Trail

The ideal seasons for hiking the Art Loeb Trail are late spring, summer, and early fall. However, this hike could be easily managed in any season, including winter, with a reasonable amount of preparedness.

We hiked the trail over Labor Day weekend; the temperature was in the 70s during the day but varied a bit depending on the elevation. We camped at 5,700 feet elevation the first night and the low temperature was in the 30s, but conditions were warmer–50 degrees–the second night when we dropped to 3,200 feet. Mosquitoes weren’t as much of an issue as expected, but the water was scarce. Any season outside of the summer months would likely offer more abundant water sources.

Fall is a gorgeous time of year in North Carolina as the trees are changing colors, making October a perfect time to hike this trail. Keep in mind that temperatures may have already dropped below freezing at higher elevations by this point in the year.

If you are considering a winter hike of the Art Loeb Trail, be aware that it is not uncommon for the Blue Ridge Parkway to be closed during winter months when there are ice storms or periods of freezing weather.

2 night/3 day SOBO itinerary
Day 1: Camp Daniel Boone to Ivestor Gap (9 miles)
Day 2: Ivestor Gap to Butter Gap Shelter (13 miles)
Day 3: Butter Gap Shelter to Davidson River Campground (8 miles)

3 night/4 day NOBO itinerary
Day 1: Davidson River Campground to Butter Gap Shelter (8.5 miles)
Day 2: Butter Gap Shelter to Deep Gap Shelter (6 miles)
Day 3: Deep Gap Shelter to Flower Gap (8 miles)
Day 4: Flower Gap to Camp Daniel Boone (7 miles)

Art Loeb Trail Terrain

The Art Loeb Trail takes hikers over peaks and ridges, through forests and across balds as they cross some of the best-known mountains in North Carolina. The section from Flower Gap to Black Balsam Knob is exposed to the elements, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. Much of the southern half of the trail is heavy with rocks and roots, making the steep descents challenging and somewhat dangerous. Other sections are relatively smooth underfoot.

In September 2021, we had to traverse a landslide in the Shining Rock Wilderness, one of the most challenging obstacles we encountered on the trail.

Logistics: Direction, Land Management, Water

Art Loeb Trail Resupply Strategy  

Since this trail is only 30 miles and can be hiked in 2-4 days, it’s possible to complete the hike without needing a resupply. If a resupply is required, you would need a hitch or shuttle into Brevard, which could be up to an hour away or as close as 15 minutes, depending on your point along the trail.

Logistics 

Camping: Camping is free and first-come, first-served on the ALT. Many campsites lie along the trail, providing plenty of options for setting up camp. However, the lack of water sources limits your options if you wish to camp near water.

Permits: No permits are needed to hike or camp along this trail 

*Water: Water sources are plentiful between Camp Daniel Boone and Flower Gap. From SOBO mile 10 (just past Tennent Mountain) to the southern terminus at Davidson River Campground, water sources are sparse. In early September, there were only three water sources on the southern half of the trail (SOBO): one at Deep Gap Shelter (mile 15), one at Butter Gap Shelter (mile 21), and the third about one mile south of Butter Gap (mile 22).

Route Finding: A GPS map or map and compass are recommended. The trail is not marked in the Shining Rock Wilderness on the northern end of the trail or through Black Balsam. The trail runs along the ridge in these areas, so if you’re ever unsure stay along the ridgeline.

Special Gear: Bear canister required if camping in Shining Rock Wilderness.

Know Before You Go

This is a challenging trail with many steep ascents and rocky terrain. I would not recommend it for beginners.

• In the Shining Rock Wilderness, bear canisters are required and fires are not permitted.
• Water can be difficult to come by, especially along the southern half of the trail.
• The trail is not marked in the Shining Rock Wilderness on the northern end of the trail; a GPS map or map and compass are recommended.
• This trail is popular with day-hikers, especially on weekends.

Who was Art Loeb?: Yale grad, conservationist, avid hiker, Art Loeb and a hiking partner began piecing together trail sections between Davidson River Campground and Camp Daniel Boone. He died in 1968 at age 54, and the next year the trail was completed and named after him.

Additional Resources

USFS Trailhead Link and Info

National forests in North Carolina – Shining Rock Wilderness (usda.gov)
Shuttles

https://pvadventures.com/art-loeb-trail-shuttle/ https://wnctrailshuttle.com/art-loeb-trail/

https://mountainhighshuttles.com/

Laura Russell lives in Atlanta and enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her dog, Mallie, around the Southeast and beyond. She loves taking long road trips and has driven over 25,000 miles through 36 states, incorporating hiking into all of her travels. She started backpacking in 2020 and has many trails on the horizon. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @laura.russell_ 

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The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It loosely follows botanist William Bartram’s route when he documented the various plants unknown to Western explorers in the 18th century. The trail is blazed continuously except for the optional road walk and is normally hiked in 10 days.

Region: Deep South / Lower Appalachians (Georgia, North Carolina )
Distance: 102 miles, including optional 14-mile road walk (8-12 days)

Physical Difficulty: Difficult

• Significant elevation gain
• Trail can be overgrown or buried in duff
• Occasional river crossings

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Permits not needed for hiking or camping
• Limited shuttle capabilities at Georgia (south) terminus
• Only resupply opportunity is in Franklin, North Carolina (~halfway point)

Season: Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter

Elevation (average): ~3,000 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 31,000 feet

Hiking the Bartram Trail

The Bartram Trail in many ways is the epitome of Southern Appalachian hiking. On my winter thru-hike in 2020 I walked alongside major rivers, seasonally exposed mountaintops, tons of root-covered trail, and, of course, lots of rain. Combine these conditions with tons of climbs and descents (and East Coast trail architects having no knowledge of what switchbacks are) and you get the Bartram Trail. The trail is designed to mirror the route of a famous botanist, so don’t forget the incredible abundance of biodiversity in both the lowlands by the Chattooga River and the highlands of Nantahala National Forest.

While I never met any thru-hikers on my trek, I did run into families camping for the weekend by the major rivers as well as day hikers and some hunters during my trek. The majority of the trip was quiet, and I never ran into any crowds.

I suggest tackling the Bartram Trail northbound. It terminates with awesome views atop Cheoah Bald (just get ready for a long descent after), and will start you on well-maintained terrain alongside the Chattooga River. The mild hiking lasts about 10-12 miles before making the climb up Rainy Mountain, which is where the fun begins. The trail leaves the river and steeply climbs into the mountains in a direct ascent—you will find no switchbacks here. Segments like this are what earned the Bartram Trail its designation as a “difficult” trail.

Hikers are rewarded with more than a few amazing seasonal ridgeline views in the Georgia segment, as well as a 360 panoramic from the Rabun Bald watchtower. There’s a handful of bubbling springheads and mountain stream waterfalls around Georgia as well.

After getting into North Carolina, the blazing changes to yellow rectangles and the trail begins leading up and down a series of mountain ranges in Nantahala National Forest.  Osage Mountain, Wayah Bald, and Cheoah Bald are just a few great vistas the trail passes through.  I was taken back by the sheer contrast of the lush, green forest I’d been walking through for days when I reached the burn-scarred mountains surrounding Wayah Bald. Many regions of Western North Carolina had wildfires in 2016, and while the trails have been cleaned up and the compromised structures have been rebuilt, it will take some time before the mountains are back to normal.

Contrast these mountain views with a walk around Nantahala Lake (NOBOs turn right at the road and follow it until you reach the Phillips 66 gas station; there is no blazing here.) This really gets you full tour of what Southern Appalachia has to offer. Spring or summer thru-hikers will see rafters and paddlers on the Nantahala River after summiting Cheoah Bald—always a fun sight.

