Rabun Bald via Darnell Creek Trail and Bartram Trail

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Rabun Bald via Darnell Creek Trail and Bartram Trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Ingles in Clayton, GA

Hike: Rabun Bald via Darnell Creek Trail and Bartram Trail

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, May 9 2026 9:00 am >> Sat, May 9 2026 4:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Mon, Apr 20 2026 7:05 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, May 8 2026 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

7 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

15 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Clay Davies

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Please join me for one of my favorite hikes in GA, Rabun Bald via Darnell Creek Trail. We start off hiking uphill along the scenic Darnell Creek before ending with a great waterfall. We then arrive at Wilson Gap where we jump on the Bartram Trail to the top of Rabun Bald, the second-highest peak in Georgia with an elevation of 4,696 feet.

We will have our lunch at the observation tower while enjoying the spectacular 360 degree views. After lunch, we will head back retracing our steps. Elevation is over 3,000 feet and with over 15 miles, this is a challenging D5. We will encounter 1 water crossing in the first quarter mile that is usually knee deep. Make sure you have water shoes and trekking poles. Plan on 2.5-3.0 mph moving time.

You must have recent D5 experience with the club. If you do not have any D5 hikes within the last two months, you will be moved to the waitlist.

Required Items to Bring:

Water

Lunch

Trekking Poles

Water Shoes

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

Electrolytes

Clothing appropriate for the weather

Snacks

Insect repellent

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

We will meet at the Ingles in Clayton. This will be your last chance to use a public restroom. We will consolidate into 2-3 vehicles. Meeting at the trailhead is not allowed due to the limited parking.

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

Park on the right side of the parking lot, Please arrive at the Clayton Ingles no later than 8:45 so we can head to the trailhead promptly at 9:00.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

194Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $77.60 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.

Registration for this event opens at 4/20/2026 7:05:00 PM