Bartram Trail

The Bartram Trail is known as the US's number one trail for solitude, as it meanders through the beautiful mountains and hills of North Carolina and Georgia. The North Carolina section of the Bartram Trail spans to ruff-ly 78 miles, but that number increases up to 116 miles the farther you go over into Georgia. The trail follows the path of a famous botanist known as William Bartram, who himself hiked the trail in the 1700s. There is an immense amount of flora and fauna to observe along this trail, in addition to dog-walking, hiking, backpacking, horse riding, and camping, of course!

The official trailhead (and terminus for those beginning in Georgia) is near Cheoah Bald, North Carolina. Depending on the desired length of your trip, possible landscapes along the Bartram Trail are sleepy hollows, forest groves, rivers, streams, mountains, grassland, dense woods, and so much more. The North Carolina section of the Bartram Trail crosses over the mountainous towns: of Highlands, Andrews, Nantahala, Franklin, and Robbinsville. Ideally, hiking Section 1 or Section 2 will be enough to satisfy your curiosity. 

Further along, the Bartram Trail crosses the famous Appalachian Trail. In addition, another section of this trail can be completed by canoe on the Little Tennessee River. But we advise to just stick to a dog-friendly day hike such as the Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit section (Section 4). On the other paw, the Bartram Trail in Georgia extends ruff-ly 38 miles and features a number of challenging ups and downs. The terrain is diverse and so is the scenery--with beautiful waterfalls, rivers, forests, and more to experience.

Whether you plan to hike 5-7 days or simply wish to hike a few hours, the Bartram Trail is a truly woofderful outdoor hotspot to enjoy with your pup. Remember to pick up a Bartram Trail guide before you go to take full advantage of the interpretive signs, flora, facts, historical markers, and more!