How to Get to the Bartram Trail

Southern Terminus: Russell Bridge (map)
Nearest City: Walhalla. South Carolina (26 minutes)

Northern Terminus: Cheoah Bald (map)
Nearest City: Nantahala Outdoor Center and Bryson City, North Carolina (18 minutes)

I called a friend to get me to the Southern Terminus and left my car at public parking by the NOC. Chattooga Whitewater does offer shuttles if you would like to leave a vehicle at the Northern Terminus and have them take you down to Russell Bridge. The Bartram Trail Society does not recognize any official shuttle services, so I have listed a few local AT shuttles in the resources section at the bottom of this post.

When to Hike the Bartram Trail

While it’s possible to hike the Bartram during all four seasons, this trail is best hiked during spring or fall. All along the trail’s length are signs identifying plant species, many of which were originally identified by William Bartram.  With this botanist being the focal character of the trail it makes sense to hike in late spring when the plants are in full bloom and segments of the trail have an abundance of biodiversity.

 I hiked this trail in the winter. For those looking to get away from the “green tunnel,” consider hiking in late fall or early winter once the trees are bare.  Many miles of the Bartram are spent on tree-covered ridgelines where it can be difficult to look out into the mountains when the trees are full.  Late fall, especially during a dry year, would be the safest time to hike the northern section of the Bartram since the chance of floods are mitigated.

Bartram Trail Terrain 

The Bartram Trail is almost entirely dirt-pack with the occasional exposed roots from flooding. Atop a few of the mountains—especially near Wesser Bald, where the forest is still recovering from wildfires—the trail can be soft, which makes the uphill slightly more difficult, but it was all very navigable.  Segments of the trail were buried in duff, but the trail bed was deep enough and well blazed enough so that you won’t lose where you’re going. High waters near the Northern Terminus (up to 3 feet deep and flowing) can be a concern, so check the forecast for rain when approaching the finish.

Bartram Trail Resupply Strategy 

The only town the Bartram Trail goes through is Franklin, which is full-kitted with a grocery store, potential lodging, and restaurants, so naturally a thru-hike should be broken into a southern segment and a northern segment.  There is a well-stocked snack resupply option at the Wesser General Store near the Northern Terminus that serves plenty of thru-hikers, but it is a 10-minute hitch on a seasonally active road from the Nantahala River road crossing.  This makes it a great spot to grab some snacks or drinks after finishing the hike NOBO, but logistically it isn’t a great resupply option.

Warwoman Dell (NOBO mile 19) is only 3 miles from Clayton, Georgia, which has a grocery store, restaurants, and lodging, but a hitch from this picnic area is unlikely and the road is tight with no shoulders and low visibility, making a walk into town a bit of a risk.  

Logistics: Land Management, Water, Special Gear

In many ways the Bartram Trail encompasses the adage “the trail provides.”  Water is abundant, public land campsites are often available throughout the trek and do not require reservations or permits, and since the trail passes directly through Franklin, it is easy to resupply as long as you bring enough food to get you there. The majority of your logistical focus for this hike should be directed at securing a shuttle to get you back to your vehicle at the Southern Terminus and preparing for lots of rain in North Carolina, as well as potential river crossings in that same area.

Camping and Permits: Again, no permitting necessary. You can hop on this trail with almost no advance logistical planning.

What Type of Land: The trail exists on Chattahoochee National Forest land in Georgia and primarily sits upon Nantahala National Forest Land in North Carolina. The optional road walk goes through public highways in the trail town of Franklin, North Carolina.  Some of the trail around Nantahala Lake goes through private drives (High Water Trail), but this segment is short and you will re-enter national forest land once you cross the highway.

Water: Water is abundant for most of the trail.  Even the road walk skirts by small mountain creeks that one could fill up at.  Gather water in the valleys and side streams and enjoy hiking over the mountaintops.

Special Gear: Wet feet lead to blisters.  Bring dry socks for sleeping and a proper rain kit. Wet environments often lead to chafing as well, so consider bringing BodyGlide or an anti-chafe equivalent as well as a blister treatment kit.

What to Know Before Hiking the Bartram Trail

Trail Markers: In Georgia, the trail is blazed with metal yellow diamonds nailed to the trees, but in North Carolina the blazes change to yellow rectangles. It’s a minor change but I have heard from folks who forgot about this and kept looking for diamonds after crossing the state line.

Weather: Weather in Southern Appalachia is unpredictable and in the rainy seasons flooding can be a hazard.  I crossed waist-deep water twice during my hike in December, so be prepared for that during wet times.

Road Walks: While the trail is very well blazed, the optional road walk in Franklin and the road segment at Nantahala Lake are not marked at all.  Know where your trail reconnects are, and practice safe habits while walking on these small country roads.

Bartram Trail Resources

The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

Trail Volunteer Page

Hiiker Elevation and Mapping Data

Chattooga Whitewater Outfitters shuttle  (864) 647-9083

Wesser General Store (828) 488-7226

“Jacob “Valhalla” Myers is a Southern-Appalachian- based outdoorsman, writer, and amateur endurance athlete.  When not documenting his adventures on his website, Jacob works and plays in his small mountain-town home in Cashiers, North Carolina, where he occasionally guides waterfall tours and other hiking trips. Jacob was a 2020 NOGO AT hiker due to the Covid-19 outbreak, but he completed a number of hikes in the Southeast, including the Bartram Trail (2020), a marathon of the Foothills Trail (2020), and the majority of the 6,000-foot mountains of the Southeast. In 2021 he completed the Arizona Trail and is looking to attempt the Trans Adirondack Route in fall 2021.

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The Florida Trail, complete with an Eastern Corridor and a Western Corridor, is a point-to-point backpacking route spanning about 1,500 miles. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days.

Region: Southeast (Florida State Parks and National Park Service) Length: Approximately 1,500 miles (60-90 days)

Physical Difficulty: Easy

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

Season: Winter, Spring

While hiking the route is free of charge, but you will need a permit to cross in a few segments, such as at Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Check the permits section of the Florida Trail website for more information.

Hiking the Florida Trail

There are only seven shelters on the trail, so bring your own tent. Each Corridor by itself is approximately 248 miles long. Thru-hikes on the Eastern Corridor, including road sections, total 1,287.9 miles. Thru-hikes on the Western Corridor, inclusive of road sections, total 1,286.63 miles.

Approximately one-third of the Florida Trail is under trees, winding through national forests and verdant state parks for hundreds of miles. The Panhandle is somewhat more challenging than Peninsular terrain.

Most of the trail has minimal human-made direction by intention. The system is conservative with the quantity of both signage and blazes, but there is enough to adequately point you in the right direction. You cross major streets and highways several times—useful for resupply—and you’ll appreciate Florida’s knack for balancing conservation and convenience. The system has the helpful Friends of the Florida Trail (FoFT) that works hard to care for the route and offer resources.

Our initial week (about 150 miles) had a Gulf States or “Floribama” feel. Thin layers of felled pine needles and Spanish moss obscured some portions of the course, so we were cautious at those times since this made the walk a little slippery. This was slightly awkward but not unpleasant, as traces of sand offered some traction. The trail is incredibly well-marked for the most part, with plenty of warnings for off-limits detours such as near military bases.

After the first few days (heading east), the trail is a lot easier to follow and the terrain is milder. The climbs and descents are always less than 300 feet. Because of the lack of elevation gain, switchbacks are rare.

We hit a few bushy sections around Seminole County. This was rough, since it wasn’t just overgrown, but dense with thorns and briars. But for the most part, the trail is tidy. Some sections are framed with thick ferns and Spanish moss, while others have towering oak and pine trees.

