Welcome to the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail, the 112 mile footpath that celebrates nature, art, and cultural history. Join us on the journey to protect this corridor for all to enjoy.
The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail spans 112 miles of breathtaking landscapes, connecting nature lovers to The Appalachian Trail. Experience stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and a rich tapestry of flora along this remarkable journey.
Nov. 8, 2025 
9AM - 3PM Location TBD — likely hosted on our NC section of trail. Please bring work gloves, good boots, plenty of water, lunch, any meds you might need and esprit de corps....
Nov. 14, 2025
9AM - 5PM This month we’re taking our hike early! We’ll be hiking from the Macon County Fairgrounds to Lazy Hiker in downtown Franklin. Afterwards we’ll have some brews on Bartram. Newcomers are...
Nov. 21, 2025
9AM - 3PM Location TBD — likely hosted on our GA section of trail. Please bring work gloves, good boots, plenty of water, lunch, any meds you might need and esprit de corps....
Nov. 25, 2025
1PM - 4PM Join us for smaller projects on the Bartram Trail–this is a great opportunity for anyone new to trail work! Please bring work gloves, good boots, plenty of water, lunch, any...
The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy was founded in 1977 by eleven North Carolinians to preserve the legacy of botanist William Bartram. Key figures like Walter G. McKelvey, Charles Moore, and Dr. J. Dan Pittillo helped establish the trail, working alongside the U.S. Forest Service to mark and build the trail in the Nantahala National Forest. Today, the Conservancy has over 200 members and continues its mission to honor Bartram’s spirit and protect the natural world for future generations.
Become a vital part of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy. Your support through donations or participation in events helps preserve this beautiful trail for future generations.
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Less experienced hikers might benefit from hiking more popular sections, where access is easier and where they might feel more comfortable knowing that there are other hikers close by to answer questions about logistics, trail conditions, and so on. Most of the major access points for the trail in North Carolina have informational kiosks.
Popular Sections/Trailheads include: Warwoman Dell, Wallace Branch, Little Tennessee River Greenway, Wayah Bald, & Appletree Campground
Whether planning a day hike on the Bartram Trail or an extended trip, consider your abilities for elevation gain and the associated distances, as these are two major factors in enjoying your hike. Many of the Bartram sections are also easier to travel north to south, as there is a general loss of elevation as one proceeds south, particularly in Georgia. Regardless, if you are not an experienced hiker, start with hikes under five miles, and check our website for information on trail conditions.
Short Answer: the best time to hike is anytime you can get away on the trail & anytime there is a weather forecast that doesn’t have dangerous conditions as a possibility.
Long Answer: Spring and Fall are the two seasons most pleasant for hiking, as well as the two seasons when wildflowers are the most spectacular. Depending on the section you’re hiking, hikers must prepare for stream crossings, steep elevation gains and losses, uneven and rocky terrain, lack of water, rapidly changing weather conditions, or all of the above. Temperatures are cooler at the higher elevations, and summer rains can leave a hiker chilled to the point of hypothermia if caught unprepared. Winter can include crisp, bright, warm days followed by subfreezing temperatures, snow, and/or ice. The Bartram Trail passes through a high rainfall area, with over 100 inches of rain in a year not uncommon. Choose a time and difficulty that will best suit what you are looking to gain/experience with your BT hike!
Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace:
HERE is a blog post that goes more in depth on having a safe trail experience. In short:
Yes, but it is advised to keep your pets leashed and under control. Bear, deer, coyotes, and many other animals share the forest that the Bartram trail passes through. A dog you think might be under your control but unleashed could take off after anything, and you might spend a long time trying to find it – and it could have had a bad encounter resulting in injuries or death. Also, it is respectable to other hikers who may not appreciate dogs, as well as other dog owners who keep their dogs leashed.
You can submit a trail story by emailing our Membership Development Coordinator, Fiona Howell. Her email is fiona@blueridgebartram.org. Make sure you include your name, any pictures & captions you want, and a story you are comfortable with us posting on our site and socials.
What you bring on a hike can differ greatly based on distance, topography, weather, and what your interests are for the experience. Check the weather! Some basic items for a short hike (2-4 miles) are a daypack with water, snacks, rain gear (even if there’s a slight chance), and a basic first aid kit. For a longer hike, be prepared for a change in weather (raingear, extra layer, extra socks).
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