Toccoa River Rental Cabin - Located in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Hiking Trails in North Georgia
Action & Adventure in North Georgia - Smokey Mountains
Kayak the Ocoee, Nantahala, Toccoa and Chattooga Rivers
Hike to Waterfalls and the Appalachian Trail
Blue Ridge - Aska Adventure Area
Brasstown Bald
North Georgia Hiking Trails
The Aska trails and South Fork Trail and Loop ride in the nearby Cohutta
national forest just west of Blue Ridge are mountain biking trails that
double as some incredible hiking trails. Of course, all of the mountain
biking trails are welcome to hikers, but the most popular hiking trails in
Blue Ridge are the Benton MacKaye and Duncan Trails. These trails offer
remarkable changes in terrain and some of the most beautiful scenery of the
Cohutta Wilderness. Directions and a detailed description of each trail are
described below. www.GeorgiaTrails.com www.Trails.com www.GORP.com
Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail in Georgia stretches from Springer Mountain to
Double Spring Gap on the Tennessee border. The first 20 miles of this trail
merge with the Appalachian Duncan Ridge Trails. From Springer Mountain, the
Benton MacKaye Trail goes north to Rhodes Mountain and turns west, crossing
the Toccoa River at Shallowford Bridge.
The trail uses county roads near
Stanley Gap, and then follows ridge tops to Cherry Log. The trail then
crosses private property before following state and county roads to Bush
Head Gap. The entire trail is marked with white diamonds and blazes on trees
and is suitable for hiking and some mountain biking. 78.6 miles.
Access Points to the Benton MacKaye Shallow Bridge Access: From Blue Ridge, take old US 76 for one mile east to
Aska Road. Turn right, and go south for 9 miles to a steel bridge. GA Highway 60 Access: From Blue Ridge, take Old US 76 east for 5 miles to
Morganton. There, turn right on GA 60 and travel south 15 miles near Tooni
Gap.
The last 7 miles are located within the Cohutta Wilderness. The terrain
varies from streams to laurel and Rhododendron thickets to scenic ridge
tops, mature forest, and county roads. On the Cohutta District, the trail
merges with the South Fork, Jacks River, and Hemptop Trails, where horse
travel is permitted within the wilderness. Watson Gap: Take GA 5 northwest out of Blue Ridge for about 4 miles. Turn
left at Watson Gap directional sign onto Old GA 2 and travel 10.5 miles to
Watson Gap, a four-way intersection, where the trail enters the road.
Dyer Gap: Follow directions to Watson Gap. Then turn left onto Forest
Service Road 64 and go 3.5 miles to the Dyer Cemetery. The trail crosses the
road just beyond this point. Dally Gap: Follow directions to Watson Gap. Then turn right onto Forest
Service Road 22 and go about 3.5 miles to Dally Road and the Jacks River
trailhead, hike down the Jacks River Trail about 0.8 mile to the Benton
MacKaye Trail intersect.
Duncan Ridge Trail
This challenging trail, not generally suitable for mountain biking, follows
high, dry ridges for most of its length. The trail begins on Long Creek near
Three Forks on the Appalachian Trail, goes north, and crosses the Toccoa
River on a 260-foot swinging bridge. The trail then leads north and west
along Duncan Ridge through Mulky Gap to Slaughter Gap. It includes many
steep climbs and descents over several mountain tops. The trail is blue
blazed for all of this section but also has yellow blazes on the eastern
portion, where the Coosa Backcountry Trail shares the same treadway and also
will have the white diamonds of the Benton MacKaye Trail from long Creek
falls for Rhodes Mountain. About 1.25 miles on the eastern end are within
the Blood Mountain Wilderness. A 60 mile loop trail can be made by combing
this trail with the Appalachian Trail.
Directions
Take U.S. 19 and 129 south from Blairsville, for 9.5 miles. Turn
right (west) onto GA 180 and go 3 miles to Wolfpen Gap. The trail crosses GA
180 in the gap. The trail can also be reached in Mulky Gap by Forest Service
Road 4, Mulky Gap Road.
Rich Mountain Wilderness
Hikers exploring this wilderness area should be
experienced and carry topographical maps, compass and survival gear. Enjoy
spectacular wildflower displays. This area has a large bear population and
many deer. Hikers cross several streams and see many waterfalls. Elevation
varies from approximately 2000 feet near Little Rock Creek to 4081 feet at
Big Bald mountain.
Appalachian Trail
There is also the famous Appalachian Trail that starts in Georgia and heads
northeast to North Caroline and on to Maine. The closest point on the
Appalachian Trail is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge,
Georgia. Experienced hikers may choose to explore the 35,000-acre Cohutta
Wilderness Area, the largest protected wilderness east of the Mississippi
River as well (see the mountain bike section for trail info).
Additional information contact the US Forestry Service at 706-632-3031 or
stop by their office while visiting Blue Ridge.
North Georgia Hiking Clubs:
Hiking the Cohutta Wilderness Area
Mountain Biking - Rafting - Hiking ~ North Georgia Waterfalls ~
Duke Creek Falls
Anna Ruby Falls
Amicalola Falls
