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View Full Version : AT or BMT? Help make up my mind



Slo-go'en
01-31-2011, 15:28
Heading down to Springer this spring. Do I head north on the AT *again* (for like the 4th time) or detour off onto the BMT?

I do like starting out with and meeting the wanabe thru-hikers and resupply is often and easy.

However, I've never done the BMT, plus, I do like to take the trail less traveled once in awhile. But it will be lonely, resupply is a bit farther apart and harder to get to.

I may just have to look over the crowd which shows up at Springer the same time I do, then toss a coin as to which way to go...

Tipi Walter
01-31-2011, 15:59
It sounds as if you're into meeting up with fellow backpackers and you sure won't see many on the BMT and especially the northern part between Cohutta and Hiway 129. On the other hand, what does it matter as long as you're getting your bag nights? All of my trips are generally alone and solo, and I like the solitude Most Of The Time, but lately on these long winter trips I sure would like to see some folks postholing and shivering along with me. How do I get the Backpacking Medal of Honor if I don't have a couple witnesses to testify and share in the Cold Event??

Mags
01-31-2011, 16:55
Do something different..do the BMT!

If you aren't tied to shelters, I think you'll find the BMT a great experience vs. the shelter-rich AT. The BMT is less crowded and requires a little more (not a lot more) hiker know-how than the connect-the-dots experience that the AT can sometimes be.

royalusa
01-31-2011, 18:45
I'd vote for something different too. We did the BMT-AT Loop last summer and it was neat to see the differences between the two trails. See our TJ entry: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=317704 that contrasts the 2 trails, per our experience and perception.

Resupply is not that challenging, especially if you have Sgt Rock's guidebook (http://bmtguide.com/). We did a purchase in Cherry Log at mm 48.5, which was a road walk off the trail of 1.9 miles. See TJ entry for more info: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=317033

Then we did a drop to Reliance TN at mm 109.0, which was right on the trail. See TJ entry for more info: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=317212

Then we had a food stash in the GSMNP where the AT and BMT intersect at mm 197, but since that may not be feasible for you, you could take the AT south at the intersection for 4-5 miles to Fontana Dam. Also at this intersection you can decide whether to continue thru GSMNP via the BMT or the AT. They'll reconnect at Davenport Gap at BMT mm 287.5.

One thing to keep in mind though if you stay on the BMT in the GSMNP, is that you need to watch which campsites require reservations and which ones don't. It might be a bit of a challenge to do it without reservations if my memory is correct. The AT thru the GSMNP does not require reservations for thru-hikers.

Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!

TheChop
02-01-2011, 04:37
I'd do the BMT if you've done the AT four times.

Slo-go'en
02-03-2011, 17:30
Okay, you talked me into going north via the BMT. Yesterday I ordered Sgt Rock's trail guide. Maybe I can talk someone else leaving about April 1st to take the path less traveled too.

10-K
02-03-2011, 19:34
I vote for the BMT too.

A BMT thru will be my next "big" hike. Got the guide, got the maps - just need 2.5 weeks in a row. Looking like April 15th as soon as I mail our tax returns off.

I've been trying to hike the section in GSMNP for a few months and the weather gets me every time.

FatMan
02-04-2011, 10:21
No brainer...BMT