Stretching from the Georgia-North Carolina southwest border, Bartram Trail is a National Recreation Trail. This is the famous route that explorer William Bartram took in the 18th century from North Carolina to Louisiana. Several landmarks along the Bartram Trail are poorly maintained and directional routes are left unmarked. The early inhabitants of this area are the Cherokee as accounted by John Bartram, the father of William who was appointed by King George III as Botanist Royal.

John usually takes William on these trips to explore the southeast region which influenced him to take this trail as he grew up. So when William Bartram turned 35, he took the first journey of this trail in 1771 where the traverse ran from Georgia to Augusta and the Savannah River.

The Augusta section of the trail had been destroyed by human settlements and some structural developments. Nevertheless, the Tallulah Ranger District is still well maintained. The trail begins at the border and then goes past Georgia’s second highest peak which is the Rabun Bald. At the North Carolina border’s south end, the Bartram Trail intersects with Hale Ridge Road which runs from the southwest and then past Raven Knob. There are numerous uphill and downhill paths that lead further to approximately 3 miles along the trail where you can expect a gradual ascent to the Rabun Bald.

As you climb up to Rabun Bald, the path becomes rocky until it reaches a viewing deck where it offers a 360-dgree panoramic view of the whole area. This trek can just be a day’s hike for most experienced hikers. From this point you can pace downhill and then ascend to Flat Top where you can view the beauty of Wilson Knob. Moving further south on this trail, you will reach Raven’s Knob where a couple of waterfalls are nestled. Situated in this area are Martin’s Creek and Warwoman Dell’s Becky Branch Falls. Nearby an old rail grade is still visible which is bound up towards the mountain.

From Warwoman Dell, alternate access points make an intersection here. Marking the end of this section is Dick’s Creek Falls wherein it merges with the Chattooga River Trail. Making a crossing prior to returning parallel to Chattooga, the trail moves away from the river. Yet you may also stay and do some outdoor activities at the river where kayaking serves as an attraction in the area. The west area of the river where a bridge crosses over it also completes this section of the Appalachian Trail.