This year the day hikes will be held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. 

All Are Welcome!

The BMTA welcomes all who would like to participate in any scheduled activity. Members and non-members alike are encouraged to join us on the hikes.  Please review the BMTA Hiker Guidelines prior to the hike.

Notes

• Be sure to confirm event details, meeting spot and time, with the activity leader in advance.
• If you would be interested in leading a hike, please Contact Us.
• Registration with the hike leader is required prior to the hike, as the number of participants on some hikes might be limited due to Wilderness Area regulations.
• If you are unsure of your hiking ability, please discuss the hike details (length, elevation gain, treadway condition) with the hike leader.
• Most hikes will be followed by an optional "meal out" with the hike group for those interested.
• Please plan on arriving at the meeting place 15 minutes prior to the listed departure time.

BMTA 2010 Hike Schedule

January 16th:  BMT Section 12e:  Big Lost Creek Trail, from FR 103 to FR 173 and return. About six miles in and out. Easy/mostly level. One of the most beautiful hikes, follows Big Lost Creek. Beautiful gorge, high rock walls on each side. Cascading rapids, falls, and beautiful rock formations on one side, and sparkling icicles on the other in the winter.
Hike Leader:  Liz Carter (828) 644-0645 - email (efcarter at hotmail dot com).
Meeting: 10am Piggly Wiggly Parking lot in Ducktown, TN
After Hike Meal:  Mexican in Copperhill, TN

Look at the slide show of the January hike on theBMT Section 12e: Big Lost Creek Trail on YouTube.  Click onto link or copy and paste:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee_jws_ME5s andturn up the sound (slow intro)

January 23rd (Sat):  BMT: Dally Gap to Double Spring Gap Dayhike
Rating: Easy to moderate
Hike Leader: Bob Ruby
Co-leader: Jason Bone
This 10.8-mile hike covers the last section of the BMT in Georgia, ending at the TN state line.  It follows the Hemp Top Trail along a ridge in the Cohutta Wilderness, and without leaves we should have great views.  With luck, we’ll be hiking though a winter wonderland.  Afterwards we’ll stop at Mercier Orchards for their great fried pies.  This is a joint BMTA/GATC hike.  Maximum participants: 12.  To register, contact Bob at bob.ruby.2[AT]gmail[DOT]com or 404-252-8888.

February 20th:  Cancelled due to heavy snow and ice conditions.  BMT:  Winter on the Tapoco Section (19c)  4.43 miles.  Moderate difficulty. Great views.
Hike Leader:  Dick Evans (828) 479-2503 - email (richardevans at wildblue dot net).
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!
After Hike Meal:  Supper at Dick's house

March 20th:  BMT: Cross Trails to Long Creek Falls (Sections 1b, 1c, 2).  8 miles, easy to moderate, casual pace.
Hike Leader:  Mona Street - email (Monastreet007 at hotmail dot com) or 404 304 3519 (day of hike only)
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!
After Hike Meal:  Pink Pig BBQ, Cherry Log


Check out the YouTube video of this hike BMTA Cross Trails.wmv

April 17th:  Watson Gap to Dyer Gap, Section 9, and back  - 9 miles (no shuttle).   Easy to moderate hike, with wildflowers, a waterfall and beaver dam and views. 
Hike Leader:  Darcy Douglas (404) 497-0818 - email (bmtadarcy at yahoo dot com).
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!

Check out the YouTube video of this hike BMT Watson Gap to Stanley Gap.wmv

April 24th:  BMT (GA) Spring Flowers Day-hike:  Falls Branch and Rich Mountain Cove, Rating:  Moderate
Distance:  5-6 miles
Leaders:  Tom and Jane Keene
Max # hikers: 10
We will meet at 11:00am near Blue Ridge, then carpool to the trailhead, arriving about 11:30am.  Then we hike into the Rich Mountain Wilderness and down a beautiful cove, winding up at the Falls Branch Falls on BMT Section Six for lunch.  After a leisurely lunch by the falls we continue on BMT Section Six to the junction with the Stanley Gap trail and then down to the trailhead parking. Nota bene: Part of the fun of this hike is the two crossings of Stanley Creek, which will be at least knee high.  Most hikers bring Tevas, Crocs, etc. to change into for the crossings.  A walking stick is also recommended – the stream-bottom rocks can be very slippery.

To reserve a spot in this award-winning hike, call 770-422-4838, or (after 3pm Friday the day before) 770-722-6016.
Sign up NOW!

