Benton MacKaye Trail: Lost Creek Campground to the Hiwassee River

Tuesday, May 6 – Benton MacKaye Trail: Lost Creek Campground to the Hiwassee River, 4.1 miles, easy/moderate. Requires shuttle. This is an especially outstanding section of the Benton McKaye Trail, paralleling Big Lost Creek and its cascades and waterfalls through a deep limestone gorge. The trail follows an old railroad grade built for logging in the early 1900s, then later used for a road. Beautiful rock formations are seen on both sides of the trail, with plenty of great stopping places. The only drawback is a 7-mile gravel road to the campground. However, the road is in excellent condition compared to other Forest Service roads in the Cherokee NF.

Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET in parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, right (east) off I-75 exit 11. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn. Register with the hike leader Will Latham, (704) 365-8889. Carpool: $6.00. [FYI, McKaye is pronounced “Mc Ki, with a long “i”. He was Scottish.]