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

December 30, 2014

The Bartram Trail - Rabun Bald - Rabun County, GA

Trail information

This portion of the Bartram Trail starts at Hale Ridge Road in the northern edge of Georgia near the NC border. The trail leads to Georgia's second highest peak at Rabun Bald, elevation - 4,696 feet. The trail gains lots of elevation as you work your way 4.2 miles to the summit of Rabun Bald. Great views are available from the observation deck which was built on the historic rock fire tower built by the C.C.C. in the 1930's. TODAY'S HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, Stephen Gales, Bill Hunt, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle. Total hiking distance today - 8.4 miles with a large gain in elevation. Difficulty rating - Strenuous

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! WILD

Conditions

Clouds and fog most of the day with temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 F.

Hikers (9)

  • John Bellamy
  • June Bellamy
  • Pam Euliss
  • Stephen Gales
  • Bill Hunt
  • Bob Magee
  • Dick Metzgar
  • Tony Presley
  • Vic Robson

Birds identified

Dark-eyed Junco, Cardinal and Tufted Titmouse

Photos (14)

  • Trailhead on Hale Ridge Rd.
  • Headed toward Rabun Bald!
  • Nice little waterfall early into the hike.
  • The trail is in good shape on this foggy morning.
  • Fungus of the Week!
  • We are at the gap below Rabun Bald.
  • Unusual tree roots.
  • Another great day for a hike!
  • The foggy woodland.
  • Arriving at the historic fire tower.
  • Lunchtime on the fogged-in observation deck at Rabun Bald.
  • Sign at the summit of Rabun Bald
  • Nice early morning view before our hike.
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r) Carole Wintle, Vic Robson, Dick Metzgar, Pam Euliss, Stephen Gales, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Tony Presley, Bob Magee and Bill Hunt. .