This is the second part of the Benton MacKaye Trail which encompasses the stretch from Three Forks to Highway 60. This is probably the most remote trail in Georgia except for one rarely explored trail at the Cohutta Wilderness. Sharing the footpath with the Appalachian Trail, this second section starts at Three Forks into Long Creek Falls as it turns north separating from the Appalachian Trail at the Duncan Ridge Trail. Moving forward the next 10 miles, you will pass FS 333 and FS 816 which are two dirt roads prior to approaching Toccoa River’s swinging bridge.

Emerging from Three Forks the Benton MacKaye Trail starts to ascend at about half a mile alongside Long Creek. At the second half-mile, the footpath veers off Long Creek and continues to an ascent to Long Creek Falls. Swerve left to marked intersection and proceed a few distance further to a trail mark where you separate from the Appalachian Trail.

At this point further, BMT rejoins Long Creek as the trail gradually climbs up and leaves the stream a few hundred feet to the top of Bald Mountain. However, it is important to take note that this ascent becomes more difficult and steeper as you move forward. It briefly follows the mountain ridge and then descends over the next 2 miles. The trail rises back to another climb to Wildcat ridge where the footpath leads to an easy trek to John Dick Mountain. From here you’ll take the scenic route as it goes down to Bryson Gap and then switches back to an ascent at Little John Dick Mountain. Proceed to F.S. 333 as the footpath leads to several switchbacks.

Starting another descent and entering the valley created by the Toccoa River, the BMT trail starts an easy and less strenuous trek towards the river. Camping sites can be seen at the left, prior to crossing the swinging bridge, and then there are additional sites on the other side of the bridge. The Toccoa River offers an excellent view of the place as the river swerves around Tooni Mountain. During weekends, the river is also filled with canoers, kayakers, and rafters coming from Deep Hole.

As you continue the trail from Tooni Mountain, you will approach the ridge at the mountain summit. At this point you will expect another series of switchbacks. At 10.7 miles, the trail makes a left turn and descends to the Highway 60 and FS 816’s intersection.