BMT: Segment 2c-2d (Bryson Gap to GA Hwy 60)

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Views

• Benton MacKaye Trail

For more information, visit the Benton MacKaye Trail Association's website.

Points of Interest along this Section: The 260 foot suspension footbridge over the Toccoa River is a crown jewel of the BMT. It was built in 1977 through the efforts of the BMTA, the US Forest Service, and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Association. It is an attraction for the entire area and a frequent destination for local residents. Said to be the longest suspension bridge in Georgia, it is quite an engineering feat since the Toccoa River can have high and forceful floods. Look for some great overlooks from Toonowee (or “Tooni”) Mountain as well.

Trail Description: From Bryson Gap at mile 11.9 (WP 25, 2900’), the trail heads a short distance down the NW side of the gap on an old lumber road, then shortly bears away from the road up the right bank. Be careful not to miss this turn or you may hike a long distance in the wrong direction until you discover the folly of your ways. This section of trail follows the west flank of Little John Dick Mountain then reaches a gap on the north flank of the mountain. From here the trail follows the ridgeline on a fairly level grade all the way to the ridge just above the Toccoa River suspension bridge. Just before the bridge at mile 14.5, the trail crosses gated FS 333 (WP 34). The bridge is at mile 14.7 (WP 35, 1920’). At mile 14.9, a short side trail to the west takes you to a parking area at the end of FS 816 providing easy access to the area of the bridge. The trail climbs up over Toonowee Mountain (2720’) and down the other side to GA 60 at mile 18.2 (WP 36, 2028’) and the Little Skeenah Creek crossing

Campsites: Camping is available at Bryson Gap (WP 25, 2900’) and at a couple of small waterless LNT campsites along the ridgeline. The first is at mile 13.1 (WP 37), the second at mile 13.5 (WP 38). Several large campsites are available by the suspension bridge over the Toccoa River, large enough to accommodate a Scout troop. After passing the bridge, there are no campsites over Toonowee Mountain until you reach Little Skeenah Creek crossing at GA 60 at mile 18.2 (WP 36, 2028’).

Water Sources: Ample water is available at Bryson Gap (WP 25, A), the spring below the suspension bridge on the south side (A) and not much anywhere else.

Note: Little Skeenah Creek and the Toccoa River have chicken farms upstream and water from this creek may not be good for drinking even if sterilized. However, there