BMT - Three Forks to Toccoa River Swinging Bridge

This hike is an AOC staple following the Benton MacKaye Trail from Three Forks to the Toccoa Swinging Bridge.  It's usually done in the other direction but we're changing it up.

The BMT is a long distance trail through the southern appalachians sharing its southern terminus with the AT on Springer Mtn and ending in the Smokies for a total of almost 300 miles.

On this hike we'll start at the Three Forks trailhead and follow the AT/BMT for the first mile before turning north on the BMT just past Long Creek Falls. The trail follows a mountain stream for another mile before going uphill.  After that it mostly follows the ridgeline skirting both Big & Little John  Dick Mtns before it's downhill to the Toccoa River. We'll cross the swinging bridge over the river for lunch on the other side and then return back along the same route.

Highlights include Long Creek Falls, the Toccoa Swinging Bridge, and beautiful mountain vistas through leafless winter trees.  Fun fact, the Toccoa Swinging Bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi at 270 ft long.

This is a low end D6 hike of about 17 miles and right at 4000 ft elevation gain. You'll need prior D6 or high end D5 experience or the equivalent. You should be comfortable hiking at an average pace of 2.7 mph for up to 7 hours with minimum breaks.  If there are no previous D6 hikes in your profile or I have not hiked with you then please expect an email to assess your compatibility for the hike.

Parking at the trailhead may be limited. The last few miles are on a bumpy forrest service road with the usual rocks, potholes, and washboarding. Look for a spot along the forrest service road near where the AT crosses or the bridge over Long Creek. 

Trailhead location