As you cross south into Orange County, the ranchlands and sky seem to expand and offer a glimpse into Florida’s pioneer history and culture. In addition to native wildlife, the quirky feral fauna, such as peacocks, make appearances throughout. The area is dramatic and vast—those who view Central Florida as a theme-park destination are treated to its agrarian and rural sides.

The final 24.6 miles in Big Cypress South stretch through a great swamp of dwarf pond cypress and traverse pine islands. This section is Florida at its “boggiest,” but there is no elevation gain. It’s worth the slogging for the bragging rights.

The route is known as “the best trail in America you’ve never heard of.” While 350,000 people enjoy piecemeal sections of the trail each year, estimates suggest that this path draws fewer than 1,000 thru-hikers annually. We encountered dozens of section hikers and a couple of hunters each day. Everyone we met was incredibly kind and friendly. This is a perfect trail for a first thru-hike or route to the Florida Keys. It’s blazed, it’s on FarOut, and it is amazingly well-maintained and enjoyable in short portions as day trips to accompany typical Florida theme-park vacations or convention-related travel. Those who wish to commit to 60 to 90 days of backpacking will also appreciate this route.

How to Get to the Florida Trail

Northern Terminus: Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore
Closest City: Pensacola, Florida (10 minutes)

Southern Terminus: Oasis Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve
Closest City: Ochopee, Florida (15 minutes)

We hiked this trail headed east from Pensacola since that’s the more challenging side to access and we had attended a Blue Angels practice at the Navy base. There is limited public transportation at either end. The popular options are a taxi, car shuttle, a ride from a friend, or arranging a private shuttle. If you hike to the southbound terminus, getting to Miami International Airport when you finish is an easy two-hour shuttle from Big Cypress National Preserve. You can post in message boards when you’re a few days from finishing and ask if any Everglades City locals happen to be headed into Miami. Floridians, who embrace tourism’s economic and cultural benefit to their state, are an especially hospitable lot. There is an active Facebook group where people post car swaps and rides.

Florida Trail Northern (Western Panhandle) Terminus
Although there are cabs available at the airport, some hikers find it more enjoyable and less expensive to arrange a ride in advance or plan it with someone else in the Facebook groups. From Pensacola International Airport (PNS), head to I-10. It’s a 25-minute drive to Gulf Islands National Seashore when both local bay bridges are open. In 2021, there is construction on one of the two three-mile bridges due to its collapse from Hurricane Sally in 2020. Plan for a 45-minute drive during reconstruction. Take Exit 22 (Garcon). For more information regarding the bridge closure, consult the Florida Department of Transportation website.

Your Sunshine State walkabout starts at Fort Pickens, approximately 14 miles past the park entrance. The trailhead is between the historic fort and ferry pier. Some thru-hikers camp for a few days in this scenic area before departing. Call the park in advance for information at 850-934-2600.

This is a superb place to spend a few days. The beaches in the Panhandle are regarded by many Floridians as their state’s finest. The atypical sand evolved from quartz remnants of the Appalachian Mountains. Eventually, those eroded crystals were naturally ground into powdery, microscopic spheres. The translucent, pastel water is usually calm and temperate. Wear sunscreen on the beach, as the paleness of the terrain, while lovely, is a powerful solar reflector.

The park rangers are especially proud of Pensacola and happy to give recommendations to campers who wish to head into town for dinner. Eddie, a lively National Park Service ranger who works weekdays at the gate, directs hikers to the fresh seafood restaurants if they wish to avoid “brownfish,” his nickname for deep-fried fare.

Save for those camping there, cars cannot be parked overnight in Fort Pickens. Anecdotally, some thru-hikers have left their cars outside the park along Pensacola Beach and in Escambia County, but it’s best to ask the municipality for the go-ahead if this is your plan. For more information, contact Santa Rosa Island Authority, 850-932-2257.

Shuttles

• PNS Lucky Cab on the west side (Pensacola). 850-607-6500
• Ztrip Cab on the west side (Pensacola). 850-433-3333

*It’s not guaranteed any shuttle will drive you from the Pensacola airport to the trailhead without prior arrangements.

Florida Trail Southern Terminus
From Miami International Airport (MIA), it’s about 20 minutes to Florida State Park. Miami-Dade County has Uber and Lyft, which are the most obvious solutions. You can also post in the Facebook group and try to share a ride with someone.

Again, while there is public transport at either end, it’s wise to plan in advance.

When to Hike the Florida Trail / Which Direction

For a winter / spring-season path, the Florida Trail is ideal. Think of it as a “snowbirder” journey compared to a “regular season” thru-hike. It never reaches higher than 272 feet, and while you might encounter cool days and nights, it’s generally pleasant throughout the winter and spring.

Late-September through mid-May is enjoyable, with many hikers embarking in January and February. We hiked it in March and April, averaging about 25 miles per day. Depending on how temperate the weather was, we hiked up to four hours after sunset. On some days we enjoyed a slower pace in order to enjoy wildlife sightings. Alligators are occasionally visible in the swamplands adjacent to the trail, particularly in Seminole County. The Florida Birding Trail, which is a speckled group of sites rather than a consistent pathway, overlaps with the Florida Trail in several locations. Bring binoculars to view the plethora of interesting avian populations.

It’s pleasant to travel this course in either direction. Hiking east across the Florida Peninsula gets the hilliest terrain out of the way first. This direction is favored by some car travelers who first take an eastbound scenic drive through the scenic Gulf states, arriving at Pensacola and the Northern Terminus.

If you are nervous about your fitness level and want to start on flatter terrain, commence on the southern end. Many treks beginning in January and February start at that side due to its warmer climate at that time of year. Those hikers reach the Panhandle in March or April when its daytime temperatures have risen to the mid-70s and 80s.

Florida Trail Terrain

The Florida Trail is a low-elevation, partially wooded route. You’ll traverse low hills for part of the hike, with much of the rising and descending in the Panhandle portions of the trail. Some sections cross through or near wetlands, but overall, you can make really good time on smooth, dry terrain. The Peninsula is almost entirely flat.

Florida Trail Resupply

Be prepared for Apalachicola National Forest’s 83-mile stretch with no resupply options. Otherwise, you generally have hundreds of options for resupply along the Florida Trail. The footpath frequently crosses forest service roads and suburban areas, and some hikers choose to cache a few days’ worth of food in deer-proof containers at these crossings. If you go this route, you’ll need to have a decent guesstimate of your hiking pace, and you’ll also have to drive the entire route twice: once to drop off the food, and once to pick up the containers. While the route generally affords superb views and weather in the winter and spring, a 2,600 round-trip is cost-prohibitive to many travelers.

The best way to do this is to pack lightly, and resupply as needed at vendors in state parks and at crossings though towns. We resupplied a few times on the trail, and also used mail drops. Restocking was quite easy. We simply walked into nearby or intersecting townships, and even received a few invitations to dinner from sociable locals.

You can also send supplies to yourself by general delivery to nearly 95 percent of Florida post offices along the route. This is my favorite option. Call 800-ASK-USPS to ask if your intended post offices participate in the program.

Resupply 1, Perry, Florida
Perry is located south of the Econfina River section. This settlement is within walking distance of the trail at the crossroads of US 98, US 27, and US 221. Perry is home to two huge timber mills and Forest Capital Museum State Park, which features a pioneer homestead. There are several stores for resupply, such as Walmart Supercenter, Dollar Tree, and Winn-Dixie. This is a town where the locals sit on their front porches and enjoy meeting hikers.

