Length: 2.5 miles
Rating: Easy
Use: Light
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 - 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.
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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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