Rabun Bald and Flat Top Mountain

Very nice 9 mile "out and back" hike via the Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald, the second highest spot in Georgia at 4695 feet.

This hike had a nice east grade to the peak and observation tower than the trail on the opposite side of the mountain. 

In this area we had flaming azalea and rhododendren blooming.

This hike will be a 9 mile hike (out and back) to Flat Top Mountain and Rabun Bald via the Bartram Trail. The hike will start and end at Wilson Gap. 

This will be a day hike (6 to 7 hours) and is considered difficult because of it's 1300 feet vertical climb.

At 1.6 miles there will be a view to the south of the mountains fading into piedmont and South Carolina. We should have nice views from Flat Top Mountain also. From Flat Top the Bartram Trail descends to Saltrock Gap, where farmers use to place salt for the cattle during summer grazing.

The trail will work it's way up the west side of Rabun Bald. At the peak will be a stone viewing tower, at an elevation of 4696 feet. Rabun Bald is the second highest peak in Georgia. 

From this spot, last year, I could see the fires burning in North Carolina.

The return hike to the trailhead will be on the same trail.