Rabun Bald via the Rabun Bald Trail - Sun, Jan 12 2025

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Rabun Bald via the Rabun Bald Trail


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Ingles in Clayton, GA (arrive by 8:40!)   Hike: Rabun Bald via the Rabun Bald Trail  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Jan 12 2025  9:30 am >> Sun, Jan 12 2025 4:30 pm
Registration Opens: Thu, Jan 2 2025 6:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Jan 11 2025 4:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:15.3 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chuck M
Mahsheed
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This hike approaches Rabun Bald from the east on the Rabun Bald Trail. We will start on Hale Ridge Road (FR 7) approaching from Warwoman Road. We will begin climbing immediately, and continue for three miles, during which we will climb 2,200 feet until we reach Rabun Bald. Along the way we will enjoy beautiful views, sometimes on both sides of the trail. When we reach Rabun Bald we will climb the tower to enjoy 360 degree views into as many as five states (Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina). After enjoying lunch at Rabun Bald (or a nearby depression that is sheltered from the wind), we will continue to Flat Top Mountain on the Bartram Trail, continuing to enjoy great views on the side of the trail. After crossing Flat Top Mountain, we will retrace out steps and return to the start of the route. The hike will cover around 11 miles and almost 3,800 feet of climbing. 

The trails we will hike are beautiful trails that are far less travelled than our beloved AT. So we are likely to enjoy some solitude on this hike. 

Parking at the trailhead is limited, so we will meet at the Clayton Ingles where we will squeeze into the fewest cars possible. 


Required Items to Bring:

Water

Lunch 

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

Clothing appropriate for the weather

Poles

Snacks

Electrolytes

Binoculars

Camera


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

We will meet at the Ingles in Clayton. If you type "Ingles Clayton" into your GPS (Google or Apple Maps) it will take you to the right place. Here is a link for Google Maps:

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

Park on the right side of the parking lot, and take advantage of the clean restrooms in Ingles (there are no facilities on this hike). You might also consider buying something for lunch. Here we will transfer into as few cars as possible. Meeting at the trailhead is not allowed due to the limited parking. 

Please arrive at the Clayton Ingles by 8:40 so we can depart for the trailhead at 9.


Notes:

NOTE: Meeting at the trailhead is not allowed due to the very limited parking available.


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


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