Resupply 2, Oviedo, Florida
Oviedo is in the Lake Jesup section, which winds through thick woods and along rural roads next to the Econlockhatchee River. Watch out for black bears along this section of the path. (Yes, there are bears in Florida.) There are several restaurants and small stores right off the trail on Railroad Street, which is also the location of the post office. We got a ride to an organic food store on Alafaya Trail named Sprouts. There are numerous chain stores for resupply, such as Publix and the Walmart Supercenter.

Resupply 3, Clewiston, Florida
Located on the Florida Trail on a paved arc beside the curved edge of Lake Okeechobee at the Herbert Hoover Dike, Clewiston borders US 27. Best known for its sugarcane farm tours, I also enjoy stopping here for the nearly historic Clewiston Inn. This topographically eclectic area yields marshes, grassy patches, and tall palms. There are several large grocers for resupply, such as Winn-Dixie, Publix and the Walmart Supercenter.

Logistics: Camping, Water, Hunting Season

Camping: Camping is free and common along the Florida Trail, but there are only seven shelters. There are numerous campsites with fire rings, and even if you don’t see a listed area on Gaia or FarOut, there will be a nice flat spot nearby, guaranteed.

Permits: While there is no charge for primitive camping along the trail on state-owned land, you will need a permit in a few spots, such as at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. Check the permits section of the Florida Trail website for more information. https://www.floridatrail.org/florida-national-scenic-trail/fnst/permits/

Water: Water can be a concern on the Florida Trail, as chemical runoff from cattle and sugarcane farms have contaminated watersheds. It’s not a good idea to try to replenish from any murky streams or ponds unless you’re fond of potential encounters with large reptiles.

Keep track of park service water fountains and freshwater springs on your app or map. Visitors enjoy drinking from North Florida’s large artesian springs, which pump cool, clear water from the aquifer into the Ocala National Forest. We each carried two collapsible two-liter bottles, and never ran out. Regardless of appearance, all water should be treated before drinking. There were two potential 20-mile waterless stretches.

Local trail crew and trail angels will sometimes cache water at crossings and in the seven shelters, but entirely relying on other people’s caches is never wise. If you use the last of a gallon jug at a cache, pay it forward and strap the empty bottle to your pack and pack it out.

Hunting Season: Winter and spring are the best time to hike the FT because most of the popular hunting seasons have concluded. Some game, however, are hunted year-round. Among them are feral hogs, nutria, and rabbits. Due to its state regulations, Florida is not considered a huge hunting destination in comparison to its neighboring states of Georgia and South Carolina. Regardless, you should wear at least one piece of blaze orange during an FT thru-hike. Fortunately, orange clothes are in abundance at Florida merchants. Blue and orange are the official colors of the University of Florida Gators, and are also popular in the state because they symbolize the citrus economy as well as a sunset at the ocean.

Most Florida hunters are skilled and considerate, but I provide them with the courtesy of visual notification. I tend to wear a blaze orange baseball cap or safety vest. On cool days, I add a pair of neon yellow gloves to my outdoor ensemble.

Know Before You Go

Weather: A winter/spring thru-hike means being prepared for everything from 80 degrees and sunny to scattered days of wind and rain. Good rain gear is a necessity. Your visibility is generally high, which can be especially enjoyable when spotting a bald eagle or peregrine falcon.

Shorter Daylight: If you trek in the winter, you have fewer daylight hours to hike. Plan accordingly—if you don’t like night hiking, you may possibly hike fewer hours and your trek will last longer. If you’re night hiking, be equipped with a good headlamp (at least 300 lumens) and spare batteries, or a recharging pack. There are hundreds of independent and big-chain outdoor recreation stores throughout Florida, so you can buy a second headlamp if necessary.

Shelter and Trail Courtesy: Much of the Florida Trail has the unusual distinction of a tranquil, verdant path that’s geographically close to suburban conveniences yet burdened with exceptionally low crowding. With Florida welcoming roughly 1,000 new residents weekly, however, the foot traffic may soon rise. Be respectful of the shelters, campsites, and resources. Don’t leave snacks as trail magic in the shelters as it attracts snakes and raccoons. Take the time to appreciate the incredible pride and care that the FoFT and other organizations such as the Boy Scouts put into this corridor.

Florida Trail Resources

Florida Trail Association

Friends of the Florida Trail

Friends of the Florida Trail Facebook

Visit Florida Facebook

Sarah Wyatt is an award-winning ecotourism and sports journalist and lecturer with work appearing in diverse outlets such as Associated Press, Travel and Leisure, American Airlines’ inflight magazine, and AARP. She has held leadership and mentoring positions in the Native American Journalists Association as well as the Society of Professional Journalists.

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The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile point-to-point hike in the Appalachian Mountains of western South Carolina best hiked in fall, winter, or spring. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. It can be hiked in 3-7 days.

Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina)
Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days)

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Tread is good; grade is mostly moderate
• Total elevation gain is 10,000-11,000 feet, depending on direction
• Sustained climbs of more than 2,000 feet; some short, very steep sections
• Heat and humidity can be a challenge from late spring through early fall

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

• No permit required
• Local shuttles available
• Water is abundant
• Dispersed camping allowed along most of the trail

Season: Fall, winter, spring

Elevation: 500 – 3,553 feet
Total Elevation Gain: ~10,900 feet (westbound); ~10,000 (eastbound)

Hiking the Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. In fact, it’s not unlike a condensed version of the southern Appalachian Trail, and many prospective hikers have tackled the Foothills Trail as a shakedown for a future AT hike. 

Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. Hikers who travel westbound from Table Rock State Park face the challenge of 3,553-foot Sassafras Mountain, the high point of South Carolina, right out of the gate, while those who start at Oconee State Park get a much gentler introduction to the trail along the banks of the Chattooga. 

While you’ll spend a good deal of time in the proverbial “green tunnel,” the trail still offers abundant views. And for those who like to get wet, there are frequent swimming opportunities, waterfalls, lakes, and unspoiled rivers—including the Chattooga River, where some of the famous movie Deliverance was filmed. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and even black bears.While you’ll find people around popular features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, the full trail offers plenty of solitude, including your choice of quiet, secluded sites available for dispersed camping on all but a few miles.

How to Get to the Foothills Trail

Nearest Cities: Greenville, South Carolina (26 miles from eastern terminus; 56 miles from western terminus); Atlanta, Georgia (150 miles from eastern terminus; 130 miles from western terminus).

Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) here 
Eastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here 

Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. Cars can be left at both state parks.

When to Hike the Foothills Trail

While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season.

Foothills Trail Terrain

The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. It features frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination. The eastern end of the trail includes some strenuous climbing, including the infamous 500 steps up “Heartbreak Ridge” and the summit of Sassafras Mountain, but there are also long stretches of easy strolling.

Logistics: Camping, Water, Resupply 

Permits: No permit is required to hike the Foothills Trail. 

Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. Fee camping is allowed only in designated areas in Oconee and Table Rock state parks.   

Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. There is a small amount of roadwalking. 

Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. 

Resupply: The trail is short enough that it can be easily hiked without resupply. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns.

Know Before You Go

The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. Those hiking east-west will encounter the most challenging parts of the trail immediately, while those going from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park get a much easier introduction to the trail.

Foothills Trail Resources

The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more.

Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group

Official Foothills Trail Guidebook

Hiking South Carolina’s Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch

Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. He’s the author of several books, including the Amazon bestseller, Bones of My Grandfather: Reclaiming a Lost Hero of World War II,” and his most recent, The Trail Is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail. He has hiked the Colorado Trail, Appalachian Trail, Foothills Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Centennial Trail, and the Great Plains Trail Pilot Trail, and will start hiking the Pacific Crest Trail on April 7, 2021.

