Exploring Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT)
April 13, 2022Things to do and see in BMT
Finished my first thru hike of 4 weeks in spring 2022 on the Benton McKaye (mc-eye) Trail ! Wow, being off the grid in this crazy world replenished and renewed my soul. And we discovered why all the bears are on the AT: because that’s where all the hikers are! We only met 9 other thru hikers on the BMT in four weeks. Along with our two sightings of hog families, with their daily buffet lines and rock beds. Thanks to my partner Ken, I was able to be organized and geared up properly.
- Sight Seeing 90%
- Food 70%
- Transportation 50%
- Activities 80%
Best Food & Drink
1. Firewater restaurant
With limitless views of the lake the outdoor space has a sprawling 1700 sq. ft. deck featuring a 32 ft. linear, gas fire pit. It’s all built around the original inspiration… a delicious & diverse menu, craft beers & fresh-made craft cocktails
2. Fontana Lodge breakfast buffet
(Best biscuits & gravy ever!) Offers a warm and charming ambience, wonderful food, and friendly service. Whether you dine on the lively patio or settle into a cozy table inside, the Wildwood Grill delivers an unequaled mountain view with music, food, and great friends!
3. Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles
True American comfort food smack dab in the middle of Cherokee’s Cherokee. Fill up on breakfast and other comfort food in between your hiking.
Day 1 The journey begins!
We had a wonderful dinner of patty melts made with rye bread from the restaurant at lunch. Beautiful weather, super windy, and cold at camp.
Day 2 Moss Wars
“There were oh my gosh that whole section was taken over here by Moss, and then there were three different or four or five different other mosses and they were battling for survival yeah on the rock who is the rock yeah I am they were like vying for space on that rock that was beautiful.”
-Lisa
Day 3
Piranha Waterfall
“We shared a journey down the river as tiny humans on a leaf, it was magical. There were piranhas flying over the waterfall and attacking our feet in the water. We had to dive to save our feet from being gnawed off.”
-Lisa