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Bartram Trail Section

Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina · 4 min read

Distance
8 mi
Elevation Gain
1,800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Named for 18th-century naturalist William Bartram
  • Ridgeline walking with views toward the Chattooga watershed
  • Exceptional spring wildflowers in cove sections
  • Remote feel despite proximity to Highlands, NC
  • Good birding corridor for neotropical migrants in May

Overview

The Bartram Trail traces portions of the route traveled by William Bartram, an 18th-century botanist and naturalist whose 1791 book "Travels" documented the plants, birds, and indigenous peoples of the Southeast in exceptional detail. Walking this trail connects you to a specific place in natural history: Bartram himself walked these ridges and coves, and the plants he recorded are still here. Wild azalea, mountain laurel, flame azalea, and the rare Oconee bells that he noted along waterways still grow along the corridor.

This 8.0-mile out-and-back covers one of the more accessible and rewarding sections of the trail within Nantahala National Forest, gaining 1,800 feet over 4 miles to a ridgeline viewpoint with perspectives on the Chattooga watershed and the Blue Ridge escarpment. The trail is less crowded than the Appalachian Trail corridor in the same forest, and the remote character of the Bartram route is part of its appeal.

The spring wildflower season (April through early May) is particularly good on this trail. The cove sections in the lower miles support bloodroot, trillium, wild ginger, and species less common on drier ridges. By May, flame azalea adds orange and red color to the upper slope sections.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Cove approach. From the Wallace Branch trailhead, the trail climbs through a moist cove forest with large yellow poplars and hemlocks. The grade is moderate and the tread is firm in dry conditions. Spring wildflower diversity is highest in this section.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: Ridge climb. The trail steepens as it exits the cove and ascends toward the main ridge. Flame azalea and mountain laurel dominate the understory in this transitional section. The tread becomes rockier and the grade is sustained.

Miles 3.0 to 4.0: Ridgeline and views. The trail reaches the ridgeline and follows it through oak-dominated forest with periodic openings. At mile 4.0, the trail reaches a viewpoint on an open rock face looking south and east toward the Chattooga River watershed and the Blue Ridge escarpment in Georgia and South Carolina. This is the turnaround point for the standard out-and-back.

Return: Retrace the route to the trailhead.

When to Visit

Spring (April through May): The premier season for this trail. Wildflowers in the cove are at their best in April. Flame azalea on the upper slopes peaks in May. Neotropical migrant birds pass through in numbers throughout May.

Summer (June through August): The ridge is accessible and views are clear on low-humidity days. Afternoons can be warm; start early. The cove section provides good shade.

Fall (October through November): The oak-dominated ridgeline produces warm fall color in October. Views from the ridge are clear with lower leaf-on obstruction. A good season for this section.

Winter (December through March): The trail is hikeable in dry winter conditions. Upper ridge sections may have ice or snow. Check the conditions guide before winter trips.

What to Bring

Many hikers on this route carry:

  • 2-3 liters of water (individual needs vary; upper ridge sections have no reliable sources)
  • Water filter for treating trail-side stream water if needed
  • Trekking poles for the steep ridge ascent and descent
  • Rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms in summer
  • Insect repellent from April through July
  • Field guide to Southern Appalachian plants if interested in the Bartram connection

Practical Details

No restroom at the trailhead. The trail is in a backcountry setting; practice appropriate human waste disposal per Leave No Trace guidelines.

The Bartram Trail is marked with yellow blazes. Blazes are consistent but not as frequent as on the Appalachian Trail. A downloaded map is helpful.

Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest outside the immediate trail corridor. No permit required as of 2026. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and trails.

Cell service is absent throughout this area. Download maps before departure.

Black bears are present throughout Nantahala NF. Follow bear canister requirements for overnight trips.

Getting There

From Highlands, NC, take US 64 west approximately 6 miles. Look for the Bartram Trail marker and small parking pullout on the right side of the road. The specific access point is east of the Wallace Branch area.

From Franklin, NC, take US 64 east approximately 20 miles to the Highlands area. The trailhead is on the left side approaching from the west.

The Bartram Trail Association website maintains an up-to-date trail guide and conditions page. USFS Cullasaja Ranger District information is at fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.

Trailhead Parking

Wallace Branch trailhead off US 64 near Highlands, NC; free, no fee as of 2026. Small pullout parking for 6-8 vehicles.

← Back to Nantahala National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was William Bartram and why is the trail named for him?
William Bartram was an American naturalist and explorer who traveled through the Southeast from 1773 to 1777, documenting plants and wildlife. His published account, 'Travels,' influenced Romantic literature and remains a valuable natural history reference. The Bartram Trail follows portions of his documented route through the Carolinas and Georgia.
Is the Bartram Trail the same as the Appalachian Trail?
No, these are separate long-distance trails. The Bartram Trail runs approximately 115 miles through North Carolina and Georgia. It intersects the Appalachian Trail in a few places but follows a different and more southerly route through the Southern Appalachians.
What is the difficulty of this trail section?
This section is rated moderate. The 1,800-foot gain over 4 miles is sustained but not extreme. Fit hikers with basic experience will find it manageable. The tread can be rougher in sections compared to more heavily maintained trails.
Are there water sources on the trail?
Several small streams cross the trail, particularly in the lower sections. These should be filtered or treated before drinking. In dry late summer conditions, some upper ridge sections may have no reliable water. Individual hydration needs vary; many hikers carry enough for the full out-and-back.
Can I do a longer through-hike on the Bartram Trail?
Yes. The Bartram Trail is a designated National Recreation Trail running approximately 115 miles. This guide covers one accessible day-hiking section. The Bartram Trail Association maintains a website with full trail information and condition updates.