Bartram Trail – Georgia/North Carolina Line to Rabun Bald
Bartram Trail – Georgia/North Carolina Line to Rabun Bald Lenght: 6.5 miles Estimated Time: 4-5 Hours (298 reviews) Type: Point-to-point trail Difficulty: Hard Elevation: 1,414 ft elevation gain Hours: None Given Emergency Contact: (706) 754-6221 Address: None Given GPS Coordinates: 34.9789° N, 83.5234° W Allowed Activates Hiking Trail Running Mountain Biking (lower sections) Nature Photography Birdwatching Dog Walking (on leash) Backpacking Camping (designated areas) Amenities & Logistics PARKING Limited roadside parking at Beegum Gap Gravel road access through Sky Valley neighborhood Please don’t block driveways or road Alternative parking at Hale Ridge Road trailhead RESTROOMS & FACILITIES No restrooms at any trailhead No water sources near summit Carry adequate water for entire hike KID FRIENDLY Challenging for younger children due to elevation gain Suitable for teens and older kids in good shape Observation tower may appeal to children Educational about Georgia’s highest peaks PICNIC AREAS No designated picnic areas Summit observation tower provides scenic lunch spot Small primitive campsites near summit FEES No entrance fees Free parking WATER SOURCES Seasonal streams in lower elevations. Limited water near summit – carry adequate supplies. Trail Overview Discover Georgia’s second-highest mountain on this challenging but rewarding trek to Rabun Bald’s 4,696-foot summit. This point-to-point trail offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the entire Southeast, accessible via the historic Bartram Trail through some of Northeast Georgia’s most beautiful landscapes. The adventure begins at the Georgia-North Carolina state line and follows the Bartram Trail southbound through dense rhododendron and mountain laurel forests. The trail climbs steadily through diverse ecosystems, passing through hardwood forests before entering the mountain’s distinctive heath zone near the summit. After approximately 4 miles of steady climbing, hikers encounter Rabun Bald’s striking dwarf oak heath zone, featuring scarlet oak and purple rhododendron. The final ascent reveals the mountain’s observation tower, which provides unparalleled 360-degree views above the treeline. Outstanding views surround the Rabun Bald summit, offering hikers panoramic vistas in every direction. On clear days, views extend over 100 miles into the Georgia and South Carolina Piedmont. Georgia’s Black Rock Mountain is visible to the southwest, while North Carolina’s Standing Indian Mountain, Pickens Nose, and Albert Mountain rise from the northern horizon. Key Highlights: Rabun Bald summit observation tower 360-degree panoramic views Second-highest peak in Georgia Eastern Continental Divide location Exceptional wildflower displays Four-state views on clear days Gear Up for Your Next Adventure Every trail has its challenges. Make sure you’re prepared with gear that goes the distance. Shop Now Activity-Specific Information For Hikers: Challenging climb with 2,000+ feet elevation gain. Allow full day for round-trip. Observation tower access adds unique perspective above treeline. For Trail Runners: Steep sustained climbing tests fitness levels. Technical sections require careful footing. Spectacular summit reward for the effort. For Photographers: Observation tower provides unprecedented 360-degree photo opportunities. Spring wildflowers exceptional. Fall colors spectacular from elevation. For Botanists: Prime habitat for rare mountain species. Spring wildflowers among Georgia’s best. Mountain ash berries and blueberry ground cover notable. Safety & Preparation Current Conditions: Trail well-maintained with excellent blazing. Some technical sections require careful footing. Observation tower provides spectacular views. Recommended Gear: Sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, camera with extra batteries, layers for elevation changes. What to Bring: 2+ liters of water per person High-energy snacks First aid kit Navigation device Camera for summit views Headlamp if starting early Hazards/Warnings: Steep elevation gain throughout Weather exposure at summit Observation tower can be windy Trail rocky in sections Early season may have ice at elevation Weather Considerations: Summit can be 10-15 degrees cooler than base. Afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer. Winter conditions can include ice and snow at higher elevations.
