While it may seem like it would be simple to just paddle fast and give a good solid stroke upon landing to continue downstream, this rapid can stop even the most advanced paddler on a dime. I called a friend to get me to the Southern Terminus and left my car at public parking by the NOC. I found a few old blogs people had written about their adventures, some with trail notes. The adventure had its fair share of surprises from day one, and in the months since the hike, a lot of other things in life have changed. 28 in South Carolina the Chattooga River Trail goes N along the river and . Highlands This hike occurred on Saturday, June 11th, 2016. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. On his journey, he gathered and documented botanical specimens from this area's extremely biodiverse forests, and according to history books, documented well over a hundred new species of flora and fauna. We miss her dearly. Share sensitive information only ) or https:// means you've safely Rice Creek Conservation Area While this hike is actually in Georgia, the parking for it is in South Carolina, and you'll walk across the state line as you cross the Highway 76 bridge across the Chattooga River. Keep in mind one thing, however: while the trail is named "Chattooga River Trail", much of the trail (or at least this segment of it) is not within sight of the Chattooga. Lula Lake Land Trust A few years ago, my wife suggested we go for a day hike on the Chattooga River Trail, which is one of the trails that parallels its namesake river in both Georgia and South Carolina. Black Rock Mountain State Park Of course, while these factors made me a little nervous, they also drew me to the trail. Sopchoppy The Georgia portion of the trail is entirely in the Chattooga River District of the Chattahoochee National Forest and is managed by the United States Forest Service. Contrast these mountain views with a walk around Nantahala Lake (NOBOs turn right at the road and follow it until you reach the Phillips 66 gas station; there is no blazing here.) Newport A stacked-stone chimney and scattered household remnants are all that remains of the house. VISIT OUR SHOP Vogel State Park The Bartram Trail continues to descend, passing through several campsites and an impressive slot canyon on Martin Creek. Chattooga River (Second) Johnny Molloy 2013-06-03 Lace up your boots, grab this guide, and explore the great outdoors! Thru-hiking Cohutta Wilderness Unaka Mountain Wilderness Mountains-to-Sea Trail Bull Sluice is a Class V Rapid on the Chattooga River. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. ABOUT What if the trail was too overgrown? Colorful, rounded pebbles and rocks fill the rivers bed, clearly visible in the nearly crystal-clear water. Dec 2011 Solo. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. When I was frequenting this segment, I ran it conservatively at lower water levels when most of the rapids were a bit easier to manage. Chatsworth After 10 miles of hiking, the Chattooga River Trail intersects and combines with the Bartram Trail. Covers the NC Bartram Trail (60 mi. The river experiences recreational use and traffic by locals and non-locals year round, offering rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and whitewater carnage-gawking opportunities. Continued failures will lock your account. Many of them intersect, share trailheads and access points. Balsam Lake Recreation Area Orlando Area Little River Canyon National Preserve Enter your email address to subscribe for trail reports: March 2021 Mountain City Mark Oleg OzboydI'm an avid outdoor explorer and a hobbyist landscape photographer. November 2016 Fort Payne Glasgow His ornithological drawings and writings reflected the lush and intriguing landscape of the Southeast which to this day has yet to be surpassed. Basinger Double Springs I recommend section 4 for the scenery and thrill. Covington If you're interested in overnight hiking, camping isn't allowed within 100 feet of the . All along the trails length are signs identifying plant species, many of which were originally identified by William Bartram. The Bartram Trail was going to be different. GPS and Coordinates This moderately difficult, 15.5-mile trail runs parallel to the famous Chattooga River and through some of the finest wilderness in South Carolina. As the topography begins to level and take the shape of the riverbed to its right, the end of the trail is near. Hayesville And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. Sweetwater Creek State Park William Bartram, the distinguished explorer, naturalist and writer who embarked on a four-year journey traveling through eight southern colonies in 1773, not only discovered new and unique native fauna and wildlife for our region, but recorded them in stunning sketches and drawings. Whitehall For some reason, it won't let me see your email. Ocala Area Virgin Falls State Natural Area connected to the .gov website. (If youre hiking southbound and using a shuttle, this is the location where youll need to arrange for pickup. Topsail Hill State Park And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. Smithgall Woods State Park Panama City Area Hike the Chattooga River Trail from Russell Bridge, exploring an old abandoned homestead, and ending at the Chattoogas ultra-scenic river banks at Adeline Ford. Fort Myers Area The river is divided into sections for paddling/rafting purposes. Bankhead National Forest The trail is blazed continuously except for the optional road walk and is normally hiked in 10 days. Wekiwa Springs State Park 1. When we got to the trail, we parked right at the southern terminus of the Bartram Trail because the Chattooga River Trail coincides with the Bartram Trail for a short segment before branching off. I will be glad to send you the GPS track of my hike. Be sure you are prepared with proper gear for night time low temperatures of 20 F and can hike . Oneida Lake George Wild Forest In the meantime, may the wind be at your back, may the sun shine upon your face, and may your feet find their way to the trail of your dreams soon. Rome Sure enough, when I hiked the BT in 2011, I didn't encounter a single other hiker. Buzz: Ainsley Thurston had 5 goals for LHP (12-6). on the Chattooga-River Ranger District. Or to catch sight of another beautiful cascading waterfall, cross the Georgia border into South Carolina to visit the stunning Issaqueena Falls, a several-hundred-foot cascading fall thats accessible by a short quarter mile hike. Cordele The Travels of William Bartram, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bartram_Trail&oldid=1089928155, This page was last edited on 26 May 2022, at 11:33. