October 21, 2025
Bartram Trail-Courthouse Gap to Warwoman Dell
near Clayton , GA
Love today's weather with more sunny skies, cool temperatures of 50 to 65 degrees and a light wind. The trail was dry, in excellent condition and not very rocky or rooty . . . just right. Despite the 1,178 feet of elevation gain, the inclines were not very steep making this an easier hike than anticipated. The shuttle to the trailhead for this hike is very short, but the parking at the trailhead is limited to 3-4 cars. The routing makes for a mostly easy hike and pleasant views at Pinnacle Knob, Martin Creek Falls and Becky Branch Falls. There were limited fall colors in the trees, but lots of just dry leaves littering the path. Both falls also had reduced water flowing over them from the ongoing dry period. No wildflowers today. Still, this was a very nice hike.
Today's Hikers: Jane Voss, Matt Henderson & Toby, Betty Smith, Renée Corbett, Lynn Hotle, Daren Voss, Cindi Hansen & Mike Bell.
The route
6.4 mi · 1,178 ft climbing · 4h 14m out, 3h 29m walking · 1.8 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 (21)
While Pinnacle Knob, Martin Creek Falls and Becky Branch Falls are quite scenic, this vertical panorama of the forest and sky by Jane Voss midway through our hike is very dramatic. Today's Hikers on Pinnacle Knob (L-R): Jane, Matt & Toby, Betty, Renee, Lynn, Darren, Mike & Cindi Trailhead parking is still limited. You could get 6 cars in this designated parking area if you double parked. Photo by Jane Voss. While it's uphill for the first 1.8 miles to Pinnacle Knob, the slope is not very steep except for a few short sections. We joined the Bartram Trail at 0.8 miles into our hike and passed through a Rhododendron tunnel. Photos by Jane Voss. We turned right at these trail arrows to continue our climb to Pinnacle Knob. When I first saw this photo by Jane Voss, I thought Toby was waiting for us on top of this overhanging boulder. A clear view to the northwest from the Pinnacle Knob overlook. Photo by Jane Voss. Have you ever wondered if the USGS would actually respond to an inquiry about this 1934 benchmark. Eye-catching Sourwood trees being backlit by the sun along our path. However, the dry brown leaves on the trail documents the extended dryness of this summer and fall. We're headed down the Bartram Trail toward Martin Creek Falls. Even normally wet drainage features are only trickling water beneath their leaves. I thought I'd try Jane's vertical panorama shot of this large pine tree, but I looks a bit "wonky" compared to just an up-shot. Martin Creek Falls at last. Photo by Jane Voss. Toby wastes no time checking out Martin Creek below the falls. Photo by Jane Voss. Not a lot of water flowing over Martin Creek Falls today, but it is still a pretty sight. Lunch at Martin Creek Falls. Headed on to Becky Branch Falls via the Bartram Trail. Nice color above us in this section. Becky Branch Falls, while only 20-feet tall and not having much flow, it's still worth a brief stop. Photo by Jane Voss. The former bridge across Becky Branch is still out. Cindy leads the way across the branch up the large boulder on the other side. Someone is shadowing our hike. A cheery group as we shuttle back to the trailhead. Thanks everyone.