Gay Outdoors - Gay Hiking and Adventure Travel Community

HIKES & EVENTS

Benton MacKaye Trail Hike - Unicoi Gap to Coker Creek

Hiking/Walk

DATE: Jun 16, 2019

END DATE: Jun 16, 2019

Hike/Event Location: Reliance TN

Trip Leader(s)

dnaturist
Jacksonville, FL United States

Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Max # People: 8

Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Hike Difficulty Level:

Easy to Moderate

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Disclaimer: The club and its members take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during club events. Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By joining the club or participating in any events posted on our website you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Anyone with an internet connection can post a trip on our web site. It is your responsibility to determine if this person has the experience and competence to lead the trip. We do not certify or confirm the qualifications of any of our members to lead or participate in trips.

Summary

This 8.7 mile hike will be a mostly downhill hike from Unicoi Gap to Coker Creek on the Benton MacKaye Trail and will have about a 1060 foot drop in elevation. The trail will follow the ridge line on Unicoi Mountain all the way to TN Highway 68. From there we will have a slight ascent and then begin the descent (steep in places) to Coker Creek.

The hike will run below Buck Bald. A short hike to the bald (round trip 0.8 mile) will give us 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. As we descend to Coker Creek we will have views of the surrounding mountains and the Hiwassee River.

Unicoi Gap is near the Tennessee/North Carolina border and is a site on the historic Unicoi Turnpike National Historic Trail.This trail, which spanned the Cherokee Nation, reached from near Savannah to the Little Tennessee River. It is said to have been in use for over 1,000 years.

Plan to spend 5 to 6 hours on the trail for this hike. This will be a one-way hike and will require an auto shuttle.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We will be meeting at the Webb Brothers Float Service (also a Texaco station) in Reliance, Tennessee. The Address is 3708 TN Highway 30, Reliance, Tenn. 37369. The phone number there is (423) 388-2373.

We will be leaving the the meeting place at 10:00 AM sharp for the trailheads. So, please arrive earlier for directions and food.