Tallulah Falls, Tallulah Gorge, Habersham County & Northeast GA

Rabun Bald is Georgia's second highest mountain at 4,696 feet, second only to Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet). The 14,000-acre "preserve" is located on a ridge-top within a few miles of the Georgia - North Carolina border. Surrounded on all sides by the vacation homes of the well heeled, Rabun Bald truly is an oasis for the eyes.

The main ridgeline of Rabun Bald is part of is the Eastern Continental Divide. The rivers that flow down the Northern side of the ridge drain into the Tennessee/Mississippi River systems. The rivers that flow down the Southern slope of the ridge eventually drain into the Atlantic Ocean.

One Indian legend from many years ago tells of a young warrior who wanted to marry a Catawba Indian woman. The Chief of the Catawba tribe told the young warrior that he would have to find a place where the land divided the waters before he would be allowed to marry a woman from his tribe. Basically the warrior had to find a place that was thought to not exist. We can only imagine his surprise when he came across the Eastern Continental Divide on Rabun Bald. Unfortunately, upon his return to tell the Chief what he had found, he was not given permission to marry the Catawba woman. Since the two lovers were not given permission to marry they ran away together and eventually settled in Hiawassee, GA.

At the top of Rabun Bald is an observation tower where the views have been described as the best in the state. On a clear day you can see for well over a hundred miles, including as far away as the mountains of the Great Smoky Mountain Park. If you should decide to hike up to the top of the mountain, make sure to take note of all the different plants and trees that grow on and around Rabun Bald. Mountain ash, wildflowers, rhododendron, and scarlet oak are just a few of the many trees and flowers growing in the area. However, beware of one other Cherokee Indian legend in relation to Rabun Bald. It is believed that a race of fire breathing people live on the Bald, and to this day campers and hikers report occasionally hearing strange sounds while they are spending time on the mountain.

Trail Information
This trail is considered somewhat strenuous. Please be sure to plan ahead and pack plenty of fluids and food to help sustain you through the hike.

Facing the trailhead there are two paths to follow. The path on the right is a road and the path on the left is a rocky trail. Take the rocky trail on the left to begin this loop hike. The trail climbs from the parking area quickly plunging you into a pine hardwood forest. The grade is a constant uphill climb and is without any flat spots. This leg of the trip takes you through a quiet pine forest for approximately 3/4 of a mile. It may seem longer because of the uphill climb. The forest here consists of oaks, pine trees and scattered rhododendron.

After a 15 to 20 minute walk the unblazed trail junctions with the yellow blazed Bartram Trail. Turn north (right) and follow the trail for another 3/4 of a mile or a 20-minute walk. The winter views through the barren trees are of the rolling Georgia Mountains. The trail here is named in honor of William Bartram, the 18th century botanist that explored this area in search of new and un-cataloged plants.

Follow the Bartram Trail for another 15 minutes to a trail junction with the road that you left at the parking lot. At this gap, a sign points the way (north) to Rabun Bald. The trail sign has been rather defaced with some graffiti and the exact mileage is difficult to read, but it is 0.5 miles. At this point in the trail there is a nice area with a fire ring, surrounded by some large rocks. It can make a good point to rest and catch a drink of water before your final ascent to the top.

Now begins the final climb to the summit and observation tower. For the remaining one half mile the trail becomes damp and is lined with rhododendron and blueberry bushes. The appearance of blueberry bushes and mountain ash indicates that you are now above 4000 feet in elevation. The trees are weather beaten and covered with moss. Most are below 20 feet in height. As you approach the summit, the trail becomes bathed in sunlight and you can see clearing ahead of you. All at once you come out into the open at the base of the observation tower, where there are flat stone markers engraved with trail directions. One points the way for the Bartram Trail, should you want to continue that track.

A quick climb up the stairway to the observation tower opens a 360º panorama of rolling mountains. The tower platform is conveniently lined with benches so you can take photos, eat your lunch, or simply relax and drink in the views.

On the return trip, back track down the trail to the trail junction .5 mile below the summit. Take the left trail (old road) for a different view on the trip back. This short walk down give you views of the ridgeline and the vacation homes below.

The land surrounding Rabun Bald is owned and administered by the US Forest Service. Camping is not prohibited but the standard rules apply. The yellow blazed Bartram Trail follows the ridge tops and camping is permitted along the trail. A designated camping area complete with water and graded spots for tents is further north approximately 4 miles.

Directions
From Tallulah Falls, go north US-23/GA Hwy. 441 North through Clayton and into Dillard. Turn right onto GA Hwy. 246 towards Sky Valley and Highlands, NC. Go approximately 4 miles and turn right towards Sky Valley onto Old Mud Creek Road. (There is a water wheel and service station on the corner.) Go approximately 3 miles and turn right onto Kelsey Mountain Road. Look for the Forest Service sign for Rabun Bald Trail and park in the designated parking area, making sure not to block anyone's driveway.

Scenic Attractions

Rabun Bald