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The Benton MacKaye Trail is a lightly trafficked 287-mile trail that travels through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This spring / fall thru-hike makes a great alternative to the first 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Region:  Deep South – Lower Appalachians (GA, TN, NC)
Length: 287.6 miles (15-30 days)

Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

• Trail can be overgrown, some sections have blowdowns
• More difficult than the correlating section of the Appalachian Trail
• Lots of elevation gain and loss

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Permit needed for Great Smoky Mountains
• BMT Guide Book is very helpful, and has resupply information
• We recommend sending at least one or two resupply packages

Season:  Spring, Fall, Winter. Shoulder season is ideal, but winter is realistic as well. Summers can be hot and buggy.

Average Elevation: ~3,000 feet

Hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail

I like to think of the Benton MacKaye Trail as a more remote, less well traveled, and slightly more challenging alternative to the Appalachian Trail for the first 300 miles.  It is an excellent choice for hikers with some previous experience, especially hikers who wish to hike the Appalachian Trail, but are weary of the swarms of thru-hikers that appear each spring.  Since it shares the same Southern Terminus, and then intersects the Appalachian Trail twice, it is easy to hop from one trail to the other, or make loops.

Compared to the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail has practically no thru-hikers. The trail is mostly wooded, but there are a few short road walks, some of which have options for grabbing food, which make the road walking much more pleasant.

The Benton MacKaye Trail travels through an ecologically diverse landscape, with old beech trees, and an abundance of wildflowers—if you hike it in the right season. The trail travels through valleys with water feature,s including waterfalls, rivers, and creeks, along with the famous Toccoa suspension bridge and Fontana Lake (and dam).

How to get to the Benton MacKaye Trail

Southern Terminus:  Springer Mountain, Georgia

Closest City: Dahlonega, Georgia (~20 miles), or Gainesville, Georgia (~40 miles)
Closest Major City: Atlanta, Georgia

The Benton MacKaye Trail shares its Southern Terminus with the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain. In order to reach the summit of Springer Mountain, you can either hike the Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls, which is 8.5 miles, and includes climbing the staircase in Amicalola State Park, or you can ascend Springer Mountain from Forest Service Road 42, which is a 0.9-mile hike.  

There is no public transportation to Amicalola State Park or Forest Service Road 42 (which is remote and not paved), so options for transportation include hiring a shuttle, a ride from a friend, or hitchhiking.  Given that the Appalachian Trail is so popular, there are many shuttle services in the area.

Shuttles: Depending on on when you’re starting or finishing your hike, you may find many shuttles services in Gainesville (there is a Greyhound station here), MARTA’s North Springs Station (north of Atlanta), or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Benton Mackaye Trail Southern Terminus Shuttles:

Survivor Dave: (678-469-0978)
Ron Brown: (706-669-0919)
Hiker Hostel: (770-312-7342)

Northern Terminus: Davenport Gap, Tennessee

Closest City: Waynesville, North Carolina (35 miles), Newport, Tennessee (20 miles)
Closest Major City: Asheville, North Carolina (55 miles)

There is no public transportation to Davenport Gap, so again, you will need to get a shuttle, a ride from a friend, or hitchhike to this terminus.  Davenport Gap is right off of Interstate 40, so it is easily accessible to Asheville and there are a few shuttle services in the area that can get you there.

Benton Mackaye Trail Northern Terminus Shuttles:

Standing Bear Farm Hiker’s Hostel (423-487-0014)
Blue Ridge Hiking Company (828-713-5451)
A Walk in the Woods (865-436-8283)
Bluff Mountain Outfitters (828-622-7162) 

When to Hike the Benton MacKaye Trail

Although the Benton Mackaye Trail is not particularly challenging to follow, there are sections where the trail becomes overgrown, especially with blackberry bushes and poison ivy.  For this reason, I would suggest hiking in early spring or late fall rather than the summer months. Winter thru-hikes are also possible, but snow and ice are likely during winter months, especially mid-November through mid-March. Peak fall foliage is likely to be around late October into early November, and spring ephemeral wildflowers will start to appear in March, and continue into April.

We hiked the trail from mid-November through early December, and were lucky with the weather, but still had a number of nights that were well below freezing.

Benton Mackaye Trail Resupply

If you’re a fast hiker, and would prefer not to hitchhike, it is possible to hike the trail with just a few walkable resupply points, roughly every 100 miles.   Although these two points do not offer much, they will hold packages for thru-hikers, so you can send yourself a mail drop with the food and supplies needed.  These two spots are Reliance Fly and Tackle, and Fontana Dam Village.

There are many other resupply options. They are listed here in order from south to north:

Mile 37.5: Aska Road – Iron Bridge Cafe and Toccoa Riverside Restaurant. Limited resupply, but since they’re right on the trail, it’s worth stopping for a meal.

Mile 49.6: Hwy 76 – Hitchhike to Blue Ridge, Georgia, for a full resupply. There are also several amenities in Cherry Log, Georgia, that are easy walking distance off the trail from this spot, including a post office.

Mile 109.3: Reliance, TN – Reliance Fly & Tackle, Webb Brothers Store. Right on the trail, but you will want to send a box.  Definitely call ahead, as these businesses operate on a somewhat seasonal basis, and close for the season sometime in the fall. Webb Brothers Store also has a post office inside for easy maildrop.

Mile 130.1: Coker Creek Welcome Center and Post Office. This is roughly three miles of walking from the trail. Send a box, but call ahead for their hours.  You can also hitchhike from here to Tellico Plains for a full resupply, or to stay in one of local cabins, including Mountain View Cabins Rentals and Silver Top Cabins. The Silver Top owners will provide a shuttle to and from the trail. Tellico Plains can also be accessed from 152.8.

Mile 180.3: Tapoco Lodge. They accept mail drops if you have a reservation, but they also have a restaurant with amazing pizza.  Since they’re situated right on the trail, it’s worth stopping for a bite to eat.

Mile 190.1: Fontana Dam Village. This is right on the trail, but resupply options can be limited so you will likely want to send a box here.

Mile 254.7: US44, Smokemont Campground. Hitchhike to Cherokee, North Carolina, for a full resupply.

Benton MacKaye Trail Terrain

The Benton MacKaye is mostly in forested mountains, with a few short (1-5 mile) road walks, which total about 15 miles.  In some sections, the trail is steep and rocky.  There are many areas where the trail goes straight up and straight down the short, but rugged mountains of the Southeast. 

The most technical section is in Joyce Kilmer Wilderness, where the trail is very steep, rocky, overgrown, and often has blowdowns to reckon with since the wilderness designation does not allow for chainsaw use. Many sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail are narrow and lightly trodden, so the trail can be difficult to follow at night or in snow. In the Smoky Mountains, the trail is much easier to follow, but there are at least three creek crossings that will likely require you to get your feet wet, and potentially more if there has been recent rain.

Logistics: Camping, Permits, Land Designation, Water

Camping: There are only two shelters along the entire trail, one in Cherry Log, Georgia, and the other in the Smokies (Laurel Gap Shelter). Camping spots are not as easy to come by as on the Appalachian Trail, so you have to be a bit more creative when picking a spot.  A map can be handy for finding flat areas that could be good candidates. 

Permits: You’ll only need a permit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park section. Your permit will include your chosen camping spots for the 93-mile section within the park.  The Benton MacKaye Trail is less popular than the Appalachian Trail through the park, so permits are easier to come by, and camping spots are more easily available.  During our thru-hike in late November through early December (2017), we did not share a campsite with any other hikers in the Smokies. 

Land Designation: The Benton MacKaye Trail travels through many different land designations, from national park (Great Smoky Mountains), to wilderness areas (the BMT comes in contact with six different wilderness areas, including Joyce Kilmer and Big Frog Wilderness). Wilderness areas do not allow motorized equipment to be used, even to maintain the trail, so the trail is often quite rugged.

