BMT: Segment 21c (Lakeshore Trail Mideast)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake

• Benton MacKaye Trail

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

Boat Access to the Lakeshore Trail is provided by the Fontana Village Resort Marina to several sites along the Lakeshore Trail. Make arrangements by contacting the marina at 828-498-2211 ext. 277. Common dropoff sites are Eagle Creek, Hazel Creek, Pilkey, Chambers, and Forney Creeks.

Points of Interest along this section: This section covers the BMT along the Lakeshore Trail from Campsite #77 (Pilkey Creek) to Campsite #98 (Chambers Creek).

You may notice cedar trees as you hike along the trail. Early settlers would plant cedar trees near the homes for chicken roosts. The belief was held that the cedar would mitigate chicken lice, mites and other parasites on the birds.

Trail Description: About a half mile from Pilkey Creek Campsite #77 at mile 212.6, the trail crosses a steel bridge over Pilkey Creek, then goes up and down several low ridges without any major elevation changes as it winds its way sometimes close to lake and at other times above the lake, finally reaching Kirkland Creek Campsite #76 at mile 217.2. At times the trail is a narrow singletrack, and at times, the trail follows old roadbeds. Along the way you'll see signs of old roads, abandoned cars, rock walls and chimneys. From Kirkland Creek east the trail follows the edge of the lake fairly closely all the way to Chambers Creek Campsite #98 at mile 219.8.

Campsites: Camping is available at backcountry sites #77 (Pilkey Creek), #76 (Kirkland Creek) and #98 (Chambers Creek). At Chambers Creek, be sure to camp in the official campsite away from the lake's edge and not in the illegal campsite down by the edge of the lake.

Water Sources: Water is available from the creeks or lake at the campsites as well as several other smaller creek crossings along the trail. All water should be treated.