BMT: Segment 4a-4b (Skeenah Gap to Wilscot Gap/GA Hwy 60)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Views

• Benton MacKaye Trail

For more information, visit the Benton MacKaye Trail Association's website.

Points of Interest along this Section: This section is much easier than section 3, but still has an elevation gain of over 1500 feet when hiked in either direction. The views are good in winter when the leaves are off the trees.

Trail Description: From Skeenah Gap Road at mile 24.5 (WP 40, 2380’) hike up a few steep steps, then over a small ridge, through a low point, finally climbing to the ridge top at mile 25.9. For the next half mile the trail follows close to the ridge top on a fairly level track, then descends to Payne Gap at mile 26.6 (WP 48, 2650’) crossing over an abandoned FS road. There is a campsite and a spring about 0.15 miles down the road to the right (north). After leaving Payne Gap, go up over a low ridge then down to mile 27.5 where you cross FS 640A/645 (WP 49). From here, climb up to the top of Wilscot Mountain reaching the top at mile 28.1 (WP 50, 3041’). Shortly after leaving the top of Wilscot Mountain (AKA Deadennen Mtn), the trail takes a sharp left and follows an old logging road down the south face of the mountain which after a couple of switchbacks reaches Lula Head Gap at mile 28.8 (WP 51, 2560’). The trail then heads gently back uphill, then down to Wilscot Gap and GA 60 at mile 29.8 (WP 39, 2450’). There is plenty of parking space at the gap and 0.4 miles south on GA 60 is an excellent roadside campsite with water (WP 52).

Campsites: Camping is available close to Payne Gap at mile 26.6 (WP 48). Go right (north) on the old logging road for about 0.15 miles to the campsite with water. Camping with water is also available along GA 60 south of Wilscot Gap 0.4 miles (WP 52).
Water Sources: Water is available at the campsite just to the north of Payne Gap, about 0.15 miles off the trail down an old logging road (WP 48, C). In times of drought, this spring may be dry. Water is also at the campsite 0.4 miles south on GA 60 from Wilscot Gap at a nice roadside campsite (WP 52, D).

Water Sources: Water is available at the campsite just to the north of Payne Gap, about 0.15 miles off the trail down an old logging road (WP 48, C). In times of drought, this spring may be dry. Water is also at the campsite 0.4 miles south on GA 60 from Wilscot Gap at a nice roadside campsite (WP 52, D).