Water: Water is almost not an issue on the Benton MacKaye Trail; the longest stretch without water is about 10 miles (Tapoco Lodge to Fontana Dam), but more commonly, dry stretches are 5-7 miles.  There are some days where you are traveling in a stream valley for most of the day.

Know Before You Go

Reserve your campsites in the Smokies: Remember that you will need to reserve campsites in the Smokies for the exact dates that you will be there, so it may be helpful for that reason to hike the trail southbound, or plan how you will get your permit if you plan to be more spontaneous with the first 200 miles of your thru-hike.

Consider the season: I highly recommend hiking this trail in a shoulder season, but since the trail is often close to water, consider the fact that condensation could be an issue, and consider taking a double-walled tent.

Call ahead for your resupply: Many of the resupply locations along this trail are seasonal, or have weird hours.  Call ahead to each of your resupply points and make sure you will be able to resupply or mail a box there.

Wildlife: The Benton MacKaye travels through bear country, and proper food storage is advised.

Practice Leave No Trace when camping:  There are not very many designated campsites outside of the Smoky Mountains, so make sure you are assessing your impact, and the likelihood of previous or future impact.  For more information, visit Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Education.

Benton Mackaye Trail Resources

Benton Mackaye Trail Guidebook

Benton Mackaye Trail Association

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Permits

Christine Martens is a long-distance hiker who has hiked over 10,000 miles, including some of the famous long-distance trails such as the PCT and AT.  She lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and enjoys hiking and running in her local mountains (which happen to be the tallest on the East Coast).  She does not own a TV, so for entertainment she enjoys letting foster kittens destroy her house.  You can find Christine on her personal blog, or Instagram and Facebook.

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The Great Smoky Mountains 127-mile loop is a challenging route in the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park that can be completed in 8-10 days.

Region: Middle South / Deep South (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Length: 127 miles (10-15 days)

Physical Difficulty: Difficult

• Steep terrain
• Daily drastic elevation change combined with lots of rainfall
• Roots/rocks/mud/frequent stream crossings

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Permits required
• Loop trail
• No opportunity for food caching or resupply

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Elevation (average): 3,954
Total Elevation Gain: 34,725

Days to Complete

Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 127-Mile Loop 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park 127-mile loop is a moderately ambitious route made of seven or eight different trails through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s not a formal route. Rather, it is a sample route we designed to showcase a variety of Smokies terrain and elevations while being completed in 8-10 days. We encourage you to view this loop as a jumping-off point in designing your own route through the Smokies. Or, you know, just hike ours! We’d be flattered (and we think it’s fun). 

Hikers unfamiliar with the Southern Appalachians might find this route surprisingly challenging despite its relatively low elevation. Steep ascents and descents (and almost no switchbacks) challenge the knees, while large amounts of rainfall, high humidity, and lots of stream crossings keep you and your gear wet almost continuously. Hiking east from the car, you’ll hug Fontana Lake for a few days before swinging northeast into the mountains proper, and from there you’ll ascend and descend over the central spine of the park several times before taking the Appalachian Trail back down to the trailhead. 

Higher elevations in the Southern Appalachians (such as Clingmans Dome, which you’ll hike over on day five of this itinerary) are technically temperate rainforests. In short, you can count on getting rained on, no matter what time of year you do this hike. 

Another thing to keep in mind when hiking this route is that views are few and far between—and likely to be obscured by clouds and mist even when you find them. It’s best to focus on the small gems of this landscape. Time-lapse photographers will love the gushing streams, deeply shaded hollows, and dripping moss. The Southern Appalachians have the most varieties of salamanders of any ecosystem in the world, and you are sure to see a few on your hike. In the spring, the mountain laurel and rhododendron burst into bloom, while smaller, less-ostentatious (but no less beautiful) wildflowers decorate the trailside in the summer and early fall.

A final small pleasure is the variety of bridges that cross the various larger streams. These bridges range from old trail trestles to single logs to everything in between. And as you might expect from an area with such rainfall, you’ll be fording a lot. 

How to Get to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 127-Mile Loop 

Closest Major City: Knoxville, Tennessee (55 miles)

We designed this loop to be accessed from the southern end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City and Fontana Dam.

Lakeshore Trailhead West (where you’ll begin and end your hike) is only 90 minutes southeast of downtown Knoxville. Asheville, North Carolina, is about twice as far away (101 miles), while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (just south of Atlanta) is a 2.5-hour drive (185 miles).

Parking is somewhat limited at Lakeshore Trailhead West, especially if you arrive at the trailhead in the afternoon when day hikers are accessing the trails. Best to get here first thing to make sure parking isn’t complicated. This parking area is monitored daily by rangers. Don’t leave any food in your car to tempt the bears, and you should be fine. 

When approaching the trailhead, your best chance for a variety of food and beverage before embarking is definitely Bryson City, North Carolina, although the Wildwood Grill in the Fontana Village Resort and Marina serves a mean burger and an inexpensive glass of beer. The restaurant is open to the public, even if you don’t have a room at the resort.

When to Hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 127-Mile Loop

Fall is a lovely time to hike in the Smokies, especially if you are a leaf peeper. The deciduous forests of the lower elevations display a variety of golds, ambers, and scarlets difficult to find elsewhere in the South. Fall also happens to be the season of lowest precipitation in the Smokies. Every other time of year, including the late spring (our other recommended hiking window), you can count on 10 to 15 days of precipitation a month, meaning you’ll get rained on about once every 48 hours or so (or more). 

You can count on almost six inches of rain in July, with similar numbers in the surrounding months, especially looking backward into the spring and winter. That’s quite a lot of moisture, considering that the average annual precipitation in the US in 2017 was 32.21 inches.  

We certainly aren’t saying you can’t hike this loop in the summer. But just know what you’ll be getting into: heavier crowds (this is a national park, after all), muggy, chafing-inducing air quality, frequent thunderstorms, and (probably) a near-constant drizzle.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Terrain

This loop traverses a well-traveled and popular national park, even if most of those visitors never get out of their cars. The upshot is a well-maintained trail system that is remarkably free of crowds, especially once you get deep into the park and away from tourist attractions like the Clingmans Dome overlook and gift shop. The park rangers do a great job of keeping the worst blowdowns sawed away and overhanging bushes and rhododendron from overtaking the trail, but with over 800 miles of trails in the park, they’ve got their work cut out for them. Expect to push past some nettles and branches, and navigating over, under, or around large blowdowns is not uncommon. 

When it rains (which, as we’ve said, it most absolutely will) much of the trail will be indistinguishable from creek beds. Rocks, logs, and roots are plentiful and slippery. The many bridges in the park are also extremely slippery. Use particular caution when fording creeks, especially during the spring and early summer. 

Some of the trails in this loop have a steep grade, yet another reason to use caution when walking in the rain or just after a rain.

Logistics: Camping, Resupply, Permits, Water, Bear Cables, Land Designation

Camping: Camping along this loop (and in every part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is only permitted at established sites. See our permit section below for more info on reserving a camping site. We spaced the campsites on the route according to our own pace and desires. Feel free to do the same, or deviate from our route as needed depending on your hiking style. 

When camping at a campsite with shelters (similar to what you’d find on the Appalachian Trail), you must stay in the shelter. Our loop avoids shelter campsites, but if you modify it you may end up staying at some. Each campsite has a max number of campers allowed, capped during the permitting process. 

