Flat Top Mountain Backpacking

This section of the BMT trail is the longest and one of the most remote in Georgia, although we will only cover about a third of the complete section. This section follows the Tennessee Valley Divide and contains the second highest point on the BMT in Georgia - Flat Top Mountain (3,732 ft). Flat Top is an immense upland with approximately one square mile all above 3,500 ft. The upper reaches of the Jack's River headwaters begin on Flat Top. In the winter, from the old fire tower site at the summit, there are good views of Cohutta Mountain and Big Bald to the west, the Jacks River Valley to the northwest, Hemp Top and Big Frog Mountain to the north, and the Copper Basin to the northeast.

We will begin our backpack from Dyer Gap hiking south on the BMT for approximately 3.5 miles until reaching our campsite. We will ascend 1,000 ft in the first 1.75 miles of the hike and after that the hills are short and mild. It's a beginner level backpack, so we'll take it easy on the initial climb up to Flat Top. We scouted the area in early Dec and located two areas we can camp; both are next to water sources and have ample dead-fall for firewood. After setting up camp, we'll will probably do some hiking to explore the area. Folks are free to hike and explore with us, or just hang out at the campsite... whatever suits your fancy. At some point, we'll make a visit to a waterfall on the upper reaches of Jack's River.

Sunday morning will be leisurely and we'll take time for breakfast and packing. We'll plan to get back to the cars around 12 - 1 PM, and then head back. We plan to stop for BBQ in Cherry Log on the way back. If you don't wish to eat on the way back, then you should make that known at the carpool, and either ride with someone with similar plans or drive your own vehicle.

Click map/location icon on the posting.