Warwoman to the Pinnacle via Bartram Trail

Maybe the third try, and Lisa as co-lead, will be the charm - last two postings were cancelled due to rain.

When we hike in the mountains, we all love to see waterfalls, hear the sound of water tumbling over rocks and gaze at spectacular views. This hike has all of the above with the added bonus of not one, but two beautiful waterfalls.

Let's hike along one of Georgia's longest trails - the Bartram Trail - starting at Warwoman Dell and climbing roughly 1800 feet to Pinnacle Knob.

Carpools and solo travellers will meet in the Warwoman Dell Recreation Area. After introductions, we will begin by passing an old fish hatchery built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp before crossing the road to hike northward on the Bartram Trail. We are quickly rewarded with our first waterfall - Becky Branch Falls. The small bridge here has been washed out. We will either rock hop across (it's very doable) or take a parallel path on the other side of the creek. Leaving Becky Branch Falls, we continue on the BT for roughly a mile. Heading north into Finney Creek valley, we will be hiking above Martin Creek through a lush forest of ferns, magnolias and hemlocks. At just over 2 miles into our hike we reach Martin Creek Falls, a beautiful two-tiered waterfall that is twice the height of Becky Branch Falls. We’ll stop briefly at the viewing platform to enjoy this beautiful waterfall.

We now begin our ascent to Pinnacle Knob. At 3.2 miles we will turn left and away from the BT for the final ascent to Pinnacle Knob. Most of our elevation gain for the hike will be in these final two sections. It is not a gentle climb, nor is it brutal. But it is well-rewarded by a breathtaking view from the top. Once we reach “the Pinnacle”, we will stop for lunch, relax and enjoy the view before descending and returning to Warwoman Dell.

This will be a moderately paced hike (overall average pace of 2.5 mph). We will stay together as a group - so no hiking ahead or dropping far back. In other words, it is NOT a go at your own pace hike. The elevation gain for this hike is approximately 1800 feet though it is never overly steep or strenuous. This is for many hikers the ideal mountain hike.

But….it is NOT a beginner's hike. You should have solid D4 and up hiking history though challenging D3's on your hiking resume should also be fine. Otherwise, we'll be contacting you to confirm you are ready and will be happy on this hike. If you are new to the club, you are most welcome and encouraged to email the trip leaders your recent hiking history when you sign up.

If you are carpooling, please arrive at the Indian Trail Park & Ride at 5 to 10 minutes early so we are ready to roll at 7:15 am. We will stop at Ingles in Clayton for a pit stop before heading to the trail head. If you are traveling separately, please arrive 10-15 minutes early at the trailhead to be ready to begin the hike promptly at 9:00 am.

We should finish this hike by 2:00 pm and be back to carpool location by 3:30-4:00 pm.

Parking is free but limited. There is no restroom at the trailhead.

From the park and ride take I-85 North to I-985 North. I-985 turns into GA 365/US 23/US 441. In Clayton, pull into the Ingles parking lot (right just past Rickman Street). From there, continue east onto Rickman Street. Follow Rickman Street for approximately 0.5 mile to its end at Warwoman Road. Turn 
right onto Warwoman Road and proceed approximately 2.3 miles to the Warwoman Dell Recreation Area. Turn right on a gravel road leading to the parking lot (it comes up quick after a sharp turn). Park in the first parking area on the left, but there is more parking available at the end of the drive.