Benton MacKaye Trail: Skeenah Gap to Wilscot Gap, Section 4

Following a well-maintained path through a dense hardwood forest, this 5.1-mile section of the Benton MacKaye Trail offers little in the way of views, but more than enough isolation to compensate. From Skeenah Gap, the BMT makes an undulating 1.8-mile ascent before descending to Payne Gap, the section’s best campsite and only reliable water source. At Payne Gap, you’ll also find one of two unobstructed view points along the trail (look north for distant views out to North Carolina and Tennessee). The smooth, easy-on-the-knees trail traces the ridgeline, topping out near Deadennen Mountain before skirting the eastern slopes of Wilscot Mountain (another viewpoint) on the descent to Wilscot Gap.
View more section hikes along the Benton MacKaye Trail at backpacker.com/destinations/category/2731.
Info: Benton MacKaye Trail Association
-Mapped by Scott Sanders, GroundedGraphics.com

Trail Facts

• Distance: 8.2

Waypoints

BMT039

Location: 34.8062717, -84.1408324

From Skeenah Gap, the trail immediately starts to climb north.

BMT040

Location: 34.8218994, -84.1521606

At Payne Gap, continue straight across an old logging road; a campsite is located here.

BMT041

Location: 34.8212395, -84.1565552

The trail continues straight, passing a clearing on the right.

BMT042

Location: 34.8199081, -84.1649017

Go straight across a gravel road and up the bank on the other side. Ahead, the trail ascends the spine of Deadennen Mountain before topping out for the day and descending steeper slopes to Lula Head Gap and then down past Wilscot Mountain to Wilscot Gap.

BMT043

Location: 34.8081207, -84.1877441

Section 4 ends at Wilscot Gap.

Above the Trees

Location: 34.8206737, -84.1576767

A rare unobstructed view along this section of the Benton MacKaye Trail.

The BMT at Lula Head Gap

Location: 34.8126054, -84.1763449

White Diamond Blazes

Location: 34.8079895, -84.1863227