Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98
~2 days · 18.5 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98 is known for
Section 21 of Benton MacKaye Trail is an official 30.9 km point-to-point section from Eagle Creek Trail junction (Lakeshore Trail) to Backcountry Campsite 98 (Chambers Creek).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 5,650 ft to 7,674 ft over 18.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.0 mi · 43%
- Downhill 8.1 mi · 44%
- Flat 2.2 mi · 12%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98 scores 16/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98 take?
Most backpackers hike the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98 in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 18.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98?
The Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 21: Eagle Creek Trail junction to Backcountry Campsite 98 climbs roughly 3,077 ft total — about 166 ft per mile, topping out near 2,385 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.