Rabun Bald and Flint Knob on the Bartram Trail

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Rabun Bald and Flint Knob on the Bartram Trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Ingles Market in Clayton, GA

Hike: Rabun Bald and Flint Knob on the Bartram Trail

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Jan 24 2026 9:15 am >> Sat, Jan 24 2026 2:35 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sat, Jan 17 2026 7:00 am

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jan 23 2026 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours 20 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

11 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Chuck M

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Come join me on a hike on the Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald, one of my favorite destinations in Georgia, and on to Flint Knob. We will meet at the Ingles in Clayton and transfer to as few cars as possible before heading to the trailhead where FR 7 (also known as Hale Ridge Road) crosses the Bartram Trail. We will hike south on the Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald, hiking along streams and past small waterfalls before the final steep climb to Rabun Bald. At Rabun Bald we will ascend the stone tower to the wooden deck with fabulous views into Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennesee, and maybe even Alabama. If the weather is good we will want to enjoy our lunch on the observation tower. If it is too cold, I know a special place that is sheltered from the weather. After leaving the tower we will hike down Bertram Trail down the other (South) side of Rabun Bald, where we will pick up a side-trail leading to Flint Knob. Then we will return to the Bartram Trail where we will ascend Rabun Bald again. After a brief break at the tower we head back to our start on the Bartram Trail to our start.

Our hike will cover 11 miles and 2,650 feet of climbing, a low-level D5. Those who are familiar with the Bartram Trail know it is a beautiful, well maintained trail that is far less travelled than our beloved AT. We are likely to enjoy some solitude on this hike.

Parking at the trailhead is very limited, so we will meet at the Clayton Ingles where we will squeeze into the fewest cars possible. We will aim for an 8:30 arrival to and 8:45 departure from Ingles. Meeting at the trailhead is not permitted on this event, but meeting at Ingles is fine.

Here is a map of the hike:

Required Items to Bring:

Water

Lunch

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Poles

Snacks

How to Get There:

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

210Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $84.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.