Bartram trail

[whitefoot_hp]

Hello i was wandering if anyone has hiked on the bartram trail, particularly the 37 mile section in georgia. i am planning on this hike and am curious about how strenuous it is, how steep or varying in elevation it is etc.,

[emerald]

Much information is available at The Official Site of The Bartram Trail Conference (http://www.bartramtrail.org/).

[emerald]

So many things to see and do (http://www.bartramsgarden.org/) at John Bartram's Pre-revolutionary home and garden in Philadelphia.

[mogilews]

I did the GA leg of the Bartram in September 2005. It's pretty much level riverwalking, with a hump up to Rabun Bald, which is a very nice summit. Bring swimmin gear if it's hot when you go- the Chatooga is one gorgeous river.

[MOWGLI]

Much information is available at The Official Site of The Bartram Trail Conference (http://www.bartramtrail.org/).

Actually, the link above won't help all that much with the hiking trail.

What you need is John Ray's guide to the Bartram Trail in Georgia. Here's a link for more info; http://georgiatrails.com/features/bartram_trail_guides.html

I hiked with John the weekend after Thanksgiving on the Fires Creek Rim Trail. You can read a report of that hike here (http://americanhiking.chattablogs.com/archives/042077.html). Embedded in that report is an email link for John. He knows more about the GA Bartram than anyone, and would be happy to assist you with your hike. Tell him Jeffrey Hunter referred you his way.

Happy Trails!

[Hammock Hanger]

I did the NC section it was interesting, connected with the AT twice. As for how hard, typical up and down of the area. Nice views lots of water a great waterfall . Very well blazed. I still need to do the GA section.

I would be interested in a trip report after you do the hike.

[C-Stepper]

There are several excellent journals with good information on trailjournals.com. Try this one

www.trailjournals.com/spur2005Bartram

I recently completed (December) Russell Bridge (GA) to Franklin (NC). Email me with specific questions. My journal, though dull, I know, as I'm a solo hiker, is at www.trailjournals.com/bianchilvr

I'm a Smokies hiker who is in pretty good physical condition. I would say the BT for the Georgia half is pretty easy, but that is always subjective (see previous sentence). The first 15 miles are flat, after that it is up and down continually. Winter views are terrific (both times I've done the GA section I did it in winter), but not many views except at high spots when foliage is on the trees. The blowdowns that existed were easy to navigate. Water is plentiful right now. It's a bit icy coming down Rabun Bald, but you can get around, though dicey in a few spots. Be careful if you go while hunting season is still in, as I heard gunshots every day. If you don't have a partner, be prepared to be VERY, VERY ALONE--you will be.


I used the trail guide in Long Trails of the Southeast. I own the other guide but I think the guide in the LTotS is better, and MUCH lighter.

[Frosty]

I used the trail guide in Long Trails of the Southeast. I own the other guide but I think the guide in the LTotS is better, and MUCH lighter.Great book. ISBN 0-897-32-530-3, author=Johnny Molloy

[whitefoot_hp]

Thanks for all of the responses guys. see if you can help me here... i hiked from woody gap to unicoi gap (30 mi) in lets say, one half day, one full day, and another half day.. could i expect to complete the 37 mi of bartam in the same amount of time? (start hiking friday mid day, end sunday eveneing?

[The Solemates]

i've done both the GA and NC sections. they are both very fun scenic sections. the NC section is tougher than the GA section from what i remember. a 2.5 day weekend should be enough time to complete 37 miles if you are in decent shape. have fun!