May 15th Wildflower Hike:  Woody Gap over Big Cedar Mt. to Miller Gap on the AT, then down Dockery Lake Trail through wilderness for 6.4 miles. Short shuttle. Optional 3/4 mile wildflower hike at Sosebee's Cove, a botanist's paradise.
This is peak wildflower season for this area. Expect to see wild azaleas, mountain laurel, maybe purple Catawba  rhododendron and assorted others. Some shallow stream crossings. Early into the hike, we will see gorgeous views from Preacher's Rock, an exposed granite outcropping. This is a moderate hike with some elevation gain at the beginning.
Hike Leader:  Richard Sullivan (706) 374-5281 - email (rjsullivanat pol dot net). Co-leader Pam Sullivan
Meeting:  9am at Woody Gap on Hwy 60p
After Hike Meal: hikers choice of location

Check out the YouTube video of this hike BMTA Woody Gap to Dockery Lake.wmv

June 5th:  BMT: National Trails Day at the Ocoee Whitewater Center
The BMTA has reserved the conference center at the Ocoee Whitewater Center for National Trails Day on Saturday June 5th.  This will be a combined event with Mountain High Hikers, the Cherokee Hiking Club and Tennessee Forest Service with the BMTA as hosts.  BMTA members are welcome to bring guests. 

We will meet at the center at 9 am for hiking, potluck lunch to follow in the conference center.
Rafting is available from the various rafting companies, watch the river action or cool off in pools of water along the side of the river.

Please bring a covered dish to share.

Two hikes will be offered, starting at 9 am:
Rock Creek Trail in the nearby Little Frog Wilderness, coming back out to Ocoee Powerhouse #3, with only a few minutes shuttle.  Moderate difficulty, 5.5 miles in length.  Hike Leader: George Owen
Copper Mine Trail, an easy 4.6 mile trail running along the Ocoee River.  Hike leader: Pam Sullivan
Optional Rhododendron Trail hike after lunch - an easy 2.5 mile hike along the Ocoee River

RSVP to Darcy Douglas (404) 497-0818 - email (bmtadarcy at yahoo dot com) as there is a group limit.  Note: There is a $3 parking fee per car - we are to park in the lower lot.

June 19th:  BMT: Mud Gap to Whigg Meadow and back (Section 17c).  This easy 3.4 family hike will walk up a gentle grade from the Mud Gap trailhead off of Cherohala Skyway.  Once at Whigg Meadow, we will enjoy our lunch on top of the bald.  After lunch and some stories, we will walk back to the car.  This hike is specifically designed for families with young children.
Hike Leader:  Jeff Hunter (423) 322-7866 - email (jeffhunter.01 at gmail dot com).
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!
After Hike Meal:  Bag lunch atop Whigg Meadow

June 19th:  BMT: Wilscot Gap to Shallowford Bridge (Section 5 - Ga).  The first 1.3 miles has a moderate 700 foot climb, but then its a long undulating gradual descent, with a few small climbs to the Toccoa River.  This is an easy to moderate 7.5 mile section.  Hiking pace will be casual at 2.0 to 3.0 mph. There will be time for stops and photos.  We'll need to arrange a car shuttle and or carpools for this hike.  Contact me if you're interested in helping lead this hike.
Hike Leader:  Scott Sanders (404) 421-0737 - email(scott at thebrittinggroup dot com).
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!  We'll depart Chastain Park and Ride at 8:00 am and shuttle to Shallowford Road Bridge across from Moonshine Hollow (GPS to 8436 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, GA)  Then shuttle to Wilscot Gap/Ga 60 and start the hike around 10:00-10:30 am.
After Hike Meal:  Bag lunch at the Toccoa River.

Because it's a shuttle, I'd need at least one person with another car to make the event work.

July 17th:  BMTA: Falls Branch off Stanley Creek Road and hike to Weaver Creek Road (Section 6).  6.1 miles, moderate hike. Waterfall
Hike Leader:  Ralph Heller (706) 636-3499 - email (rshatl at etcmail dot com).
Meeting:  8AM, in Ingles parking lot, Blue Ridge, near Roses store
After Hike Meal:  Bag lunch on trail with snacks at the Heller's after

August 21st:  BMT: Waucheesi Bald to Sandy Gap and down the Kirkland Creek Trail (Section 15c).  This is 8 miles, mostly downhill, and requires 11 "wet" fords of Kirkland Creek.
Hike Leader:  Bill Hodge (423) 261-2815 - email (billhodge10 at gmail dot com).
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!

September 4-6 (Saturday - Monday)
Bald River, Kirkland Creek and Warriors Passage Trails Backpack

Rating:  Strenuous
Leader:  Bob Ruby
Co-leaders:  Rick Harris & Sandi Still

Join us for the Labor Day weekend in the backcountry of the Tellico Plains area of TN.  We will hike three excellent, but little known, trails in and near the Bald River Gorge Wilderness.  On day one we will climb along the Bald River with its spectacular falls and jog over to pick up Kirkland Creek for our first campsite.  On day two we'll continue up the Kirkland Creek Trail to meet the BMT for a couple of miles and climb over Waucheesi Mountain where we will camp on the second night enjoying its majestic views.  On day three we will descend on the Warriors Passage National Recreational Trail, which was recently reopened after arson fires in the late 90's.

