August 12, 2025
Bartram Trail Rabun Bald from Hale Ridge Road
near Sky Valley, NC
Despite high humidity from overnight rains, the cloudy skies and mild, 74°F to 68°F, temperatures were welcome. Although wet, the trails were in very good condition with no obstructions and several bridges for easy crossing drainage swales. Instead of starting from Beegum Gap, this was one-way hike added a 2.5-mile section of the Bartram Trail to the start of the hike. This first trail section has a soft trail bed with a gradual incline leading to the steeper and final 1.7-mile ascent to Rabun Bald. The latter section of trail was more rocky and wet due to its much heavier use. The views from Rabun Bald were limited by low clouds and fog in the valleys with just a bit of a view as we finished up our visit there. There were plenty of mushrooms. Late season wildflowers were a bit sparse. This is a moderately difficult hike due to the total elevation gain and final trail conditions.
Today's Hikers: Jack Treadman, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jane Voss, Jenny Bell, Paige Watson, Gerald Richardson & Mike Bell
The route
6.1 mi · 1,631 ft climbing · 4h 13m out, 3h 49m walking · 1.6 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
20 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (22)
Limited view from Rabun Bald today, but still a nice sight. Photo by Jane Voss Today's Hikers (L-R): Toby, Jack, Matt, Jane, Jenny, Paige, Mike & Gerald Easy to find trailhead on Hale Ridge Rd with room for 3-4 cars. 4.2 miles to Rabun Bald . . . not too bad. The Bartram Trail was in very good condition for the first 2.7 miles. This section of the Bartram Trail also had numerous very nice wooden bridges, but they were quite slippery this morning. Photo by Jane Voss Bartram Falls was an unknown bonus for this hike. While only 18 feet high, it was a nice sight. Photo by Jane Voss With the recent rains, it was ideal conditions for fungi. Most photos by Jane Voss This section of the trail was very easy on the feet with evidence of ongoing maintenance. Amazing to see an occasional Rhododendron still in bloom. Jane and Jenny passing over this picturesque "snow fall" of leaves on the trail. A very interesting massive rock formation along the trail with an interesting tree growing on top of it. A bit steeper and rockier on the final ascent to Rabun Bald. A few late season wildflowers of interest. A nicely done set of rock steps to ease the climb. Just off the trail. this short path and rock gateway to climb behind a massive boulder caught our eye, but we didn't take the time to follow that path. Classic views of the the viewing platform atop the old fire tower foundation at Rabun Bald. Taking a break after a long walk up from the start of the hike. A low cloud, panoramic view to the east from Rabun Bald. Paige Watson spotted this fruit of Hairy mandarin (top) a few Jewel weed blooms on our return. Almost finished. Jack Treadman is demonstrating his gnat-catching technique. A short 10-minute shuttle back to the trailhead . . . Good job everyone.