Bartram Trail Permit: Route
Bartram Trail is in Chattahoochee-Oconee & Nantahala National Forests, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 110 miles.
This guide covers the Bartram Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free (no permit; dispersed camping under standard national forest rules)
Permit Cost
8-12 days for a thru-hike; most people section-hike it over multiple trips
Duration
110 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Bartram Trail
Walk about 110 miles from the Chattooga River on the Georgia-South Carolina line to Cheoah Bald in North Carolina, retracing naturalist William Bartram's 1770s route through the Chattahoochee-Oconee and Nantahala National Forests.
The Bartram Trail
- Distance
- 110 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- High point
- 5,342 ft
- Trip length
- 8-12 days for a thru-hike; most people section-hike it over multiple trips
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Russell Bridge (Southern Terminus), Jones Gap, Hickory Knoll Road, Wallace Branch Trailhead, Winding Stairs Parking Area
Southern Blue Ridge / Nantahala Mountains. Nearest town: Clayton, GA (south end); Franklin, NC (mid-trail); Robbinsville, NC (north end)
Points along the route
- Russell Bridge (Southern Terminus)Mile 0, 1,593 ft
- Rainy MountainMile 15.2, 2,940 ft
- Wilson GapMile 27.3, 3,212 ft
- Rabun BaldMile 32.3, 4,696 ft
- Bartram Trail map kiosk (Rabun County, GA)Mile 40.2, 3,690 ft
- Jones GapMile 46.8, 4,349 ft
- Trail viewpoint (Fishhawk Range spine)Mile 53.9, 3,106 ft
- Hickory Knoll RoadMile 56.1, 2,103 ft
- Wallace Branch TrailheadMile 67.5, 2,240 ft
- Wayah BaldMile 78.9, 5,342 ft
- Lake NantahalaMile 86.4, 3,026 ft
- Appletree CampgroundMile 92.2, 2,724 ft
- BeechertownMile 102.1, 2,566 ft
- Winding Stairs Parking AreaMile 104.7, 1,953 ft
- Cheoah Bald (Northern Terminus)Mile 110, 5,043 ft
Bartram Trail permit detailsandAll Chattahoochee-Oconee & Nantahala National Forests permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Bartram Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Bartram Trail route?
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The route is 110 miles, as a point-to-point.
How difficult is the Bartram Trail route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Where does the Bartram Trail route start?
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The permit covers 5 entry points: Russell Bridge (Southern Terminus), Jones Gap, Hickory Knoll Road.
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