December 3, 2024
Bartram Trail - SC Hwy 28 to beyond Adline Ford
near Clayton, GA
It wasn't as cold as forecasted with sunny skies and most temperatures in the lower 40's with no wind. Thanks again to the many volunteers that cleared the Bartram Trail. There were numerous blowdowns cut and pushed aside (~80+) on the section we hiked making for an easy hike. After lunch we extended our hike from Adline Ford with a loop on the Willis Horse Trail and reconnecting to the Bartram Trail via an old logging road. These "off-Bartram Trail " sections required several climbs, crawls and walk-arounds to get by numerous blowdowns. There were also two "rock-hopping" stream crossings in these sections. All-in-all a very pleasant hike.
Today's Hikers (L-R): Beth Hawkins, Charles Hawkins, Gregg Nuessly, Pam Hembree, Heather Wall, John Cape, Renee Corbett, Jenny Bell, Betty Smith, Lynn Steele, Terre Pratt, Mike Bell & Linda Shultz.
The route
7.1 mi · 499 ft climbing · 4h 43m out, 3h 52m 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%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (19)
Thanks for all of the trail clearing after Hurricane Helene. Today's Hikers (L-R): Beth, Charles, Gregg, Pam, Heather, John, Mystery Hiker (aka Renee), Jenny, Betty, Lynn, Terre, Mike & Linda Getting ready at parking near the trailhead. A good omen, the trail signs are still up. Crossing the West Fork of the Chattooga River at the start of the hike. Looking up and down the West Fork of the Chattooga River. Most of the blowdowns seemed to be in the first mile of starting our hike. Yep, that farm implement is still there, but then, it's not going anywhere from under that tree. And the chimney from the old homestead is still standing, but takes a bit of bushwhacking to get to it. t Perhaps a barberry of some sort. John Cape spotted this only example. Headed to Adline Ford for a lunch break. A short break by the Chattooga River. Looking up and down--- a very clear-water Chattooga River. Another nice view of the Chattooga River from the Willis Knob Horse Trail. One of two shallow stream crossings on the Willis Knob Horse Trail. This short section of trail joined the Willis Knob Horse Trail with the return loop of the Bartram Trail and required a bit of bushwhacking. One of several short bridges on the Bartram Trail that survived Hurricane Helene. Another interesting tree determined to adapt and survive. There was a very large patch of this Club Moss on the final leg of our hike. However, many southerners like to call it "Ground Cedar" even though it is not even related to cedars.