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RABUN BALD
(VIA RABUN GAP)
LOCATION:  Northeast Georgia
HIKE STARTS:  Rabun Gap
HIKE ENDS:  Rabun Bald
TOTAL DISTANCE:  1.4 Miles
HIKE TYPE:  In and Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY:  Difficult
TRAILS USED:  Bartram Trail
TRAIL TRAFFIC:  Heavy
TRIP TYPE:  Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT:  Bartram Trail Society

HIGHLIGHTS:  The Bartram Trail is named after William Bartram (1739-1823) who was an American naturalist that explored and documented the flora and fauna in several southern states during colonial times.  This short section of the Bartram Trail heads southbound from Rabun Gap to Rabun Bald (4,696 feet) and is a backtrack hike to the summit. A fire tower at Rabun Bald has 360 degree views of mountains and ridges in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The fantastic views make Rabun Bald an attractive overnight destination for backpackers, but a word of caution is in order - especially for the hot, humid summer months. Rabun Bald is prone to strong thunder and lightening storms and the exposed summit is extremely dangerous in these conditions. There are some small campsites along the Bartram Trail just south of the summit. They are tucked in the trees and are much safer than the open area around the tower. Both day hikers and overnight backpackers should watch for dark clouds in the skies to the south or southwest and get off Rabun Bald well before a storm hits. It is also recommended that all pets are on a leash around the summit since it is a popular day-hiking destination for many people that live in the area.

  Best Hikes With Dogs Georgia And South Carolina   Hiking Georgia

MORE DETAILS

bullet click to see trail photos from this hike to Rabun Bald: November 16, 2002; November 11, 2001
bullet click to see a trip summary for hiking and backpacking along the Bartram Trail: November 11, 2001
bullet click to view a detailed trip report for Rabun Bald: November 16, 2002; November 11, 2001 (password required)
bullet click to view hiking maps: area map, trail map, detailed map (password required), profile map, TopoZone map
bulletclick for more information on the Bartram Trail
bulletclick for Bartram Trail hiking and backpacking books
bulletclick for other hikes on the Bartram Trail in Georgia
bulletclick for the Long Trail discussion forum
bulletclick for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
bulletclick to access the guidebook Best Hikes With Dogs Georgia And South Carolina which has details on this destination
bulletclick for other Georgia hiking and backpacking books


 
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