RABUN BALD
(VIA BEEGUM GAP)
|
 |
| LOCATION:
Northeast Georgia |
| HIKE
STARTS: Beegum Gap |
| HIKE ENDS:
Rabun Bald |
| TOTAL
DISTANCE: 2.8 Miles |
| HIKE TYPE:
Roundtrip, Loop Hike |
| HIKE
DIFFICULTY: Difficult |
| TRAILS
USED: Bartram Trail, 4x4 Road |
| 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 section of
the Bartram Trail heads southbound from Beegum Gap to Rabun Bald (4,696 feet)
and can be done as either a loop or a backtrack hike. The loop combines the Bartram Trail with an old 4x4 road for a total of nearly three miles.
A fire tower at the summit 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.
