View Full Version : John Muir Trail segment of the BMT
Cookerhiker
05-07-2011, 15:51
Beckoned by a tempting article in the April Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine about the TN John Muir Trail, we've decided to hike it after Trail Days. Initial research revealed that this trail was part of the BMT, a fact not mentioned in the article. More important, there's a discrepancy on the mileage.
Per the BRO article (http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/current-issue/features/8-perfect-weekend-trails/), the one-way distance is 20 miles with 13 from the Childers Creek TH to Coker Creek and 7 from Coker Creek to Rt. 68. But the BMTA's website (http://www.bmta.org/TrailheadsandAccessPoints.htm) shows the distance as only 14 total; 10 to Coker Creek, 4 to Rt. 68.
I trust the BMTA more than BRO but does anyone know what the true mileage is?
Also, if we were to extend the hike 10 miles or so, which end would be nicer - past Rt. 68 (eastward) or west from Childers Creek? Isn't there a road walk on the latter?
It's 14 from Childer's Creek to Hwy 68.
If you were to extend the hike 10 miles to the south (towards Springer) there would be a road walk from Childer's Creek to White Oaks Rd - about 4.5ish miles.
Definitely it would be nicer 10 miles to the north - to Unicoi Gap.
Sgt Rock can most likely give better info....
Cookerhiker
05-07-2011, 16:25
Thanks for the quick response. I'm hoping to see Sgt. Rock at Trail Days.
Nice section! The JMT on the BMT (woo..lotsa acronyms!) was cruiser trail.
Easy, pleasant hiking along a river IIRC. :)
Sgt Rock is 'da man' when it comes to the BMT for sure!
SGT Rock
05-08-2011, 07:07
I've got 110.4 at the Childers Creek Trailhead and 120.7at the intersection of Unicoi Mountain Trail and the JMT for 10.3.
Then TN 68 is at 124.3 for another 3.6, that said I would recommend going a little further up to 125.4 where a side trip will take you 0.4 miles to Buck Bald for a 360 view. You could possibly even put a car there for the end of your hike since it is on a dirt road.
Sorry, but I used all my vacation last month hiking for disabled veterans, so I won't have any vacation left to take off for Trail Days. AWOL will have some of my BMT guides at his booth though.
Cookerhiker
05-08-2011, 07:24
Thanks Rock and sorry you'll miss TDs. The mileages in your post track closely with the BMTA website and 10-K's response. As I mentioned, the BRO article refers to a 20 mile trail as does the Forest Service website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275530.pdf).
I guess we'll just go and see what the options are. We were planning an out-and-back type hike.
Thanks Rock and sorry you'll miss TDs. The mileages in your post track closely with the BMTA website and 10-K's response. As I mentioned, the BRO article refers to a 20 mile trail as does the Forest Service website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275530.pdf).
I guess we'll just go and see what the options are. We were planning an out-and-back type hike.
Keep in mind that the BMT leaves the JMT and has a short, kinda steep climb up to the ridge then goes back down and intersects the Unicoi Mountain Trail further on. There are some good views of the river from up there. I believe this is a result of relocating the trail off the JMT in the area around the powerhouse.
Be sure to go to Webb Brothers (store / float service). It's a really cool old place.
Oh, I know what's up.. The JMT is 20ish miles long.
Visit here: http://www.cherokeehikingclub.org/trailmaint-bmt-13-JMT.htm
Cookerhiker
05-08-2011, 07:37
Oh, I know what's up.. The JMT is 20ish miles long.
Visit here: http://www.cherokeehikingclub.org/trailmaint-bmt-13-JMT.htm
That explains a lot - thanks for the link.
Tipi Walter
05-08-2011, 08:37
The original Hiwassee JMT predates the BMT by many years, and so it follows its own 20 mile route from one end to the east, where it crosses Hiway 68 and ends. The BMT is a newcomer and only uses a portion of the JMT and veers off and north to an earlier, higher crossing of Hiway 68.
SGT Rock
05-08-2011, 14:05
FWIW some of the members of the BMTA have told me the JMT past where it leaves the BMT was in bad need of maintenance due to kudzu. Maybe things have changed.