August 30, 2022
Bartram Trail - Bob Gap to Warwoman Dell
This turned out to be a really interesting hike. We hiked a section of the Bartram Trail most of us had not done before. We visited both Rainy Mountain and Rainey Mountain in one hike. We bushwhacked our way up Rainy Mountain, the first section being quite steep. We lucked up and found an alternate, very nice path down Rainy Mountain to rejoin the Bartram Trail and best of all, we were surprised by Dick Metzgar and his friend, Bob, at the Big Rock side trail. They decided to hike in from Warwoman Dell. Overall, the trails were in good condition although we did have to work around or through several fallen trees across the trail. Not a lot of wildflowers, but the fungi/mushrooms were quite numerous. We were treated to quite a few examples of Pinesap which Ray noted was quite unusual. I would rate this hike as moderate with one difficult section up Rainy Mountain. Except for Big Rock, there are not a lot of views this time of the year. This hike is worth repeating as a one-way hike with easy access to the trailhead and less than a 15-minute shuttle between start and finish. TODAY'S HIKERS: Heather Wall, Dick Metzgar, Beth McDonald, Jenny Bell, Bob ???, Renee Corbett, Ray Lovett, Lynn Steele & Mike Bell.
The route
6.3 mi · 1,568 ft climbing · 5h 8m out, 4h 3m 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%
22 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (28)
A view of Camp Rainey from Big Rock. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Heather, Dick, Beth, Jenny, Bob & Renee; Front: Ray, Mike & Lynn Getting started at the Bob Gap trailhead. The first section of the Bartram Trail up to the base of Rainy Mountain was pretty nice. Can you see the image of a large spider in the end of this log? Although you would think this tree is dead, the top is quite full and alive. Thanks to Heather for taking the lead for us and swatting down spider webs with a branch. She was very diligent the entire way!. Confirmed bear scat as we bushwhacked our way up Rainy Mountain. No good views from Rainy Mountain, but strange to find three survey markers within 20 feet or so of each other. Our hikers on top of Rainy Mountain. They deserved a break after a tough climb without a trail. Ray coming off the unmarked trail from Rainy Mountain. Break time along the Bartram Trail. There were just a few wildflowers today. Ray was particularly pleased to see numerous examples of Pinesap. It's "a saprophyte that is red, pink, lavender, or yellow in color." Heather's pics show us there's a lot of beauty to be seen other than wildflowers. Dick took this pic of our hikers when he met us approaching the side trail to Big Rock. You have to be very careful in getting down to Big Rock. Checking out the view from Big Rock. A panoramic view from Big Rock. Climbing out of Big Rock is tough. . . right Lynn? Beth's commentary, most likely on our bushwhacking up Rainy Mtn. Tied for "Fungi of the Week." But there were many more striking fungi to be seen. And still more fungi. There were a few, but passable, trail obstructions today. Cannot forget the colorful seeds today. The top photo is the seed pod of a Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Near our finish at Warwoman Dell. Oops! Almost forgot . . . can you spot the small toad camouflaged in the leaves?