Benton MacKaye Trail Hike - Sandy Gap to Unicoi Gap

There were two of us on this nice hike through lush forest. We did not get many views as the forest was thick for most of the hike. We did get a glimpse of the clouds rising from the trees, hence the Smokies Mountains were showing off.

This hike had an abundance of blooming rhododendrons, where the previous hikes had none to few.

We had numerous up and downs on our walk, but none too severe. An enjoyable day.

This 8.3 mile north to south hike will begin at Sandy Gap in NC and end just over the Tennessee border at Unicoi Gap. This hike will have many ups and downs with a high elevation of 3597 feet and a low elevation of 2027 feet.

Two miles into the hike there is a side trail (0.9 mile roundtrip) to Waucheesi Bald, which has incredible views. Half way through the hike we will come to an old home that was built in the 40's, now abandoned. A good place to stop for lunch.

Plan to spend 5 to 6 hours on this hike. This is a one-way hike that requires an auto shuttle.