Skip to content
Northeast Georgia HikingNew & Old Friends Who Like to Hike

September 27, 2011

Rabun Bald - Bartram Trail - GA

This week's hike was on the Bartram Trail near the GA/NC border from Hale Ridge Road to Rabun Bald (Georgia's second highest peak at 4,696 ft.)

Trail information

This popular portion of the Bartram Trail is very well maintained and beautiful. The views at Rabun Bald are spectacular with a true 360 degree view of the GA/NC mountains. Total hiking distance today - 8.4 mi. with lots elevation gain to the summit of Rabun Bald

Directions

Take Hwy. 441 N from Clayton, GA through Dillard, GA and turn right onto GA 246 / NC 106 toward Highlands, NC. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at the old Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope at Hale Ridge Rd. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto a continuation of Hale Ridge road. Drive a mile or so and you will see the trail crossing sign on your right. Another great day for a hike! Sunny and cool with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F

Conditions

Sunny and cool with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F.

Hikers (13)

  • John Bellamy
  • June Bellamy
  • Phil Brownrigg
  • Pam Euliss
  • Dave Hinson
  • Jack Jacobi
  • Wanda Miller
  • Wayne Miller
  • George Otis
  • Don Preece
  • Vic Robson
  • Dan Ross
  • Lynne Saporito

Flowers in bloom

Witch Hazel, Blue Aster, White Woods Aster, Heart-leaf Aster, Bushy Aster, Pinesap, Indian Plantain, Wand Goldenrod, Mountain Gentian, White Snakeroot and Spiked Lobelia

Birds identified

Blue Jay, Red-eyed Vireo, Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Turkey Vulture and Raven

Photos (14)

  • Marker near Hale Ridge Rd.
  • Another great day for a hike on the Bartram Trail!
  • Lots of Fall season wildflowes. (top left then clockwise) White Asters, Blue Asters, Mountain Gentian and White Snakeroot. .
  • A large tree-fall that we had to go under or over. .
  • The colors of Autumn are beginning to show.
  • Fungus of the week!
  • An American Chestnut!.
  • Nice trail marker.
  • Lunchtime on the Rabun Bald Fire Tower!
  • Great views from the tower!
  • We were surprised to be buzzed by a C-130 plane several times!
  • The plane flew directly over the tower at low altitude!
  • Looking down on the town of Sky Valley, GA.
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r front) Dave Hinson, Pam Euliss, Vic Robson and Wanda Miller. (l-r standing) Jack Jacobi, Phil Brownrigg, George Otis, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Don Preece, Lynne Saporito, Wayne Miller and Dan Ross