Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap
~2 days · 12.3 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap is known for
Section 8 of Benton MacKaye Trail is an official 20 km point-to-point section from Bushy Head Gap (Bushy Head Gap Rd) to Dyer Gap (FS 64 Old Hwy 2).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 6,847 ft to 12,218 ft over 12.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.8 mi · 56%
- Downhill 5.3 mi · 43%
- Flat 0.2 mi · 2%
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 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap scores 23/100, 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 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap take?
Most backpackers hike the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 12.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap?
The Benton MacKaye Trail — Section 8: Bushy Head Gap to Dyer Gap climbs roughly 3,501 ft total — about 285 ft per mile, topping out near 3,724 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.