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Northeast Georgia HikingNew & Old Friends Who Like to Hike

January 25, 2005

Rabun Bald - Bartram Trail

Distance
8.4 mi

Rabun Bald - Bartram Trail, GAJanuary 25, 2005

HIKERS - Phil Brownrigg, Jack Jacobi, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, and Bob Thompson.TRAIL INFO. - Today's hike was on the Bartram Trail starting at Hale Ridge Road at the Bartram Trail crossing and hiking up to Rabun Bald (Georgia's 2nd highest mountain peak - 4696 ft).

As usual, the Bartram Trail was very well maintained and the hike was a very nice with only a moderate degree of difficulty. There is quite a bit of elevation change especially the last mile up to the top. The visibility was great from the tower with a fantastic 360 degree panoramic view of the NC and GA mountains.

Total round trip distance - 8.4 mi according to sign (7.9 according to GPS)

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 Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto 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! Fair and cool. Temperatures ranging from 30 F to the low 50's F.

FAUNA: Eastern Mole (Deceased; in trail. Dropped by startled Barred Owl??).

Hikers (8)

  • Phil Brownrigg
  • Jack Jacobi
  • Bob Presley
  • Donna Presley
  • Tony Presley
  • Dan Ross
  • Doug Russell
  • Bob Thompson

Birds identified

Barred Owl, Ruffed Grouse, Raven, American Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Towhee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco

Photos (12)

  • Shortly into the hike we pass this icy waterfalls.
  • As we walk along the trail, we see our destination .
  • We surprised a Barred Owl and he flew up and perched in this tree.
  • Here, we are working our way up the mountain.
  • Several places along the trail were covered with ice!
  • You will not find a better place for lunch! (on the observation tower at Rabun Bald) elevation 4696 ft plus the hight of the tower 20 ft or so).
  • View one from the tower.
  • View two!
  • view three!
  • View four!
  • The old rock observation tower!
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike! (l-r) Jack Jacobi, Phil Brownrigg, Dan Ross, Donna Presley, Bob Thompson, Bob Presley,Doug Russell, and Tony Presley.