Resupply: We completed this route without resupply, though it did make for fairly heavy packs in the first few days. On this route, there are no areas to cache food or buy a meaningful supply of dinners or breakfasts. There is a small gift shop half a mile of road walking down from where the route crosses over Clingmans Dome. They might have some candy bars for sale, depending on how COVID-19 affects their hours of operation. When the route crosses through the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (an educational facility that runs residential programs for school-aged children) a sharp-eyed hiker might spot some vending machines that are open to the public. Come prepared with dollar bills, because these machines don’t take soggy tens or twenties. Trust us, we tried. 

Permits: In order to backcountry camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll need both a reservation and a permit for each campsite. The system is calendar-based and fairly easy to navigate—we had no problem figuring it out, though you’ll want to have identified your desired campsites prior to beginning your reservation using this map. If you run into trouble, call the backcountry office at 865-436-1297. We found them to be friendly and responsive as we were planning our route. 

Backcountry reservation fees will cost you $4 per person, per night, and cap at $20 per person. You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance, or as late as the day your hike begins (though this could severely limit your options). You can only book seven nights at a time; after that, you must check out, pay, and begin a new reservation. You can stay up to 30 nights in the park. You can’t stay at any one campsite for more than three nights, and you can’t stay at any shelter for more than one night. When you are ready to book your sites and obtain your permit, click here.

Water: Water is extraordinarily plentiful along this route, with the exception of the few times the route follows the Appalachian Trail. Because the AT mostly sticks to the ridge leading up to and away from Clingmans Dome, water sources are more sparse in this section. Still, we comfortably completed this route with only two liters of water storage capacity.

As always, we recommend treating your water via chemicals, UV light, or filtration. That goes double for the water in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is hemmed by densely populated areas and sees a lot of yearly visitors. Water in the park is cold, so keep that in mind if you are using something like Aquamira to treat your water (cold water needs to be treated for longer). 

Something else to note about water: Great Smoky Mountains National Park forbids the use of camp soaps to wash dishes—even the biodegradable kind (and this restriction also includes castile soaps like Dr. Bronner’s). This is a small price to pay for protecting the salamanders. 

Bear Cables: Every campsite along our route has functional bear cables. The black bear population in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is dense, and you can certainly expect to have a negative bear encounter if you don’t store your food and other smellables properly at night. This system is great news for those who hate carrying bear canisters (and, really, don’t we all?).  Click here to see proper use of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s bear hanging system. 

Land Designation  Our route is entirely enveloped by Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  National parks have some of the strongest protections of any land designation. Note that dogs, drones, and mountain bikes are all prohibited inside the park. Find out more here.

Know Before You Go 

Moisture and Humidity: We’ve talked at length about the rainfall you’ll likely encounter on this route. It’s also worth noting that dense vegetation and constant moisture make for a very humid environment. Don’t expect wet socks to dry out, even if you put them on the back of your pack for a day. Once your gear is wet, chances are it will stay that way, more or less. For this reason, we recommend using synthetic insulation bags and outwear on this loop. We’re also fans of non-waterproof, highly drainable trail runners instead of heavier Gore-Tex “waterproof” footwear on this route.

Hypothermia: In the spring and fall (and occasionally during the summer) it won’t be unusual to encounter constant rain paired with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. This is classic hypothermia weather, so use caution, and bring well-tested rain gear. We also recommend bringing along a separate tarp for this trip so that you have room to stage your gear, cook, and lounge outside your tent when it is raining. 

Because of the hypothermia danger, we recommend bringing a classic canister stove that can heat liquids quickly and reliably (and that can function in the rain). This is no place for an ultralight wood-fired stove. 

Wildlife: You are likely to see bear sign (footprints, scat) on the trails, and don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a black bear staring at you through the dense understory.  Use common sense black bear precautions (make noise every now and then, remove all food and toiletry items from your shelter at night, never approach one, and stand your ground if one charges) and you’ll be fine. 

In recent decades elk have been reintroduced to the Smokies. Keep your eyes open, though you are much more likely to hear one bugling than you are to see one! 

Clouds and Mist: A little research of the Smoky Mountains will turn up the classic Southern Appalachian view—layer upon layer of soft, low hills vanishing into the horizon. And indeed, it’s possible you might see that view on this route. But it’s much more likely that your view will be obscured by clouds and mist. You should embrace this—it’s just the way it goes in the Smokies!

Smoky Mountains Resources

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Regulations

Smokies Backcountry Permits

Smokies Backcountry Camping Map

The post Great Smoky Mountains National Park 127-Mile Loop appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

Region: Deep South (Alabama, Georgia)
Length: 335 miles (4-6 weeks)

Physical Difficulty: Moderate 

• Steep climbs under treeline
• High humidity
• Rooty, rocky trails with blowdowns

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate 

• Point-to-point
• No permit required
• Easy navigation, well-signed, easy resupply

Season: Spring / Fall

Hiking the Pinhoti Trail

Pinhoti is Creek Indian for “Turkey Home.” The southern Appalachians hiking trail stretches laterally across Alabama and Georgia and can be linked up with the Benton MacKaye Trail and followed to Springer Mountain (Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail). The trail is 335 miles in length and offers an abundance of amenities and resupply options to aid new hikers. Similar to trails that share the same mountain range, the route is filled with short ups and downs, along with occasional road walks and direct passage through cities. 

The draw of the Pinhoti Trail and what makes it noteworthy is that the route links the southernmost 1,000-foot-tall peak (Flagg Mountain) in the Appalachian Mountains with the rest of the range spanning north. The Pinhoti Trail is a part of the Eastern Continental Trail, which spans nearly 5,000 miles up the Eastern Seaboard from Florida into Canada.

How to Get to the Pinhoti Trail

Southern Terminus

The Southern Terminus is located at Flagg Mountain near Weogufka, Alabama. Map it here.

Closest Major City: Birmingham, Alabama (72 miles)

From the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, you can find a shuttle to the Southern Terminus (info below) or a ride from the Pinhoti Facebook groups. 

Other Options: Greyhound bus from Birmingham, Alabama, to Sylacauga, Alabama, and hitchhike or walk to the Southern Terminus.

Northern Terminus

The Northern Terminus is the intersection of the Pinhoti Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail. It is remote, but shuttle options are listed below.

Closest Major City:  Atlanta, Georgia (105 miles)

Northern Section Shuttle

Buddy Lique
[email protected]

Ron’s Shuttle Service

Central Section Shuttle

Next Step Hostel and Shuttle Service
406 North Street. E, Talladega, AL 35160
205-601-9107

Southern Section Shuttles

Coosa’s Hiker Hostel and Shuttle Service
Owned by Callie Thornton, located near the Pinhoti Southern Terminus / Flagg Mountain Trailhead.
Hwy 22 West, Rockford, AL
256-786-0894

Pinhoti Outdoor Center – Hostel and Shuttle Service​
49951 Hwy. 280
Sylacauga, AL 35150
205-202-9525

When to Hike the Pinhoti Trail 

Alabama and Georgia can be notoriously humid, and avoiding the brunt of the summer weather is best when planning a thru-hike of the Pinhoti Trail. This is best done between early fall and early spring, and with similar climates spanning the trail east and west (slightly north/south), the direction taken on the trail has little impact on the timing. Overall, October-November and March-April would be the most ideal times to hike the trail. 

Should You Hike Northbound or Southbound?

The Pinhoti Trail can be completed in either direction throughout the winter months. When completed as part of the Eastern Continental Trail it is often used to connect the Florida Trail to the Benton MacKaye Trail (with a road walk). The main considerations for which direction to hike the trail should be resupplying and transportation.

Pinhoti Trail Terrain 

The terrain on the Pinhoti Trail is similar to the Appalachian Trail. The landscape is green, and often resembles the iconic green tunnels of the AT. There are numerous PUDs, rocky terrain, and rooted trail. The majority of the route winds through the deciduous forests of Alabama and Georgia with some views of lakes, streams, and rivers. There are dry sections, and areas where one’s feet will often be wet.

