Benton MacKaye guide series now complete
The Benton MacKaye Trail Association has announced this fall the completion of the new Benton MacKaye Trail Guide — Smokies Section. The guide completes the series of three trail guides, including the Georgia section and Tennessee/North Carolina sections.
The 275-mile trail starts in Spring Mountain, Ga., like the Appalachian Trail. But, it veers more westerly, skirting the Tennessee state line along the edge of Cherokee, Graham and Swain counties, reaching from the southern tip of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all the way to Georgia.
The Benton MacKaye Trail is named for the visionary behind the Appalachian Trail. It follows MacKaye’s original vision for the AT, which consisted of a more westerly route. It has been in the making for 30 years thanks to a loyal trail association that has diligently pursued its construction.
The new guide was authored by Association Board Members Richard Harris, Ernest Engman and Kim Hainge. Each section’s guide can be purchased at the Association’s online store for $10.
