| Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail in the edge of NC from Hale Ridge Road to the summit of Georgia’s second highest peak, 4,696 ft. Rabun Bald. 8.4 miles out and back total.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Len Hicks, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Linda Johnson, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Faye Sisson, Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail is very nice with the reward of a fantastic 360 degree view of the GA/NC/SC mountains from the summit of Rabun Bald. The trail is in excellent shape. The terrain is hilly but it has some nice flat stretches. Rated moderately strenuous due to significant elevation changes. Total hiking distance – 8.4 miles. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 N from Clayton, GA through Dillard, GA and turn right onto GA 246 / NC 106 toward Highlands, NC. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at the old Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope at Hale Ridge Rd. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto a continuation of Hale Ridge road. Drive a mile or so and you will see the trail crossing sign on your right. Another great day for a hike! Fair early turning cloudy and cool. Temperatures ranged from 38-49 degrees F. Hiking distance – 8.4 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mountain Gentian and Witch Hazel. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Junco, Cedar Waxwing, Perigrine Falcon, American Crow, Turkey Vulture and Chickadee. |
 Parking at Hale Ridge Rd. |
 Sign near the start. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 About a quarter mile into the hike we pass this pretty little waterfall! |
 Marker at the gap below Rabun Bald. .7 miles to the top! |
 Climbing the rocky trail to the summit. . |
 This is a NW panorama from the Rabun Bald observation tower. |
 Layers of mountains in every direction from Rabun Bald. |
 Looking down into the valley, we still find some fall color although many of the trees are now bare. |
 Clouds are moving in but the view is still very nice! |
 The viewing platform is a nice place for lunch! |
 A NE panorama! |
 Moss-covered log of the week! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Greta Driggers, Karen Brown, Linda Johnson, Faye Sisson, Donna Presley and Carole Wintle. (l-r back) Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, John Bellamy, Don Preece, Bill Hunt, Vic Robson, Len Hicks, Jack Jacobi and Tony Presley. |