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.
The Benton Mackaye - 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 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.
|