William Bartram one America’s earliest natural born botanist, Bartram explored North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in the 1770’s documenting the plants, climate, geology and culture of the people of this period and paved the way for future development. In 1791 Bartram published his “Travels” which was an account of his travels through the southeast.
I met my friend Don at Oconee State Park in South Carolina, there we left one car then drove to the Warwoman Dell in Georgia to hang a food cache and on to Franklin North Carolina to meet our shuttle. We arrived at the Buckeye Creek trailhead around 5:00PM to begin our hike on Bartram Trail. 
We would begin this hike in North Carolina and hike 19-miles to the Georgia state line then continue for 36.5-miles to the Hwy 28 Bridge crossing the Chattooga River into South Carolina and taking the Chattooga River trail for 4-miles finally picking up the Foothills Trail for 8 miles to our car in Oconee SP. Total miles 68.5.
The weather forecast was about as perfect as anyone could ask for in the fall in the southeast; warm days with nights in the low to mid 30’s. I packed accordingly and soon found I didn’t need the additional insulation, the first night was the coldest, inside my tent it was 48°F…I awoke to a Sweat-Fest!
From the beginning of this section of the Bartram the trail is well maintained with appropriately placed switchbacks making the climbs easy. And long ridge walks with views of the valley below splashed with fall color.
Another school bus lost in the woods.
My camp, Gossamer Gear The One tent, Mariposa pack and LT4 trekking poles, Western Mountaineering down bag, Exped UL7 mat and Sawyer Squeeze water filter.
Garter snake 
Hunting season is open in the southeast, we met two fine dogs on the trail this Redbone and a black and white Walker both had been hunting bears…oh my. Their owner was in the parking lot when I crossed over Hwy 107, he was tracking the dogs with a hand held antenna and each dog wore a small transmitter. We would see more of their kind later on. 
Squirrels hard at work.
Entering Georgia I laughed when I saw this little sign especially knowing the Gaps in GA had large boulders with the location and distance beautifully chiseled in each one…true craftsmanship. But, I was happy to see this little sign just the same. 
Flossy here was with her owners and eager to get after squirrels, she wouldn’t be the last hunting dog we would encounter. 
Observation tower on Rabun Bald, at 4,696-feet is Georgia’s second highest in elevation. Don said we camped over yonner.
One of many boulders marking distance and location in Georgia. 
Breakfast at Martin Creek Falls
Warwoman Dell “The Warwoman was a beloved Cherokee dignitary who voiced the decision of the Council on war and peace. These “pretty women” had the power to decide the fate of captives. Legend states each spring this woman visited the Dell to preside over rituals.” Information obtained from the USFS sign at the Dell. 
We did good, bears didn’t find the food cache. 
View from my tent along the Chattooga River. 
The Hwy 28 Bridge crossing the Chattooga River into South Carolina.
Trail marker at the ending/beginning of the Bartram Trail in Georgia.
Entering South Carolina on the Chattooga River Trail
Who could pass up a campsite with chairs and a view of the river?
This dog won’t hunt, but his counterparts were hot on the scent of a bear and we were caught up in the middle of a hunt.
Move over and let ‘m boys get on by, there’s a bear up a tree…hear ‘m dogs.
Fire Tower on Long Mountain at the Oconee SP boundary.
This dog won’t hunt either, her name is Tickle, she’s a hiker and she’s setting out on the Foothills Trail for a few days.
Oconee SP and the end of a GREAT HIKE with GREAT WEATHER and a GREAT HIKING PARTNER…he was already in the car with food on his mind.
Tagged: nature, trips
