BMT: Segment 8a-8d (Bushy Head Gap to Fowler Mountain)

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• Benton MacKaye Trail

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

There is no vehicle access to Fowler Mountain.

Points of Interest along this Section: This section of trail generally follows a ridgeline uphill from Bushy Head Gap all the way to Fowler Mountain with great vistas off the sides, especially during winter when the leaves are off the trees.

Trail Description: From Bushy Head Gap (WP 67, 2090'), the trail leaves the road and enters a hardwood forest (mile 56.1). The trail parallels a gravel road for a short distance on the left side, then soon bears to the north away from the road. It goes around the foot of the ridge and travels generally uphill along the north side of Bear Den Mountain through a rhododendron thicket, a very pretty section of trail. The trail intersects with an old logging road and goes to the right where it soon crosses into a recently burned out section (spring 2010). Sometimes the trail follows or crosses a fire break, at other times it leaves the fire break entirely making it necessary to watch the blazes closely so you don't lose the trail. It leaves the burned out area behind and continues to climb Bear Den Mountain. The trail levels out, then descends to Hudson Gap at mile 58.7 (WP 73, 2630'). It crosses the gravel road and heads uphill again, then goes up the south side of the ridge, and crosses the ridgeline. The trail then follows the north side of the ridge and recrosses the ridgeline where an old logging road comes in from the right. Follow the ridgeline to McKenny Gap at mile 60.2 (WP 68, 2730'). It is possible to camp in this gap but there is no water. The trail then continues along the south side of the ridge with a great viewpoint just before crossing once again over the ridge. The trail then heads down along a small creek on the right then enters Hatley Gap (WP 69, 2630'). Two great campsites are found here with water at a creek crossing about another 0.1 miles down the BMT from the gap. Continue up the ridgeline on the north side then cross over to the south side, finally reaching Fowler Mountain at mile 62.5 (WP 70, 3392'). Here the trail turns sharply due north, leaving its generally southwest track to this point. A small campsite is located just before reaching Fowler Mountain.

Campsites: Camping is available at Bushy Head Gap (WP 67), McKenny Gap (WP 68), Hatley Gap (WP 69), and just before reaching Fowler Mountain (WP 70). There is a sign at Hatley Gap down to this nicNeeds Description

Water Sources: Water is available at Bushy Head Gap 0.2 miles west along the road (WP 71, D), off the north side of the trail at the head of ...