Loop hike late October to early November....
After lots of thought comparing various trails (like the Ozark Highlands Trail and Ouachita trail), I think I've decided to do a BMT/AT loop hike starting next week. I keep hearing great things about the BMT, thought I'd hike at least part of it, doing a nice loop from Neel Gap to Fontana on the BMT, then back along the AT to Neel gap. Looks like about 290 miles or so.
Is this a reasonable loop in terms of "fun factor" versus something else in the area? I just found and booked a r/t to Atlanta for just over $200.... but this can easily be changed (free to do on SW air).
Any thoughts appreciated!
Loop hike late October to mid November....
Dogwood- Starting at Neel's Gap, you would either head south on the AT to near Three Forks and turn north on the BMT heading to points north and eventually GSMNP...or one could start at Neel's, go south just over Blood Mountain and then take the Duncan Ridge Trail west until you hit the BMT and again head north toward GSMNP. No reason you couldn't also just take the AT north from Neel's to GSMNP and the return on the BMT via one of the trail connections. It works.