Bartram Trail – Rabun Bald to Warwoman Dell
Bartram Trail – Rabun Bald to Warwoman Dell Lenght: 13.5 miles Estimated Time: 6-8 Hours (412 reviews) Type: Point-to-point trail Difficulty: Hard Elevation: 2,176 ft elevation loss Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round Emergency Contact: (706) 754-6221 Address: None Given GPS Coordinates: 34.9234° N, 83.6543° W Allowed Activates Hiking Trail Running Photography Birdwatching Dog Walking (on leash) Backpacking Camping (multiple sites) Waterfall Amenities & Logistics PARKING Free parking at Rabun Bald (via Beegum Gap) Free parking at Warwoman Dell Recreation Area Two parking areas at Warwoman Dell (upper and lower) RESTROOMS & FACILITIES No restrooms at Rabun Bald trailhead Restrooms temporarily unavailable at Warwoman Dell (check current status) Water fountain located halfway through Warwoman Dell area Picnic pavilions and shelters at Warwoman Dell KID FRIENDLY Long distance challenging for most children Warwoman Dell area very family-friendly with easy trails Multiple waterfalls appeal to kids Educational CCC history and interpretive signs Short nature trail options for families PICNIC AREAS Two CCC-built picnic shelters at Warwoman Dell Multiple picnic tables throughout recreation area Large pavilion with tables, fireplace, and grills Small covered picnic area with stone fireplace FEES No entrance fees Free parking at all locations Trail Overview Descending from Georgia’s second-highest peak, this spectacular section of the Bartram Trail winds southwest for thirteen miles through some of the state’s most diverse and beautiful terrain. The route offers an incredible combination of mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and rich historical significance. Beginning at Rabun Bald’s 4,696-foot summit, the trail descends steadily through changing forest ecosystems. The first miles pass through the mountain’s distinctive heath zone before entering dense hardwood forests filled with rhododendron and mountain laurel. The moderate descent offers excellent recovery after the summit climb. The trail reaches Courthouse Gap at just over 10 miles, passing an intersection with the green-blazed Pinnacle Knob Trail. The side trip to Pinnacle Knob (less than two miles round-trip) offers outstanding 180-degree views and is highly recommended for hikers with extra energy. The final miles leading to Warwoman Dell showcase the trail’s most impressive water features. The route passes through Martin Creek’s slot canyon and spectacular double-tiered waterfall before reaching the historic Becky Branch Falls just minutes from the road crossing. Key Highlights: Becky Branch Falls Martin Creek Falls (double-tiered) Pinnacle Knob side trail Multiple backcountry campsites Warwoman Dell Recreation Area Historic significance Gear Up for Your Next Adventure Every trail has its challenges. Make sure you’re prepared with gear that goes the distance. Shop Now Activity-Specific Information For Hikers: Long descent requires good knee conditioning. Multiple water features provide photo opportunities and rest stops. Allow full day for completion. For Backpackers: Excellent campsites throughout, many near water sources. Martin Creek Falls camping particularly scenic. Multiple resupply options at Warwoman Dell. For Photographers: Martin Creek Falls offers double-tiered cascades. Becky Branch Falls easily accessible. Golden hour lighting in hardwood forest exceptional. For Nature Enthusiasts: Exceptional biodiversity along elevation gradient. Spring wildflowers outstanding. Stream ecosystems support diverse wildlife. Safety & Preparation Current Conditions: Excellent trail conditions with clear yellow blazing. Multiple water features and camping opportunities. Some technical sections require careful attention. Recommended Gear: Hiking boots, ample water capacity, camera, trekking poles for steep sections, layers for elevation changes. What to Bring: 3+ liters of water per person Trail snacks and lunch First aid kit Navigation tools Camera for waterfalls Insect repellent Hazards/Warnings: Long sustained descents stress knees Multiple stream crossings Slippery rocks near waterfalls Potential for afternoon thunderstorms Technical rocky sections Weather Considerations: Trail descent means warming temperatures throughout hike. Stream crossings can be challenging during high water. Summer brings heavy vegetation and insect activity.
