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The Benton MacKaye Trail section from Kimsey Mountain Hwy to Lost Creek Campground,


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Map Key

6.0

Miles

9.6

KM

Point to Point

2,071' 631 m

High

1,011' 308 m

Low

553' 169 m

Up

1,612' 491 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked

Section Of

Need to Know

For more information, visit the Benton MacKaye Trail Association's website.

The Webb Bros Store can accept packages from thru-hikers for later pickup. Their address is PO Box 61, Reliance TN 37369.Please put expected pick up date on package.

Description

Points of Interest along this section: The trail descends steeply from Kimsey Mountain Highway, about 600 feet in the first mile, then levels out with some ups and downs over the next 4 miles. It again steeply descends about 500 feet to Lost Creek through a series of switchbacks. Most of the trail is in deep woods with occasional open views of the surrounding mountains.

Trail Description: There are no intersections with other trails along this section of the BMT. This section starts at mile 99.0 (WP 3) at Kimsey Mountain Highway, crosses Piney Branch at mile 100.1, then intersects with FR 23 (McFarland Road) at mile 101.4 (WP 11). After crossing the road, the trail ascends the right side of a ridge and intersects with gated FR 1173-1 at mile 101.9. Turn right and follow this old roadbed for 1.3 miles. About half way along this road section, there is a sharp right turn upon entering a wildlife clearing. Stay on the roadbed which makes a sharp right at the clearing; do not go through the wildlife clearing. There is currently a wooden sign installed at this site to mark the way. The trail leaves the old road at mile 103.2. The trail winds along to finally climb onto another wildlife clearing at mile 104.7, follows an old road bed north a few hundred feet, then exits again to the right on a trail down the hill. From here the trail steeply descends through a series of switchbacks to FR 103 (White Oak Flats Road) just west of the bridge over Lost Creek at mile 105.3 (WP 12).

Campsites: LNT camping is possible along many sections of the trail, especially in the wildlife clearings and several campsites are available in the Lost Creek Campground (WP 10)just on the east end of the bridge over Lost Creek on White Oak Flats Road. Primitive drive-in campsites, pit toilets, and water are available in the campground.

Water Sources: Water needing treatment is available from the Lost Creek Campground, Piney Flats Branch at mile 100.1 (WP 13, B), 0.2 miles west of the wildlife clearing on the FS road at mile 104.7 (WP 14, B), and from Lost Creek itself (WP 12, C).

Contacts

Shared By:

Richard Harris

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#4

in Eastern TN

#12960

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#4

in Eastern TN

#238

in Tennessee

#12,960

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1,027 Since Feb 15, 2019
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All Clear 21 days ago
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