Logistics: Permits, Camping, Water

Permits: The Pinhoti Trail does not require permits for any of the sections

Camping: The Pinhoti Trail has more than 75 designated campsites and shelters. Most of the shelters are newer and more maintained than the usual three-sided style on the Appalachian Trail, and the outhouses carried less of a stench than the competing toilets on the AT. 

Water Carries: There are multiple waterless stretches up to 10 miles in length, so check your sources and be prepared with plenty of water and add electrolyte tabs to stay hydrated.

Know Before You Go

Bugs: The ticks and mosquitoes can be persistent, so prepare with plenty of bug spray, a mosquito headnet, treat your clothes with permethrin, do tick checks, and always carry a fully enclosed shelter.

Road Walks: You’ll encounter some road walks on this trail. Not the most thrilling sections, but they go by fast.

Pinhoti Trail Shuttles / Resources

Pinhoti Trail Alliance

The post Pinhoti Trail appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

Alabama Sections

Section 1

DISTANCE ~ 21.0
ELEVATION: L 545′ ~ H 1037′
WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATE ~ 0.0 ~ 5.9 / 10.4 ~ 17.3
ROAD WALK ~ EASY ~ 5.9 ~ 10.4 / 17.3 ~ 21.0
LANDMARK ~ FLAGG MOUNTAIN
LOCAL TOWN ~ WEOGUFKA
0.0 ~ FLAGG MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD
21.0 ~ AL 21 TRAILHEAD

Section 2

DISTANCE ~ 7.1
CUMULATIVE ~ 12.6 ~ 19.7
ELEVATION: L 728′ ~ H 945′
ROAD WALK ~ EASY
LANDMARK ~ JOY LAKE
LOCAL TOWN ~ SYLACAUGA
0.0 ~ AL 21 TRAILHEAD
7.1 ~ TRAMMEL TRAILHEAD

Section 3

DISTANCE ~ 11.4
ELEVATION: L 945′ ~ H 1241′
WOODS TRAIL ~ DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ RCW NESTING AREA
LOCAL TOWN ~ SYLACAUGA
0.0 ~ TRAMMEL TRAILHEAD
11.4 ~ BULLS GAP TRAILHEAD

Section 4

DISTANCE ~ 18.0
0.0 ~ BULLS GAP TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 1241′ ~ H 1912′
WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ HORN MTN. FIRE TOWER
LOCAL TOWN ~ SYLACAUGA
18.0 ~ PORTERS GAP TRAILHEAD

Section 5

DISTANCE ~ 15.5
ELEVATION: L 843′ ~ H 1870′
WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ TALLADEGA CREEK
LOCAL TOWN ~ TALLADEGA
15.5 ~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEAD

Section 6

DISTANCE ~ 11.3
0.0 ~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 1360′ ~ H 2323′
WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ CHEAHA WILDERNESS
LOCAL TOWN ~ OXFORD
SOUTHERN TERMINUS / START HIKE
11.3 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEAD

Section 7

DISTANCE ~ 17.6
0.0 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 760′ ~ H 2045′
WOODS TRAIL ~ DIFFICULT- FIRST 1/3, THEN MODERATE
LANDMARK ~ CHEAHA STATE PARK
LOCAL TOWN ~ OXFORD
17.6 ~ US 431 TRAILHEAD

Section 8

DISTANCE ~ 9.5
0.0 ~ US 431 TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 885′ ~ H 1200′
WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATE
LANDMARK ~ INDIAN CAVE
LOCAL TOWN ~ HEFLIN
9.5 ~ SOUTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD

Section 9

DISTANCE ~ 13.6
0.0 ~ SOUTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD ~ LC, SW ~ 936′
ELEVATION: L 812′ ~ H 1222′
WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATE
LANDMARK ~ SHOAL CREEK RANGER STATION
LOCAL TOWN ~ HEFLIN
13.6 ~ USFS PINE GLEN CAMPGROUND TRAILHEAD

Section 10

DISTANCE ~ 16.3
0.0 ~ USFS PINE GLEN CAMPGROUND TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 700′ ~ H 1325′
WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATE
LANDMARK ~ COLEMAN LAKE
LOCAL TOWN ~ JACKSONVILLE
16.3 ~ BURNS TRAILHEAD

Section 11

DISTANCE ~ 8.8
0.0 ~ BURNS TRAILHEAD
CUMULATIVE ~ 132.9 ~ 141.7
ELEVATION: L 846′ ~ H 2140′
WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ DUGGER WILDERNESS
LOCAL TOWN ~ JACKSONVILLE
8.8 ~ NORTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD

Section 12

DISTANCE ~ 16.2
0.0 ~ NORTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 767′ ~ H 1871′
WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ TERRAPIN CREEK
LOCAL TOWN ~ PIEDMONT
16.2 ~ HIGH POINT TRAILHEAD

Section 13

DISTANCE ~ 12.8
0.0 ~ HIGH POINT TRAILHEAD
ELEVATION: L 767′ ~ H 1871′
WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULT
LANDMARK ~ ALABAMA / GEORGIA STATE LINE
LOCAL TOWN ~ CAVE SPRING, GA
12.8 ~ JACKSON CHAPEL TRAILHEAD

Georgia Sections

Section 13

Alabama – Georgia state line to Old Jackson Chapel Road
2.6 miles (Georgia portion of Section 13)

Section 14

Old Jackson Chapel Road to Cave Spring, GA (U.S. Highway 411)
7.8 miles

Section 15

Cave Spring, GA (U.S. Highway 411) to Coosa River near Lock & Dam Park
10.8 miles

Section 16

Coosa River near Lock and Dam Park to Georgia Highway 20 at West Rome Bypass
5.0 miles

Section 17

Georgia Highway 20 at West Rome Bypass to Simms Mountain Trail at Huffaker Road

4.1 miles

Section 18

Simms Mountain Trail at Huffaker Road to Georgia Highway 100
4.0 miles

Section 19

Georgia Highway 100 at Floyd-Chattooga County line to High Point trailhead
8.2 miles

Section 20

High Point trailhead (Georgia Highway 100) to Mack White Gap (U.S. Highway 27)
9.1 miles

Section 21

Mack White Gap (U.S. Highway 27) to West Armuchee Road at Narrows Road
11.2 miles

Section 22

West Armuchee Road at Narrows Road to East Armuchee Road 5.8 miles

Section 23

East Armuchee Road to Pocket Road at Pilcher’s Pond parking area
9.8 miles (via South Route) 9.3 miles (via North Route)

Section 24

Pocket Road at Pilcher’s Pond to Snake Creek Gap (Georgia Highway 136)
6.2 miles (via South Route) 5.3 miles (via North Route)

Section 25

Snake Creek Gap (Georgia Highway 136) to Dug Gap
15.8 miles

Section 26

Dug Gap to Conasauga River at Tibbs Bridge
11.9 miles

Section 27

Conasuga River at Tibbs Bridge to Ramhurst, Georgia (U.S. Highway 411)
12.1 miles

Section 28

Ramhurst, Georgia (U.S. Highway 411) to Cohutta Overlook
18.2 miles

Section 29

Cohutta Overlook to Forest Service Road 90 near Holly Creek Gap
9.6 miles

Section 30

Forest Service Road 90 near Holly Creek Gap to Buddy Cove Gap (Forest Service Road 64)
11.0 miles

Section 31

Buddy Cove Gap (Forest Service Road 64) to Benton MacKaye Trail
3.1 miles

Georgia Mileage: 166.3 miles

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