Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

In 2020, the two sections of the Bartram Trail in North Georgia and Western North Carolina were joined under the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy (BRBTC). The BRBTC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed in 1977 (non-profit status recognized in 1982) by 11 North Carolina residents and continues to be governed by a Board of Directors and Executive Director, Brent Martin. 

Today, the BRBTC has an active membership and group of volunteers who maintain the over 110 miles of the trail that starts at the Chattooga River crossing at Russell Bridge on Highway 28 in North Georgia, just outside of Clayton. The trail continues through the mountains, crossing through gorgeous woodlands, creeks, streams, and more. Notable landmarks along the North Georgia sections, described below in more detail include Rabun Bald, Pinnacle Knob, Martin's Creek Falls, Dick's Creek Falls, Becky Branch, and Warwoman Dell. 

Continuing into North Carolina are an additional 70+ miles that traverse highland terrain, rivers, and lakes, crossing notable points of interest including Scaly Mountain, Jones Knob, Whiterock Mountain, Little Tennessee River, Wayah Bald, Nantahala Lake, and the trail's terminus at Cheoah Bald where it intersects with the Appalachian Trail.

Hikers today can experience parts of William Bartram's journey along the 37-mile portion of the Bartram Trail in the Tallulah Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. 

This description takes up the trail from the North Carolina border and follows it south through Georgia. Northern Trail Head to Rabun Bald - 3.0 miles Flabun Bald to Saltrock Gap - 2.5 miles Saltrock Gap to Wilson Gap - 3.0 miles Wilson Gap to Courthouse Gap - 6.5 miles Courthouse Gap to Warwoman Rd. - 3.0 miles Warwoman Rd. to Chattooga River Trail - 9.0 miles Chattooga River Trail to Warwoman Ford - 3.5 miles Warwoman Ford to Highway 28 - 6.0 miles Total length: 37 miles The Northern end of the Bartram Trail begins about one mile east of the Commissioners Rock on the Georgia-North Carolina border. It heads southwest for about three miles across the headwaters of Holcomb Creek.

For more information, hikers can visit https://blueridgebartram.org to learn about the history of the organization, upcoming volunteering opportunities, and trail events hosted in both Rabun and Macon counties. Anyone planning day hikes or thru-hikes can also find current hiking maps and trail guides and trail reports.