Name: Rabun Bald Trail
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Rabun Bald Trail Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA

LENGTH 5.6 MILES

DIFFICULTY 19.8 Medium
Hard

DURATION 3-4 hours

ELEVATION GAIN

2330

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Rabun Bald Trail

From high atop Georgia's second tallest mountain, you'll be reminded of the immortal words of Neo, "Whoa." Rabun Bald's observation tower takes you above the trees to offer massive views in all directions. If you don't think this is the best view in Georgia, you're wrong.

The Rabun Bald Trail is not the most popular route to Rabun Bald's summit, and as such, there's no parking area. Just pull off to the side along Hale Ridge Road. Look for the trail marker for #211 and a hiker sign if coming from the north. The first blaze you'll see is green, but the remaining trail is marked with a white diamond.

If you want the easier hike, try Rabun Bald via Beegum Gap or Rabun Bald via Hale Ridge Road. If you want a workout, this is your trail. Climbing over 2300 feet in less than 3 miles, the Rabun Bald trail averages about 800 feet per mile incline, but several sections including the last half mile gain at over 1500 feet per mile.

Other than that, the trail is easy to follow with no intersections until the top. From the look of it, the trail may be a bit wild and overgrown in the summer. The way down can be just as challenging with a few wet muddy sections presenting some hazard on both up and down.

All your hard work is rewarded when you finally summit Rabun Bald. From above the trees on the observation tower, Rabun Bald affords 360° views over a sea of rolling mountains. Expect strong winds at the top which feel great in summer, but will quickly chill you in winter.

Rabun Bald Trail.
Parking along Hale Ridge Road.

Rabun Bald Trail.
Look for the #211 trail marker.

Rabun Bald Trail.
White diamond blazes mark the trail.

Rabun Bald Trail.
Rhododendron tunnels along the way.

Rabun Bald Trail.
A few views along the way up through the trees in cooler months.

Rabun Bald Trail.
The trail becomes rockier near the summit.

Rabun Bald Trail.
Pushing up the last hill.

Rabun Bald Trail.
View along the trail near the summit.

Rabun Bald Trail.
The observation tower peaking out from the summit.

Rabun Bald Trail.
Summit and observation tower.

Rabun Bald Trail.
Looking down at the trail you just came up on.

Rabun Bald Trail.
360-degree views from the observation tower.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

0.5 mi

56 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

0.5 mi

198 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0.4 mi

243 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0.4 mi

351 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

1.1 mi

1496 ft

For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length5.6 miles

difficulty19.8 Medium-Hard

duration3 - 4 hours

features Dog Friendly Summit Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeWhite Diamond

elevation gain2330 ft.

state Georgia

park/forestChattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

ranger districtChattooga River District
9975 Highway 441 S
Lakemont, GA 30552
706-754-6221

parking feeNone

trailhead coordinates 34.971862, -83.263517 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°58.31, W 83°15.81 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°58'19'', N 34°58'19'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 34°58.31, W 83°15.81

Google Map It

Hale Ridge Road is a bit bumpy and you will have to navigate around a few ruts, but overall is fine for low clearance and 2-wheel drive vehicles. Look for the post with trail #211 and a hiker sign visible if driving south on Hale Ridge Road.

Parking Capacity

10-15 vehicles or as far down the road as you want to park.

Notes

A few muddy sections and some slick wet rocks that will be more of a challenge on the hike down rather than up.

Nearby Hikes

Rabun Bald via Hale Ridge Road

7.9 mi

12.6

Rabun Bald via Beegum Gap

3.1 mi

6.1

Scaly Mountain via Osage Overlook

3.6 mi

8.1

Scaly Mountain via Hickory Knut Trail

3.3 mi

3.9

Pinnacle Knob via Warwoman Dell

Similar Hikes

Kennesaw Mountain Pigeon Hill Loop

5.7 mi

8.5

Springer Mountain Loop

4.8 mi

6.3

Keown Falls And Johns Mountain Double Loop

Keown Falls & Johns Mountain Double Loop

5 mi

7.8

Pine Mountain Double Loop

4.7 mi

9.3

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

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hikethesouth-6 years ago

Best View in Georgia

This is my personal choice for best view in Georgia. You can disagree but you're wrong. This less traveled trail will give you some solitude and some heavy breathing. It's steep to say the least. But the views at the top really are amazing.

Medium-Hard | Hiked Fall 2018

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.