Each day's hike will be about 6 miles.  Our hikes should be cooled by occasional water crossings and 2000'-4000' altitudes.  Wilderness limit: 12.
To register, contact Bob Ruby at email (bob.ruby.2 at gmail dot com) or 404-252-8888, or Sandi Still at email (sandi2850 at yahoo dot com) or (404) 248-9585.

September 18th:

Broad River Trail at the Lake Russell WMA near Clarkesville. Easier beautiful hike with a few short moderate climbs, 4.1 miles. The trailheads (both ends) are on a gravel Forest Service road. The trail features the Broad River, rhododendron tunnels, Dicks Creek, trailside springs, open river bottoms, and pine/ mixed hardwood forest. Meet at 10am. Trip is limited to 16 hikers; no dogs. Suitable for children 10 & up. Non-hikers in the family? Camp at Lake Russell WMA and have them join us there for a cookout after the hike. Email (shirleymaybanks at gmail dot com) for meeting location & directions.

Panther Creek Trail south of Tallulah Falls. More challenging in and out hike along Panther Creek. This popular blue-blazed trail is an in and out hike to Panther Creek Falls for 3.6 miles, return to the Panther Creek day-use area for a moderate 7.2-mile day hike. Follow a beautiful cascading creek through a steep-sided valley with granite cliffs to the breath-taking falls. Some areas have very difficult footing along steep banks, wear sturdy hiking boots. Meet at 10 am at the Panther Creek day-use area . Take US 23/441 south from Tallulah Falls. In 3 miles, turn right on Historic 441 to the Panther Creek Recreation Area. Fee and non-fee areas. Eat at the Copper Pot in Clarkesville after hike.
Hike leader:  Pam Sullivan at 706-374-5281, email (hikingchair at bmta dot org).

October 2-3 (Sat-Sun)  BMT Backpack: Beech Gap to Slickrock Trailhead
Rating:  Moderate

Leader:  Bob Ruby
Co-leader:  Linda Meyer
This 20-mile backpack covers the BMT from Beech Gap on the Cherohala Skyway to the Slickrock Trailhead on US 129.  It includes the Citico Creek and Slickrock/Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Areas.  The first day we’ll hike the ridge over Big and Little Fodderstack to camp near Farr Gap.  On the second day, we’ll descend the aptly-named Stiffknee Trail and along Slickrock Creek to the Little Tennessee River.  This is a joint BMTA/GATC hike.
Maximum participants: 12
To register, contact Bob at bob.ruby.2[AT]gmail[DOT]com or 404-252-8888.

Saturday October 16th 2010: BMT (GA) Fall Color Dayhike: Dally Gap to the Jacks River (Section 10)
Co-Leaders:  Jane and Tom Keene  (770) 422-4838
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!
Rating:  Easy to Moderate (your choice)
Distance:  5-6 miles

We will meet at 10 am near Blue Ridge, then carpool to Dally Gap, arriving about 11am.  Then we hike a mile up Hemp Top Trail to intersection with the BMT at Spanish Oak Gap.  We go south on the BMT 1.4 miles to the junction with the Jacks River Trail (JRT).  Then we turn right on the JRT and follow it about a mile and a half to the river.

We will walk along the river until we agree on a lunch spot.  The peak fall color in north Georgia can occur between the second and fourth week in October.  Here’s hoping….

We will do a leisurely lunch.  Hang out; explore a little.  Bring the Tevas/Crocs and a walking stick if you want to ford the Jacks River.  The fording party will go down river perhaps a half mile along the JRT before doing an about face. Once back to the crossing spot the River Forders will awaken the Dry Feet from their post-lunch naps and follow the JRT back up to Dally Gap.

To reserve a spot in this award winning hike, call 770-422-4838, or (after 3pm Friday the day before) 770-722-6016.

Max # hikers: 10  Sign up NOW!

October 16th  Flat Loop Trail
Hike Leader:  Nancy Shofner
This is a moderate, 5.8-mile hike which follows along and aboveFlat Creek, in a beautiful area near Rich Mountain, on Aska Rd.   south of Blue Ridge.  Possible wet feet from stream crossing.  We will plan to have a meal out afterwards at the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant on Aska Rd. Contact Nancy Shofner, 404-881-6346 (nshof at mindspring dot com)

October 24th:  TN/NC Backpack of the BMT:  Details to be announced.
Hike Leaders:  Rick Harris and Regina Reiter - email (harrisri at aol dot com.)
Please contact Rick Harris meeting time and place!!

November 20th:  BMT: Springer Mtn. to Three Forks (Section 1).6.2 mile moderate hike
Hike Leader:  George Owen (706) 374-4716 - email (gowen2 at tds dot net).
Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place!!

December 18th: December Holiday Hike: Helen to Unicoi State Park Lodge and return.  An easy-moderate and scenic 5.8 mile round trip hike originating and ending in Unicoi City Hill Park in Helen.  We will eat a buffet lunch at the Lodge (or bring your own) and admire the holiday decorations.  Contact Pam Sullivan at (706)374-5281 - email hikingchair at bmta (dot) org.

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