NE Georgia Hiking and Backpacking

With the beautiful mountains surrounding Rabun County, Ga and Tiger Creek Falls Inn, hiking and backpacking trails are plentiful. The following are just a few in the area:   

• Bartram Trail: This 37-mile trail was named for 18th century naturalist and explorer William Bartram. Designated a National Recreation Trail, it stretches from the Georgia-North Carolina border southwest over Rabun Bald, turns south/southeast to the Chattooga River, and then parallels the river northeast to the GA 28 bridge. Directions: Take US 441 north from Clayton to Dillard. A mile north of Dillard, turn right onto Ga 246 towards Highlands, N.C. Continue on Ga 246 and Ga 106 for 7 miles and turn right on Bald Mountain Road. Continue for 2.1 miles then take Forest Service Road 7(Hale Ridge Road) for 1.1 miles. Additional access is at Warwoman Dell on Warwoman Dell Road
• Coleman River Trail: (1 mile) This mile long path follows Coleman River from its confluence with the Tallulah River up a steep sided ravine. The path begins in the Coleman River parking area, just before the first bridge on Tallulah River Road. Both the parking and trail are marked, and the trail is easily traveled. The uphill grade is constant, but never more than easy to moderate in difficulty. Directions: Travel west on U.S. Highway 76 from Clayton, Georgia for 8 miles. Turn right on Persimmon Valley Road. There will be a Fire Department on the northeast corner. Continue down Persimmon Valley Road to Tallulah River Road on the left and is marked with signage for both the Tallulah and Coleman River. This road is paved at first but turns into a gravel road shortly. Coleman River Trail is about 2 miles from the start of the road on the right-hand side, just before the first bridge. The Tallulah River Road, which continues north over the bridge is one of the finest scenic drives in the state. It continues north to Tate City, a mining and lumber town that died out in the 1920's. When you return to Persimmons Valley Road you can turn right. The road continues to Patterson Gap, a beautiful, but little known area of Rabun County. This then comes out on Highway 441 north of Dillard.
• Denton Branch Trail: (0.2 miles) This quarter mile leg stretch ends at Denton Branch Falls. It takes longer to get here than it does to walk the trail. Besides the scenic falls, historic Tate City, a mining community nearby, is one of the oldest settled areas of the north Georgia mountains. Tallulah River Road is still called Old Tate City Road. Directions: From Clayton take U. S. Highway 76 west for 8 miles to Persimmon Valley Road (look for the firehouse on the corner). Turn right and continue 4 miles to Forest Service Road 70, to the left. Two signs mark the entrance, one which announces the Coleman River WMA. Continue down this road for 6.6 miles. Denton Branch Road is off this road to the right, just past the "Tate City Mall" and Chapple Rd. This road is a rough, rocky and single-lane. The trail head is a couple of hundred feet down this road
• Rabun Bald Trail: (4 miles) This trail provides a spectacular view of the tri-state area form an observation deck atop Rabun Bald, Georgia’s second highest point. The deck is constructed from remnants of an old fire tower built in the 1930s. The ascent is extremely steep. Directions: Go east on Warwoman Road from clayton for 10 miles. Turn on Forest Service Road 7 (Hale Ridge Road). Proceed 5.6 miles to the trail marker on the left.
• Raven Rock Trail: (2 miles) This trail begins at the end of Daniel Creek Road (FS 511-B). It follows the west bank of the Chattooga River, with spectacular views of the Raven Rock Cliffs. Directions: Take US 441 south from Clayton for 8 miles and then left into Watergage Road (Forest Service Road 511). Travel 2.6 miles and turn left onto Daniel Creek Road (Forest Service Road 511-b). Four wheel vehicles are recommended for traveling Forest Service Road 511-B.
• Warwoman Dell Nature Trail: (0.4 miles)This trail makes a small loop from the end of the Warwoman Dell picnic area. The highlights are a small waterfall and excellent wildflower viewing. Directions: Take Warwoman Road east from Clayton for 3 miles to Warwoman Dell Recreation Area. trailhead is where the road dead ends.
• Willis Knob Trail: (15 miles) This trail provides some of the most scenic horseback riding opportunities in the southeast. It features both rugged mountain terrain and views of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. Directions: Go east on Warwoman Road from clayton for 11.6 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 157 (Goldmine Road). Proceed 0.2 mile to parking area on left.
• Also see our biking trails for some other trails in the area
• For more information including hiking maps, extensive file of individual trails contact Rabun County Welcome Center at (706) 782-5113 or visit them on the web at http://www.gamountains.com
• You can also contact the U.S. Forest service: Tallulah Ranger District Office for maps, trails, and recreation information on the Chattahoochee National Forest at (706) 782-3320 or visit them on the web at http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/contact.htm