Benton MacKaye Trail Hike - 11.6 Miles

Nice hike that was not as difficult as I had predicted, as this was suppose to be the most difficult section of the Benton MacKaye Trail. There were several long ascents, but the hike ended with a descent of two miles in length and some cold beer. It was a warm day for north Georgia, but we were blessed with a breeze most of the way on this clothing optional hike.

The trail was well maintained and had a nice walking surface. Not rooty, and only a couple of short rocky sections. This trail would be great for a trail runner. We could see the rath of Irma, with many trees down. One large downed tree had obliterated part of the trail.

One other joined me on this 5.5 hour hike.

The hike will start at Wiscot Gap and and head towards Lula Head Gap (about 1 mile) and then begin an ascent to the top of Wilscot Mountain. From the top we will start down to Payne Gap (about 3.2 miles from the trailhead). From there we will climb to a ridge line and travel a level trail for about 1/2 mile, then decsend to Skeenah Gap Road about 5.3 miles into the hike. There is a trailhead at this location.

This ascends to the more difficult section of the hike, up to Rhodes Mountain. An 1100 foot gain in elevation. Soon we intersect the Duncan Ridge Trail. The trail ascends again to Licklog Mountain. After traveling down to a gap, we head up to Wallalah Mountain. While traveling down the Wallalah Mountains switchbacks we will come to a rocky outcrop with view to the south.

Near the end of the hike we will cross Little Sheenah Creek before reaching the trailhead.

The Cherokee word for the area is skeinah, which means ghost, devil,or demon.

This is a long strenuous hike. Bring plenty of water.