I plan to hike the Bartram Trail in sections this year. I plan to do the more established 112-115 mile trail from GA at Russell Bridge to Cheoah Bald.
My plan would be to do it as a series of out and back hikes to accomplish the trail NOBO and SOBO.
I know there are some re-routes planned/in the works, especially near the road walk to make the road walk shorter. I believe those are underway.
Has anyone hiked the Bartram Trail recently? Have information about these re-routes?
I generally do not hike with a map (my hiking experience has been limited to AT, Foothills trail, the Georgia BMT, and the Georgia Bartram Trail. I never felt the need, but given the reroutes and slightly less "continuous" nature of the Bartram Trail, I am thinking about getting both the guide and the map for NC. Does anyone have these? Are they helpful/worth it?
I've previously done Russell to Warwoman Dell and Reach Osage to Jones Gap so I know a little about the trail.
I have read rainmaker's trail guide and guide to the roadwalk. http://www.trailquest.net/BRbartram.html It is tremendously helpful. I also found a trail journal about a yoyo hike I believe they did. It appears they hiked it sometime ago and there likely are changed since.
I am sure I will have more questions as I get deeper into planning this.
If you have been on the trail recently, please share what you found. I promise I will do the same once I get ready to start this adventure.