Hello Friends!
I am getting so excited about my next backpacking adventure! I am currently preparing for a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), on the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT). It is my absolute favorite trail in the whole world. Although it holds much blood, sweat, and tears from maintaining six official sections of it many years ago at one time or another, and regularly leading day hikes and backpacking trips on many of the southern sections, there are a few miles I have never hiked!
Several of these miles are new, rerouted trail (thank you, BMTA volunteers!), and several are the long-anticipated final stretch to the northern terminus of the 288-mile path through the wilderness. I’ve had several failed thru-hike attempts due to one reason or another. It doesn’t matter. I have long since released my attachment and obsession with hiking it end to end without interruption. Lol. Nowadays, gratefully, I find joy walking in nature for pure pleasure without much thought of the final destination.
Benton MacKaye was the man responsible for proposing the original idea of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the early 1920s. He, too, was a person that sought peace in the wilderness. He and other conservationists initially formed the Wilderness Society. Now, THIS was a man that knew something. MacKaye was aware that the reason it is so healing to be in the wilderness is, this is where it is easiest for us to be present and BE in the moment. The magic of Mother Nature is the tonic that cures all. Naturally, walking day after day in the woods can wholly restore the spirit and heal the heart.
Although many, many miles shorter than its sister trail, the Appalachian Trail, in a lot of ways, it is more difficult. Hiking communities have sprouted up all along the AT in nearby towns, providing much support to weary walkers headed for Maine (or less commonly, Georgia). There are regular opportunities to get off the trail and easily hitchhike into town to resupply food and provisions. On the BMT, there are very few places to resupply or pick up a package mailed ahead of time to yourself. This means carrying many more days’ worth of food, which can reach excessive amounts after walking for days, weeks, or months. (It is officially called “hiker hunger,” which, at times, can seem downright ridiculous. Lol.)
The BMT only has two “shelters” on the entire trail. Shelters are typically rustic, three-sided wooden lean-to style structures. The AT has shelters every 10 to 20 miles for the length of the trail. In fact, there are several places along the trail where you are required to stay in them. The only time I stayed in a shelter on my AT thru-hike was when it was raining hard, and I didn’t want to get my gear any wetter than it needed to be. If you’re lucky enough to have a shelter all to yourself, your only company will be the resident mice eagerly awaiting the ravenous hiker to drop a few pop-tart crumbs. And then, there are times when many sensory experiences are going on in a busy AT shelter during thru-hiker season; sounds and smells being the most likely to offend.
Because the BMT winds through six different wilderness areas, it is an excellent way to get into genuinely remote areas with little human interaction. This can be a real challenge in emergencies, but a blessing for the solo seeker of solitude. It is difficult to find solitude on the AT some of the time, especially in certain areas and times of the year.
The BMT will always hold a special place in my heart. I have had many fascinating wildlife encounters, found extremely rare wildflowers, and been witness to profound awe and beauty. I have had my skills tested, and my confidence challenged. I am eternally grateful for all the experiences this magical pathway has provided, as well as those to come. Thank you to all the people that lovingly work so hard to keep this trail such a special place for all those who wander through it!
Oddly enough, this blog began as a simple post seeking a ride to the trailhead from Bryson City. Well, in usual verbose form, here I am 700+ words into this thing, and I haven’t mentioned the need for a shuttle, yet. Lol. Do you, or someone you know, live near Bryson City or the surrounding communities?
I am flexible with the date and time, but I am aiming for one of the first few days of October. I am happy to wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer in your vehicle. I can even hang my head out the window. Uh, ok, maybe not the whole way.
The trailhead where I wish to be deposited is in the northern entrance of the Smoky’s, just off I-40. I would like to meet in Bryson city because that is where I need to leave my vehicle. I believe it’s around 70 miles, and I am happy to pay for your time and gas. I have waited to make arrangements, and the shuttle drivers I have contacted are already booked. If you or somebody you know lives nearby and could drive me, I would be most appreciative!
Please send me a private message. Thank you!
