This is the first section of the Benton MacKaye Trail which starts from Springer Mountain to the Three Forks. This trail will take a relatively downhill 5.38 mile hike and just expect a few moderate ascents and switchbacks along some sections of the trail. As you trek along the path, the surrounding habitat on this trail offers a truly astounding view wherein white oaks and rhododendron freely thrive. The eco-system here is brilliantly managed as more species of flora thrive along with its natural wildlife.

Starting from the parking lot at Forest Service Road 42, move further to Springer Mountain and continue towards the start of Benton MacKay Trail’s blaze. Stop by at the southwest portion from the top of Springer Mountain, where it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the trail. A short distance from the Appalachian Trail, take a right turn past the path leading to Springer Mountain Shelter. Ascend to the great view at Ball Mountain where the trail continues to follow the Tennessee Water Divide and then to Big Stamp Gap. Forward to a few more distance until the path crosses Forest Service Road 42.

From here on, expect several switchbacks around a mile and a half which will then lead you to an ascent to Rich Mountain. You will see clusters of rhododendron surrounding this section. Also within this area, there are several wet-foot crossings as it passes through creeks where then at 3.20 miles the path returns to the Appalachian Trail. For the next .6 miles at this point, the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail share the same footpath.

Go further past this and then ascend to the top of Rich Mountain where high ridges runs the whole distance from the parking lot of F.S. 42 to the Three Forks. Continue to descend where the Appalachian Trail veers off down to the side of Rich Mountain. The path forward leads you now to Stovall Creek before meeting Three Forks.

Further gently down from the slope of Rich Mountain you will pass by an old logging road. Evidently, the road system here is extensively developed which indicates vast logging which exhausted the lumber in the vicinity in the late 19th and early 20th century. At 5.28 miles the Benton MacKaye Trail rejoins Appalachian Trail as you cross the Three Forks’ bridge. From this point the trail still shares the same path with the AT and ends as you reach Long Creek Falls.