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Northeast Georgia HikingNew & Old Friends Who Like to Hike

September 27, 2011

Rabun Bald - Bartram Trail - GA

Distance
8.4 mi

Bartram Trail - Hale Ridge Road - Rabun Bald - GA/NC September 27, 2011

This week's hike was on the Bartram Trail near the GA/NC border from Hale Ridge Road to Rabun Bald (Georgia's second highest peak at 4,696 ft.).

TRAIL INFO. - This popular portion of the Bartram Trail is very well maintained and beautiful. The views at Rabun Bald are spectacular with a true 360 degree view of the GA/NC mountains.

Total hiking distance today - 8.4 mi. with lots elevation gain to the summit of Rabun Bald.

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 old Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope at Hale Ridge Rd. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto a continuation of 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! Sunny and cool with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F.

Hikers (13)

  • John Bellamy
  • June Bellamy
  • Phil Brownrigg
  • Pam Euliss
  • Dave Hinson
  • Jack Jacobi
  • Wanda Miller
  • Wayne Miller
  • George Otis
  • Don Preece
  • Vic Robson
  • Dan Ross
  • Lynne Saporito

Flowers in bloom

Witch Hazel, Blue Aster, White Woods Aster, Heart-leaf Aster, Bushy Aster, Pinesap, Indian Plantain, Wand Goldenrod, Mountain Gentian, White Snakeroot and Spiked Lobelia

Birds identified

Blue Jay, Red-eyed Vireo, Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Turkey Vulture and Raven

Photos (14)

  • Marker near Hale Ridge Rd.
  • Another great day for a hike on the Bartram Trail!
  • Lots of Fall season wildflowes. (top left then clockwise) White Asters, Blue Asters, Mountain Gentian and White Snakeroot. .
  • A large tree-fall that we had to go under or over. .
  • The colors of Autumn are beginning to show.
  • Fungus of the week!
  • An American Chestnut!.
  • Nice trail marker.
  • Lunchtime on the Rabun Bald Fire Tower!
  • Great views from the tower!
  • We were surprised to be buzzed by a C-130 plane several times!
  • The plane flew directly over the tower at low altitude!
  • Looking down on the town of Sky Valley, GA.
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r front) Dave Hinson, Pam Euliss, Vic Robson and Wanda Miller. (l-r standing) Jack Jacobi, Phil Brownrigg, George Otis, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Don Preece, Lynne Saporito, Wayne Miller and Dan Ross