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Chattooga River Russell Bridge
Bartram Trailhead Georgia

Hiking Trail Map & Guide

Mountain River Flood Plain, GA

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 - Approximate GPS Coordinates 34º55'12.43"N  83º10'09.05"W).  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 mile 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.

 


Bartram Trail - Russell Bridge, GA - Approximate Trail Profile

Chattooga Flood Plain - Bartram Trail GA


Miles  ~1 round trip to foot bridge / ~2 mile round trip
Road Maps Good Maps:
    Oconee County SC Street Map
    South Carolina 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
    Trekking the Southern Appalachians
    South Carolina Atlas & Gazetteer
    Other NC Guides
    Other GA Guides
    USA Guides

Bartram Trail Parking Lot
Bartram Trail Parking Lot

Bartram Trail Stone Marker
Bartram Trail Stone Marker

Bartram Trail Sign
Bartram Trail Sign

Tulip Poplar Along Bartram Trail
Tulip Poplar

West Fork of Chattooga River, GA
West Fork Chattooga River from Bartram Trail Footbridge - looking upstream

West Fork Chattooga River, GA from Bartram Trail Footbridge
West Fork Chattooga River from Bartram Trail Bridge - looking downstream

Chattooga River Flood Plain along Bartram Trail
Chattooga River Flood Plain Along Bartram Trail

 

Chattooga River from Bartram Trail, GA
Chattooga River from Bartram Trail

West Fork Chattooga River Foot Bridge on Bartram Trail
Footbridge Over West Fork of Chattooga River


Revised 01/2007