Rescheduled: Chattooga River/Bartram Trail, Warwoman Dell to Russell Bridge

Due to forecasts of heavy rain, this event was rescheduled from the original date of Feb 10-11.

Join me as we backpack a nice long section of the Bartram Trail.  We'll start at Warwoman Dell.  After everyone gets their gear situated, we will shuttle as many cars as possible up to Russell Bridge and return.  

Beginning at Warwoman Dell (elevation 1,950'), we will follow the Bartram Trail generally southeast gradually climbing over the next few miles.  Continuing just north of Rainy Mountain at an elevation of 2,582' we will continue on to the high point of out hike, an unnamed peak at mile 4.6 (2,745').  From there, we will gradually decend over the next 4 plus miles to the Chattooga River and Sandy Ford, the lowest point on our hike at 1,625'.  We'll continue a short distance to Dicks Creek Falls and choose one of the many campsites in the area.  This area is heavily used due to the accessability of Sandy Ford Road, but hopefully it won't be too bad in the winter.  We should hike about 9-10 miles on the first day.

We'll set up camp, relax and have dinner.  Hopefully we will be able to have a nice campfire if the conditions are good.  After a good nights sleep and breakfast, we'll break camp and head northeast on the Chattooga River / Bartram Trail.  This section of the trail roughly parallels the river with occasional views of the river.  We'll hike along with little elevation gain for the next 8-9 miles before reaching the end of our hike at the Russell Bridge.  

I will have my 2 dogs with me.  Up to 2 more well behaved dogs will be allowed on the trip.  

Disclaimer:  I haven't hiked this section of trail before.  But I have good maps, guidebook and a gps, so I don't anticipate any issues with the route.  

Poor weather conditions will result in a postponement or cancellation.  Although at a relatively low elevation, this is still a winter trip.  You should be prepared for winter conditions.

From the park and ride, take I85 north for about 11 miles.  Exit left onto I985.  Stay straight on this road as it becomes US441 all the way to Clayton.  We will stop at Burger King on the right and regroup and go from there.