Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Area Status: Open

Sign for the Bartram Trail telling the history of the naturalist and how it relates to the trail

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. His ornithological drawings and writings reflected the lush and intriguing landscape of the Southeast which to this day has yet to be surpassed. Deep in the forest of the Chattooga River District the William Bartram Trail follows the path Mr.Bartram traversed in Georgia, and offers visitors of all ages a chance to experience and see the wilderness as this naturalist once did.

At a Glance

Information Center:	Please contact the Chattooga-River Ranger District for more information at 706-754-6221

Activities

Hiking

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Day Hiking

Most sections of the Bartram Trail in Georgia can be broken up into multiple day-hikes and it often parallels other shorter trails suited for day-trips as well:

Rabun Bald Trail: (2.9 mi) at times arduous, but a rewarding hike due to the 360 degree views which can be enjoyed atop the mountain from a viewing platform. This is also a great place to access the Bartram Trail if you require parking for your vehicle.

Warwoman Dell Nature Trail (.4 mi) a trail ideal for seniors and young children. There is a restroom facility located at the campground as well.

Backpacking

The Bartram Trail in Georgia links up with several other sections of the trail in multiple 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.

The Chattooga River Trail, which shares a portion of the Bartram Trail, and borders North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina following the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, offers 37.5 miles of easy to moderate level hiking. This trail can be accessed from Burrells Ford Rd. on the Chattooga-River Ranger District.