Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

History. Art. And the Great Outdoors.

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January 2023 Bartram Trail Hikers

We love to hear from hikers about their experiences on the Bartram Trail! With the introduction of our new Bartram Trail Hiker Registry, we can recognize the many steps y’all put on the trail! Thru-hikers will receive a modest token of our appreciation for sharing their journey with us.

Walking with Bartram hiker on the trail
Walking with Bartram hikers on the trail

“Tell us about your Bartram Trail Hike” is a way for us to learn more about the trail’s usage and the adventurers that are blazing trail steps.

The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy works diligently to ensure the enjoyment and safety of the trail for everyone. When you tell us about your Bartram Trail hike, you will be helping us better understand what sections of the trail are being used, identify use trends, and prioritize trail maintenance and other Conservancy programs. 

Hikers on the Bartram Trail between Warwoman Dell and Wilson Gap
Hikers on the Bartram Trail between Warwoman Dell and Wilson Gap

We hope you consider letting us know about your hike and we promise not to share your itinerary. If run into a volunteer crew or member outing while you’re on the trail, just smile and say hello! If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a supporting member of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, head over here!

Telling us about your hike is completely voluntary, of course. You are not required to register your hike to stay overnight. If you would like to share your hiking trip, simply fill out and submit the form below. Please let us know what section(s) you will be hiking and how many hikers are in your group.

If you have any questions about the trail or need a map, head over to our shop to buy one.

We hope you enjoy your hike!

January hike reports we’ve received

Jo “Someday” Swanson wrote us about her thru-hike of Bartram Trail in April of 2022. She’s also chronicled her hike on her blog (link below) which is filled with over a dozen great adventures. Definitely worth reading.

Hi all. I thruhiked the BT last spring and thought I’d share my journal. I really appreciate all you do. The BT had been on my list since I first saw it in 2010. Love that you have full coverage maps now and a website that covers both states. Yay! Good work.
Here is the website: https://thesomedayadventures.com/bartram-trail/
It was a really magical time for me, and I am so grateful that this gem of a trail exists.

Jo “Someday” Swanson

J. Polk also told us about his current progress of section hikes on the Bartram Trail. He’s halfway through it and still knocking out steps.

I’ve completed the entire GA section and into NC up to Hickory Knoll Rd. parking lot.

J. Polk

Keep sending us your stories and we’ll post them each month. If you have a blog, photo collection, or videos that you’d like to share, feel free to pass those along as well.

March 27th, 2023: Invasive Species Removal – Garlic Mustard!

We will be working with the USFS and an invasive species expert, to remove garlic mustard (click here to learn more about this plant) from the Bartram trail. We don’t know if we have garlic mustard on the Bartram Trail itself, but we will start from the trail and work to hit nearby infestations. This would mostly be hand pulling – no real need for specialized equipment. By working in the winter we can get to the one-year-old plants before they send up flowers in the spring, and get ahead of the risk of seed dispersal onto the trail.

If you would like to carpool, plan to meet at 9:00 am at Cowee School. Let us know if you plan to carpool to hep with identifying how many vehicles we’ll need. Nolton Ridge Road is not the easiest point to find, but if you would like to drive directly there, let us know and we’ll provide direction.

Please bring work gloves, good boots, plenty of water, lunch, any meds you might need and esprit de corps.

If you’re new to trail maintenance or just want to learn more, you can find more information here on our site. Don’t be shy, we’ll provide everything you need to enjoy your day while making a huge impact for future enjoyment of the Bartram Trail. The hard work of our volunteers is what keeps the 110 miles of trails open and usable all year long.

Source of photo: invasive.org

January 31st, 2023: Trailhead Tuesday

This is a new program for those looking to get involved but with limited time. We will meet in the early afternoon to divide and conquer some minor clean up and trail head maintenance. We’re looking for folks to visit a set of selected trail heads to re-stock Bartram Trail information cards, complete a trail head condition report, pick up any trash in the area, and chat with hikers as they start their day hike.

We’ll supply everything you need for the day. Although we suggest you bring your own gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and a positive attitude.

We’ll meet at 1pm in the church parking lot across from Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin, NC. At 3pm, we’ll regroup to share our accomplishments over a cold beverage.

Please RSVP to help with planning for this event:

January 20th, 2023: Third Friday Workday

This Friday we’ll be working the Bartram Trail below Rabun Bald, meeting at the trailhead for Beegum Gap at 9AM. We’ll bring the tools and materials needed.

Please bring work gloves, good boots, plenty of water, lunch, any meds you might need and esprit de corps.

We’ll start at 9AM and wrap up at 3pm.

If you’re new to trail maintenance or just want to learn more, you can find more information here on our site. Don’t be shy, we’ll provide everything you need to enjoy your day while making a huge impact for future enjoyment of the Bartram Trail. The hard work of our volunteers is what keeps the 110 miles of trails open and usable all year long.

Please RSVP so we can plan the work and tool requirements.

Thank you for your volunteerism!

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