A detailed, illustrated guidebook for novice and experienced hikers to hiking the scenic, primitive trail that runs along the western ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Veteran hiker and nature writer Tim Homan guides fellow hikers and backpackers along the scenic, primitive Benton MacKaye Trail, currently a ninety-mile trail that extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia into southern Tennessee. The guidebook is divided into twelve trail sections, each including a map, an elevation profile, and easy-to-use information on length, difficulty, access, and scenic features. Homan describes the surrounding habitat, providing comments on the area's flora and fauna. Also included is an essay on the origins and history of the trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, as well as a timetable for the development of the remainder of the proposed trail, information about the geology of the area, and a brief biography of founder Benton MacKaye. Named in honor of Benton MacKaye, who inspired the creation of the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail is a trail in progress that will eventually cover more than 270 miles and extend through Tennessee into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to rejoin the Appalachian Trail.

Hiking Guide to the Benton MacKaye Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Guide and Maps of the Benton MacKaye Trail Section in Georgia

Since 2010, The A.T. Guide, a.k.a. "The Awol Guide," has been the guidebook of choice for hikes of any length on the Appalachian Trail. The book contains thousands of landmarks such as campsites, water sources, summits and gaps. The trail's elevation profile is included and every landmark is aligned to the profile. Hikers using this guide know where they are on the trail, what views, streams and campsites are ahead, and whether they'll be hiking uphill or downhill to get there. The A.T. Guide answers all of your questions about how to get rides, where to stay, and where to get supplies. There are 94 maps of towns on or near the trail showing where to find these services and detailed listings for businesses.The A.T. Guide is the most innovative trail guidebook ever developed.