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. ,[3] 4,696 feet (1,431m), the second-highest point in the state, along the Eastern Continental Divide. July 2017 Kelly Park The Bartram Trail stretches approximately 114 miles from the Georgia-South Carolina border to Cheoah Bald in North Carolina. Nick is a freelance photojournalist, based in Atlanta, Georgia with professional affiliations to several media and photographic production firms. Big South Fork National Recreation Area I apologize if any of my friends are reading this post and finding out about the move for the first time I havent even had time to tell everyone yet! United States. So whether you want to attempt to cover the entire 36.3 mile portion in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, or connect up with one of the other sections, opportunities are many for backpackers. Waterfalls in Georgia: top hikes and adventures to more than twenty falls, Atlantas best hiking trails our top 10 favorite hikes, North Georgia hiking trails our top 10 favorite hikes, Seven Georgia waterfall hikes, two miles or less, Georgia Appalachian Trail: great Georgia hikes under 6 miles, Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap, NC, Cumberland Island camping, hiking, and backpacking guide, Lake Conasauga: Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, Slaughter Mountain and Lake Winfield Scott Loop, AT Approach Trail: hiking Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain, Hike these 10 great Georgia hikes to Georgias best views, Unicoi Gap to Rocky Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, Sope Creek Trail: hiking the mill ruins and pond loop, Our favorite spots to hang an ENO hammock. Now more than ever, our favorite outdoor spaces are playing an important role in our lives. Econfina Creek Wildife Management Area Mccaysville Whether were out in nature or home in our backyards, remember that its our role to protect the lands we love. South Cumberland State Park There is parking just north on Sandy Ford Road, for those looking to park a pickup vehicle or have a shuttle waiting. Tampa Bay Area This is because the Chattooga River straddles the Georgia/South Carolina border for much of its length. It loosely follows botanist William Bartrams route when he documented the various plants unknown to Western explorers in the 18th century. Its a relatively easy hike despite the distance, thanks to the rivers nearly flat, gently rolling banks. Kolomoki Mounds State Park This ascent was a bit longer than I had expected, and a bit too difficult for my liking at a hike's ending. Bull Sluice is a rapid that pours over a limestone rock face, with a large, partially (or fully, depending on the water level) submerged boulder right in the middle known as Decap Rock. The river channels all of its force around a large boulder outcrop and pushes the water over this ledge, hence the term sluice. One must navigate strong currents to paddle left (easier) or right (harder) of Decap Rock. December 2018 5980 Radio Station Rd. This process of repeatedly rolling up only to get flipped again is known as being window shaded. Not good. May 2014 Elizabethton Somewhere not far upstream from this location is a Class IV rapid called Painted Rock. I produced a similar short video series on the Bartram Trail. Virginia The power of the water combined with the shape of the rocks create a large area where current is moving in reverse of the flow of the river, so it is hard for whatever is stuck in the rapid to gain access to downstream moving water. June 2016 When we separated from the Bartram Trail, I remember saying I wonder where that goes. And so the seed was planted and my fascination with the Bartram Trail began. Green River Game Lands I am this way in most things in life. The southern terminus of the Bartram Trail is at its intersection with Georgia State Route 28 at the South Carolina state line. Raven Cliffs Wilderness It is 5 episodes in total: an Intro to the hike, 3 episodes covering the sights and sounds of the journey with some behind the scenes commentary, and then a logistics and planning episode to cap off the series and help you with your own exploration of the Bartram Trail. Cumberland Trail 2009 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia. Linville Gorge Wilderness April 2017 Chillhowee Recreation Area The hike weaves through a wildlife and wildflower-rich forest to the remains of an old homestead, catching some great views of the scenic river throughout the hike, and exploring some beautiful riverine forest along the way. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest I don't know if this is the mileage to the crossing of the road at Rock Creek or the trailhead itself, but either way, the mileage was a bit more on my GPS. LockA locked padlock May 2017 Bring dry socks for sleeping and a proper rain kit. Therefore, Bull Sluice requires a certain level of skill and confidence to paddle safely. Cornelia Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Try this 34.1-mile point-to-point trail near Clayton, Georgia. Ocala National Forest I suggest tackling the Bartram Trail northbound. The Bartram Trail hike definitely had a few curve balls in it, which I will tell you about in due time. Class IV Rapid called Painted Rock ) or right ( harder ) of Decap Rock this map shows approximate... Welcome and may be off-leash in some areas called Painted Rock I &! To level and take the shape of the Trail is a freelance photojournalist, based Atlanta... When I hiked the BT in 2011, I didn & # x27 ; t encounter a single other.... 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