Bartram Trail GA - Chattooga River Floodplain

Summary Just inside of Georgia from South Carolina is the beginning of the Bartram Trail. This ~100 mile footpath extends from the Chattooga River along the GA/SC border, across the highland peaks west of Highlands NC and eventually terminates on top of Cheoah Bald north of Franklin NC.

The section described here is a short fairly level nature hike along the first section of this trail parallel to the Chattooga River floodplain. It is a quiet section which passes through woods, crosses the West Fork of the Chattooga River and skirts above the Chattooga River floodplain.

To get to the starting point, from Walhalla SC take SC 28 north to the Georgia state line (approximately 1/2 hour). From Highlands NC take NC 28 south into Georgia and park at the parking area (see picture below) just before Russell Bridge (SC state line) (about 1/2 hour from Highlands).

Summary The hike begins on the south side of GA 28 opposite the parking area. Look for the trail sign along the side of the road. The footpath rises a short distance out of the road way and then levels out in the woods.

In approximately 0.4 miles, the trail reaches the footbridge across the West Fork of the Chattooga River. After crossing the bridge, the trail turns immediately left and parallels the Chattooga River floodplain below. After approximately 1/4 the trail parallels the Chattooga River for a short distance, and then turns away from the river.

In hiking this trail we turned around after approximately 1 mile from the starting point. The trail continues beyond.

Miles	~1 round trip to foot bridge / ~2 mile round trip
Road Maps	Good Maps: Georgia Northern Road Map Oconee County SC Street Map South Carolina Highway Map Georgia Highway Map North Carolina Highway Map
Other Area Guides	Georgia Atlas & Gazetteer North Carolina Atlas & Gazetteer Rabun County Outdoor Companion Hiking Trails of North Georgia Waterfall Hikes of Upstate SC Foothills Trail Guidebook Hiking South Carolina Long Trails of the Southeast Trekking the Southern Appalachians South Carolina Atlas & Gazetteer Other GA Guides Other SC Guides USA Guides
Local Lodging	Seneca SC Clemson SC Clayton GA Franklin NC South Carolina Georgia North Carolina

	Southern Explorer
Chattooga River Flood Plain - Bartram Trail

Southern Explorer