Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

History. Art. And the Great Outdoors.

wallace branch

October 31st Trailhead Tuesday

We’ll plan to meet at First United Methodist Church in Franklin at 1pm before heading out to clean up all the tricks and treats left behind at the Bartram trailheads.

This is a 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 parking area at church across from Lazy Hiker Brewing. We’ll regroup between 3-4 and head across the street for a cold beverage on us.

Please RSVP to help with planning for this event:

The Naturalist Trail Race on the Bartram Trail and Fall Celebration

The Naturalist Trail Race – 25 / 50k, which is a part of the Outdoor 76 FALL CELEBRATION, is back for another round of leg hurting fun on October 7, 2023! This day encompasses our trail race, multiple bands throughout the day along with 18 draft craft beers for all post race celebrations.

Come explore the same trails that William Bartram, “The Naturalist”, ventured on in the late 1700’s. This ultimate 50k will cover some of the most challenging ground in the Southeast. Runners will leave from downtown Franklin, NC at 8am and travel to the Bartram Trail area on Wallace Branch. Here runners will start the brutal climb that ultimately leads to Wayah Bald. From the Wallace Branch trail head to the top of Wayah Bald is approximately 11 miles. The 25k will have over 5500′ of climbing (50k will have over 8,500′ of climbing), making your legs feel weak just reading this. There will be multiple stations with food and water. 25K racers will end on Wayah Bald after running up the Bartram Trail. When 50k racers reach Wayah Bald they will circle the bald, resupply then head back down the Bartram Trail. Outdoor 76 will host the post race meal (voucher or meal), music, beer….and oh yeah awards!

The race starts in front of Outdoor 76 ~8am. The Fall Celebration & after race party is from 12-6pm at Outdoor 76.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, head over to the Outdoor 76 website: https://www.outdoor76.com/the-naturalist-25-50k/

July 28th, Walking With Bartram – Wayah Bald to Wallace Branch

We’re going to take advantage of the longer summer days to knock out this long hike from Wayah Bald all the way down to Wallace Branch. This is roughly an 11-mile section of mostly elevation loss on one of the most popular sections of the Bartram Trail.

We’ll plan on meeting at Wallace Branch at 9am and shuttling up to Wayah Bald to begin the day.

Newcomers are welcome to join us. Please plan to bring plenty of water, lunch, clothing appropriate for this season, and your sense of humor and wonder.

We have had great interest in these hikes and are working to create new hiking opportunities. If you are interested in leading a hike, let us know!

Please RSVP below to help with planning:

January 14th, 2023: Second Saturday Workday – Wallace Branch to William’s Pulpit

The location for this workday will be up near William’s Pulpit, meeting at the Wallace Branch trailhead. 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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