Darnell Creek to Rabun Bald

This fabulous hike starts off with three miles along the scenic Darnell Creek, with cascades and a pretty waterfall view. After reaching Wilson Gap we pick up the Bartram Trail and hike up to the top of Rabun Bald. This part of the Bartram Trail is very secluded. Often we see very few if any hikers here.

After joining the Bartram Trail we climb Double Knob, then Wilson Knob and and a gap before Flat Top Mountain. Along the way we will take a short side trail to some of the best views anywhere. Then we will climb Flat Top, pausing at a switchback that provides clear views across into South Carolina and down to Double Knob below. After levelling off across Flat Top we descend to Saltrock Gap where we begin the long climb to Rabun Bald, the second-highest peak in Georgia. We will stop at the stone observation tower to have lunch and enjoy 360 degree views into Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Rabun Bald is the second highest point in Georgia.

This is an out and back hike. Most of our elevation gain is on the way in. We will hike 15.27 miles and climb 3,117 feet. We will encounter 2 water crossings with one that could be shin/knee deep, or sometimes (rarely) only rock-hopping, depending on conditions. Make sure you have water shoes and poles for this event! Our hiking speed will be about 2.4 miles an hour.

If the above description doesn't make it clear, this is a very rigorous hike that requires recent D5 experience. If you do not have D5 experience in AOC within the last two months, or if the trip leader is unsure of your capabilities, you will be moved to the waitlist. In that event, if you believe you can successfully do this hike you should provide the trip leader with a link to a comparable effort recorded on an app, or with detailed informationm

Parking at the trailhead is very limited, so we will meet at the Clayton Ingles where we will reduce to as few cars as possible. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/rabun-bald-via-darnell- creek?u=i

We will meet at the Ingles in Clayton. If you type "Ingles Clayton" into your GPS (Google or Apple Maps) it will take you to the right place. Here is a link for Google Maps:

https://goo.gl/maps/foL9trA5N VQJxApt5

Park on the right side of the parking lot, and take advantage of the clean restrooms in Ingles (there are no facilities on this hike). You might also consider buying something for lunch. Here we will transfer into two cars. Meeting at the trailhead is not allowed due to the limited parking. 

Please arrive at the Clayton Ingles by 8:40 so we can head to the trailhead around 9.

If you wish to carpool to the Clayton Ingles, contact the trip leader and he will attempt to assist.

AOC Policy