BMT Thru-Hike Permit: Route
BMT Thru-Hike is in Benton MacKaye Trail, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 287.6 miles.
This guide covers the Benton MacKaye Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park (self-registration/no permit on national forest land); inside the park, the standard NPS backcountry permit applies: $6 non-refundable reservation fee plus $8 per person per night
Permit Cost
3-5 weeks for a full thru-hike (BMTA Thru-Hikers' Guide; no single official figure published)
Duration
287.6 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About BMT Thru-Hike
Walk 287.6 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Big Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, crossing three states, six wilderness areas, and the longest single trail inside the Smokies.
The BMT Thru-Hike route
- Distance
- 287.6 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- High point
- 5,842 ft
- Trip length
- 3-5 weeks for a full thru-hike (BMTA Thru-Hikers' Guide; no single official figure published)
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Springer Mountain (Southern Terminus, shared with the Appalachian Trail), Big Creek (Northern Terminus)
Southern Appalachian Mountains (Blue Ridge). Nearest town: Blue Ridge, GA (southern access) / Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, TN (northern access)
Points along the route
- Springer Mountain (Southern Terminus, shared with the Appalachian Trail)Mile 0, 3,782 ft
- Owen VistaMile 1.4
- Long Creek FallsMile 7
- The BaldMile 8.2
- Toccoa River Bridge (Swinging Bridge)Mile 14.8, 1,913 ft
- Wallalah OverlookMile 20.1, 3,094 ft
- Rhodes OverlookMile 23.3
- Shallowford BridgeMile 37.5, 1,775 ft
- Fall Branch FallsMile 41.3
- Indian Rock ShelterMile 51.3
- Pinhoti Trail Northern Terminus (junction)Mile 70.7
- Double Spring Gap (Georgia/Tennessee state line)Mile 81.5, 3,185 ft
- Big Frog MountainMile 82.8, 4,224 ft
- Ocoee RiverMile 92, 695 ft
- Lost CreekMile 105.8
- Hiwassee River / Reliance, TNMile 109.9, 769 ft
And 17 more named points along the route.
BMT Thru-Hike permit detailsandAll Benton MacKaye Trail permits
Get BMT Thru-Hike Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for BMT Thru-Hike?
+
Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the BMT Thru-Hike route?
+
The route is 287.6 miles, as a point-to-point.
How difficult is the BMT Thru-Hike route?
+
This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Where does the BMT Thru-Hike route start?
+
The permit covers 2 entry points: Springer Mountain (Southern Terminus, shared with the Appalachian Trail), Big Creek (Northern Terminus).
Don't Miss Your BMT Thru-Hike Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors BMT Thru-Hike availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
