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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

Benton MacKaye Trail

Andrews, Tennessee · Cherokee County · rwn · Benton MacKaye Trail Association · BMKT

Benton MacKaye Trail is a easy hiking trail near Andrews in Cherokee County, Tennessee.. Managed by Benton MacKaye Trail Association. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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35.19866, -83.81692
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Benton MacKaye Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High87°F
Avg Low68°F
Peak Rain Chance22%
Humidity70%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality24 · Good
Today
🌧
Rain
84°/70°
💧 10%🌬 7mph
6:40 AM8:43 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
86°/71°
💧 2%🌬 8mph
6:40 AM8:42 PM
Tue
Thunderstorm
92°/69°
💧 22%🌬 11mph
6:41 AM8:41 PM
Wed
🌫
Fog
86°/68°
💧 8%🌬 13mph
6:42 AM8:41 PM
Thu
☀️
Clear
89°/63°
💧 1%🌬 6mph
6:43 AM8:40 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Benton MacKaye Trail

Benton MacKaye Trail is a easy hiking trail near Andrews in Cherokee County, Tennessee.. Managed by Benton MacKaye Trail Association. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

⚠ Note from contributors: Trail route is complete.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Tennessee

Trail conditions in Tennessee change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Benton MacKaye Trail?

Benton MacKaye Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Benton MacKaye Trail?

Tennessee has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Benton MacKaye Trail?

Benton MacKaye Trail is managed by Benton MacKaye Trail Association as part of the rwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

Where can I read more about Benton MacKaye Trail?

Background information is available on Wikipedia (Benton MacKaye Trail). Trail mapping data comes from OpenStreetMap contributors.