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Length: 2.5 miles
Rating: Easy
Use: Light
Restrictions: No motorized
vehicles allowed on trail. Mountain bicyclist are permitted. Trail is
designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Views of surrounding mountains and an opportunity to view a double
waterfall add to the hiking experience.
Benton
Mackaye - Stanley Gap Loop Trail offers a pleasant hike through a typical Southern
Appalachian hardwood forest. The trail passes through multiple use
national forest and various aspects of timber and wildlife management may
be viewed. The return road walk bypasses an old road on which a short walk
leads to a fine trout stream, Stanley Creek.
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This trail is recommended at
any time of year. Autumn leaf color change and winter vistas are
attractive. Waterfall flow is usually greatest in Spring. Rhododendron and
mountain laurel contribute to late spring attractiveness. The trail, on an
old road bed at Stanley Gap, begins as a gradual climb toward summit of
Rocky Mountain. Almost immediately, on the left, is a regenerating pine
stand. After passing timber stand, trail enters woods and continues
through forest until reaching intersection with Benton MacKaye Trail
coming in from east. Turn onto BMT and follow downhill past regenerating
hardwood stand; switchback and descend to waterfalls. Continue down road
bed to parking area and wildlife foodplot opening on south side of Rock
Creek Road. Turn right on road and begin return walk to vehicle. About
three-fourths mile pass road on left leading 200 yards to Stanley Creek.
Continue on road to gap and return to parking area.
Directions from Blue Ridge, Georgia:
Travel east (toward Blairsville, GA) on GA Hwy 515,
approx. 0.8 miles past intersection with GA Hwy 5. Turn Right at Windy
Ridge Rd., go 0.2 miles to dead end with Old U.S. 76. Turn left, go 0.2
miles to Aska Road. South on Aska Road to intersection with Stanley Creek
road (8.2 miles). Turn west, continue 4.2 miles to parking area at Stanley
Gap. Stanley Creek Road becomes Rock Creek Road after crossing
Fannin/Gilmer County line.
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