Rabun Bald (via Rabun Gap)

The Bartram Trail is a National Recreation Trail that winds through the mountains of South Carolina, Georgia, and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. Named after naturalist William Bartram, the trail follows portions of the route he traveled through the southern wilderness in 1775 while studying the region’s plants, wildlife, rivers, and native cultures. Bartram later documented his observations in his famous book, The Travels of William Bartram, which became one of the earliest and most influential accounts of the American Southeast. In Georgia, the trail stretches for approximately thirty-six miles across the Chattahoochee National Forest and is marked with distinctive yellow blazes. The route passes through remote forests, mountain ridges, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, making it a favorite among hikers seeking a quieter alternative to the nearby Appalachian Trail. The nonprofit Bartram Trail Society continues to support the trail through volunteer efforts focused on maintenance, construction, and preservation.

This section of the Bartram Trail travels southbound from Rabun Gap to Rabun Bald (4,696 feet) as a backtrack hike through some of the most scenic terrain in northeast Georgia. Access to Rabun Gap is provided by an old forest road where four-wheel drive is highly recommended, particularly after periods of rain. Rabun Bald, the second-highest mountain in Georgia, is crowned by a historic fire tower that offers sweeping 360-degree views into Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The panoramic vistas and cooler mountain temperatures make the summit a popular overnight destination for backpackers, especially during the warmer months. However, hikers should use caution because Rabun Bald is highly exposed and prone to fast-moving thunderstorms with dangerous lightning during the summer. Several small campsites are located just south of the summit within the protection of the trees and are much safer than camping near the tower itself. Day hikers and backpackers alike should keep an eye on darkening skies to the south and southwest and leave the summit well before storms arrive. Because Rabun Bald is also a heavily visited day-hiking destination, pets should remain on a leash around the summit and tower area.