Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

History. Art. And the Great Outdoors.

sandy ford

Walking With Bartram – Section 2 from Sandy Ford to Warwoman Dell

November 28th, 2022

Trail Report:

We had another great group for this hike with a lot of folks joining us again as we section hike our way through the Georgia portion of the Bartram Trail. We couldn’t have asked for finer weather conditions with clear skies and highs in the 60’s.

The group met at Warwoman Dell to figure out shuttle logistics before driving to the Sandy Ford trailhead.

The trail overall was in good shape. In the previous couple of weeks, we had trail maintenance volunteers out on this section clearing some downed trees and cutting back overgrown brush. So, while the path was clear for hiking, there is still some tread work to be done and we’ll have more days set aside for this work.

The group did observe some bird activity including Hermit Thrush, Robins, and Flocking Hollies.

Thanks to everyone who joined on this section hike from Sandy Ford to Warwoman Dell.

Walking With Bartram – Section 2 from Sandy Ford to Warwoman Dell group:

  • Eddi Minche
  • Melanie and Keith Vickers
  • Star Henderson
  • Deena Bouknight
  • Dan Finnerty
  • Jana Plemmons
  • Jerry Novack
  • Janis Fitzgerald
  • Amy Nafe
  • Phyllis Davis
  • Michelle Stephens
  • Brent Martin

If you’re interested in joining us, we would love to have you along! Walking With Bartram section hikes are held on the last Friday of the month. Sometimes we have to reschedule due to weather or conflicting holidays or other events. You can find information about our hikes posted on our website here – https://blueridgebartram.org/events/

Our next Walking With Bartram section hike will be on December 30th. We will hike section 3 from Wilson Gap to Warwoman Dell (reverse direction). Please visit and RSVP here – https://blueridgebartram.org/event/december-30th-walking-with-bartram/

You can also find other events like Trail Maintenance Work Days or Bartram Trail related special events. Please sign up for our newsletter for all the latest announcements.

Walking With Bartram: Section 1 – Sandy Ford to Russell Bridge

October 28th, 2022

Trail report:

This group for the first section hike of another Walking With Bartram journey thoroughly enjoyed the autumn views along the way. We met at Russell Bridge on HWY 28 for quick introductions and shuttle planning, then off we went to Sandy Ford. Easier day of shuttling this way.

Plenty of parking for this group and just before 10am, we were gathered around at the trailhead for a reading from Bartram’s Travels from Brent Martin.

TRAILHEAD NOTE: The road up to the Sandy Ford trailhead is mostly traversable by all vehicles. There is a creek crossing (Upper Dick’s Creek) that everyone successfully navigated, even a Mazda Miata! Please use caution when crossing this creek!

The weather was near perfect warming up from the 40’s to near 70 degrees in the middle of the day. Plenty of sun and just the right amount of wispy clouds created great viewing opportunities along the trail sharing the Chattooga River corridor.

We hiked at our own pace, stopping occasionally for a little Bartram story to be woven into the day. Lunch at Earls Ford provided a great sound of flowing water as a backdrop while folks chatted over their snacks.

Most of the trail was in really great condition with some recent volunteer work recently completed. With the exception of the Dick’s Creek Bridge being out for some time, all other creek and river crossings were in great shape.

Enjoy the photos and if you’re interested in joining us for the next hike in November, please visit this link to RSVP. We did have a record turn-out for this one and if there is a demand for it, we’ll figure out how to offer another outing!

We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Photo Gallery

Dicks Creek Falls near the Bartram Trail
Looking down the Chattooga River just below Dicks Creek Falls.
View from top of Dicks Creek Falls looking upstream
A break in the trees opened a view down the Chattooga River
View from top of Dicks Creek Falls
Brent Martin telling a Bartram story while on the trail
Looking at the confluence of the Chattooga River just below Dicks Creek Falls.
Quiet section of the river
Horseback riders approaching Earls Ford crossing
Walking with Bartram hikers on the trail
Walking with Bartram hiker on the trail
Walking With Bartram hikers on section 1, October 28, 2022
Looking up the West Fork of the Chattooga River from the steel bridge
Confluence of West Fork and Chattooga Rivers
Philip at the Russell Bridge Trailhead

November 28th Walking With Bartram – Sandy Ford to Warwoman Dell

Join us for the second section of our Walking With Bartram hike series. On Monday, November 28th, we’ll start at the Sandy Ford trailhead and wind our way to Warwoman Dell. This section is just over 9 miles with some moderate ups and downs. This is your golden opportunity to burn off the rest of all the great food calories you enjoyed over the holiday weekend!

We’ll meet at 9:00 am at Warwoman Dell to organize our shuttle cars to the start point.

Newcomers are welcome to join us. All you need to bring is water, lunch, clothing appropriate for this season, and your sense of humor and wonder.

Please RSVP below so we can plan appropriately for the hike.

EVENT FULL: October 28th Walking With Bartram

UPDATE as of 10/25 – Due to overwhelming interest in this hike, the event is now full and RSVP is closed.

Join us for a new round of our Walking with Bartram series hike. We’re starting all over again in North Georgia, at Russell Bridge/HWY 28 at the South Carolina state line. We’ll work our way through this first section to Sandy Ford Gap.

This 9.5 mile section will take us along sections of the Chattooga River.

We’ll meet at the Sandy Ford Gap/Road trail head at 9AM to get shuttle cars ready.

Please RSVP below to help with planning for this hike. For any other questions, directions and more details, feel free to reach out directly.

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