BMT - Little Frog Wilderness

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a nearly 300 mile long trail starting at Springer Mountain, weaving through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina before ending in the GSMNP just past Big Creek. Often considered more difficult than the adjacent sections of the AT, this trail presents plenty of challenge and adventure. Join me as I dayhike the BMT, one section at a time.

We've done Big Frog, let's hop over to Little Frog and enjoy the BMT in Tennessee. We will park at a pull out area across the street from the powerstation on the Occoee River. There is parking for 3-4 cars, if we end up with more, overflow parking is available at the Thunder Rock Campground across the street. We will start our uphill adventure on the Dry Pond Lead Trail. Up and up we go as we pass old growth trees including Oaks, Poplars and Hemlocks... one of my favorite things to see. Along the way we will pass the Dry Pond that gives this trail its' name as we make our way to Kimsey Mountain Highway. It's not much of a highway, but will make a good turn around point for our hike. When we are at the highway we will scope out parking for our next BMT in Tennessee adventure. Somewhere along the way we will find a good spot for lunch before we retrace our steps, downhill, back to our cars.

This is a difficult D5 hike, recent D5 experience is required to join the fun. Under experienced hikers will be moved to the wait list as they await an email from the TL to access their capabilities.

Explore Dry Pond Lead Trail | AllTrails

Side of the road parking for 3-4 cars.

Click here for trailhead location