Blue ridge

Day 4 - Benton MacKaye Trail

 

We only had 8.5 miles to get to town today and I hit the ground running! NoKey has been pretty tired so far, but the push to get into town for showers is enough to get any hiker moving. Our first climb up Rocky Mountain was gradual but long.  The first 3.5 miles of our day were uphill.  After reaching the top, we had one more push to get over Rich Mountain before our descent to Blue Ridge.   

Double blazes means pay attention - faces are an added bonus :)

Double blazes means pay attention - faces are an added bonus :)

We began our descent on some old logging roads (which we discovered are a theme on this trail) and saw a wild hog with her piglet a short way down the hill. After descending steeply and passing Laurel Creek, we came out onto some old farm land and more private roads.  The meadow we walked through was absolutely beautiful and we quickly came to some more roads to complete our walk to Highway 76.Traffic on the highway was moving very fast, 70 mph, and I was afraid we wouldn't get a ride.

Georgia is gorgeous! 

Georgia is gorgeous! 

Hikers only! Private land abounds! 

Hikers only! Private land abounds! 

We managed to get one within 5 minutes and got into Blue Ridge by 1:00.  We did laundry, got our mail drop, and got a hotel room for showers before calling it a night.  Tomorrow we hit the most remote section of trail in Georgia... I hope our food bags aren't too heavy! 

I love this cute little town! 

I love this cute little town!