Blazed with a white diamond and weaving through the forest and mountains of three states, the Benton MacKaye Trail covers nearly 350 miles of Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountain terrain. Beginning alongside the Appalachian Trail (AT) on Springer Mountain, the Benton MacKaye follows the western crest of the Appalachians. Its famous sister trail, the AT, takes the eastern crest and continues on to a terminus in Maine, some 2160 miles.
   Named for the founder of the Wilderness Society, the Benton MacKaye Trail was created by an all volunteer work force. Taking more than 25 years to establish, the trail sometimes bears the term treacherous, but provides mountaintop panoramic views that are just absolutely breathtaking.
   Just south of Skeenah Gap, the Benton MacKaye Trail crosses the swift flowing Toccoa River. Aiding hikers for over three decades, the 265 foot Aska Road swinging bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River. Built in 1977 by the USDA Forest Service, once again volunteers of the Appalachian Trail Club provided assistance. A primitive campground is nestled among the pines alongside the river’s edge, providing a soft landing for weary hikers. A small tributary cascades down to the Toccoa River beside the campground, offering as soothing gurgle for those too tired to sleep.

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