December 30, 2014
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TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail starts at Hale Ridge Road in the northern edge of Georgia near the NC border. The trail leads to Georgia’s second highest peak at Rabun Bald, elevation – 4,696 feet. The trail gains lots of elevation as you work your way 4.2 miles to the summit of Rabun Bald. Great views are available from the observation deck which was built on the historic rock fire tower built by the C.C.C. in the 1930’s. TODAY’S HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, Stephen Gales, Bill Hunt, Bob Magee, Dick Metzgar, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle. Total hiking distance today – 8.4 miles with a large gain in elevation. Difficulty rating – Strenuous. 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! Clouds and fog most of the day with temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: None BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Dark-eyed Junco, Cardinal and Tufted Titmouse.
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