This will be a north to south hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail in north Georgia. Trailhead parking for this hike is located at Dyer Gap and Bushy Head Gap. A shuttle will be required for this hike. We will leave cars at Bushy Head Gap and drive to Dyer Gap, where the hike will begin. 

We shall start off with a steep climb up to Flat Top Mountain, which is the second highest point (After Springer Mountain) on the Benton MacKaye Trail. About 2 miles into the hike we shall cross 4 headwater streams that feed into the Jacks River. The descent will bring us to Halloway Gap at about 4.3 miles. At 6.3 miles we will come upon Fowler Mountain.

From Fowler Mountain the remaining portion of the hike (6.4 miles) should be easy, as it is mostly downhill. The trail will take us through Hartley Gap, McKenny Gap, and Hudson Gap before ending at Bushy Head Gap.

Plan to spend about 7 hours on the trail.

The meeting place for this hike will be the Burger King in Elijay, Georgia. The address for the Burger King is 1022 Maddox Drive, just off of Hwy 5 Appalachian Parkway, East Elijay 30539. Phone number is (706) 276-2999.

We will be leaving the Burger King at 9:00 AM sharp for the trailhead. Please plan to arrive there ealier.