Fannin County Georgia Hiking Trails
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Benton Mackaye Trail - Stanley Gap Loop Trail
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Length: 2.5 miles
Rating: Easy
Use: Light
Hiking Time: About 5 1/2 hours
round trip.
Restrictions: No motorized
vehicles allowed on trail. Mountain bicyclist are permitted. Trail is
designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Views of surrounding mountains and an opportunity to view a double
waterfall add to the hiking experience.
Benton Mackaye Trail-Stanley Gap Loop Trail offers a pleasant hike
through a typical Southern Appalachian hardwood forest. The trail passes
through multiple use national forest and various aspects of timber and
wildlife management may be viewed.
The return road walk bypasses an
old road on which a short walk leads to a fine trout stream, Stanley Creek.
This trail is recommended at any time of year. Autumn leaf color change and
winter vistas are attractive. Waterfall flow is usually greatest in Spring.
Rhododendron and mountain laurel contribute to late spring attractiveness.
The trail, on an old road bed at Stanley Gap, begins as a gradual
climb toward summit of Rocky Mountain. Almost immediately, on the left, is
a regenerating pine stand. After passing timber stand, trail enters woods
and continues through forest until reaching intersection with Benton
MacKaye Trail coming in from east. Turn onto BMT and follow downhill past
regenerating hardwood stand; switchback and descend to waterfalls.
Continue down road bed to parking area and wildlife foodplot opening on
south side of Rock Creek Road. Turn right on road and begin return walk to
vehicle. About three-fourths mile pass road on left leading 200 yards to
Stanley Creek. Continue on road to gap and return to parking area.
Directions from Blue Ridge, Georgia:
Travel east (toward Blairsville, GA) on GA Hwy 515,
approx. 0.8 miles past intersection with GA Hwy 5. Turn Right at Windy
Ridge Rd., go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2
miles to Aska Road. South on Aska Road to intersection with Stanley Creek
road (8.2 miles). Turn west, continue 4.2 miles to parking area at Stanley
Gap. Stanley Creek Road becomes Rock Creek Road after crossing
Fannin/Gilmer County line.
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