Here's another installment of "trails you can hike in a week or less." Hopefully you enjoyed the previous post in this series. Hopefully, you can draw inspiration for a future backpacking trips from this list as well. Here are four MORE single track trails you can hike (from one end to the other) in 7 days or less...
#1 Bartram Trail
While this trail isn't the exact route father-son-duo John and William Bartram took on their epic botanical journeys across the Southeast, it does provide hikers with a wilderness environment similar to what the Bartrams must have experienced 100s of years ago. If solitude is what you're looking for, this trail delivers!
Distance: 100+ miles (some sources say 105 some say 110)
Time Frame: 7 to 10 days
Estimated Daily Mileage: 15 to 18 per day
Location: Southern terminus - Russell Bridge trailhead Clayton, GA
Northern terminus - Cheoah Bald in Nantahala NC.
Shuttle Providers: Many shuttle drivers for the Nantahala National Forest sections of the Appalachian Trail also shuttle along the Bartram too. Some of which include:
Sherpa Al 305-216-7234
Bobby (Western Carolina Shuttle) 847-400-7169
Beverly Carini 850-572-7352 (Unavailable Sundays between 9 and 12.)
Darlene Swofford (Road Runner) 706-291-7719
Patrice Price 828-538-1236
Additional Info: For a more detailed look at the trail take a look at Rainmaker's Bartram Trail Journal (trailquest.net) Check out Brawny's Bartram Guide too while you're at it! Both are from the early 2000s, but you can still glean some valuable information from these free resources.
You can also purchase the official guidebooks at blueridgebartram.org/shop/ Since this trail is divided between Georgia (about 35 miles) and North Carolina (about 70 miles) you will need to purchase a separate guide for each. It's also important to note: there is a 10 mile road walk into Franklin NC between the Hickory Knoll to Wallace Branch trailheads.
I've backpacked several sections of the Bartram over the years. My favorite of which was Warwoman Dell to Rabun Bald in Georgia. The sections of trail that overlap with the AT in North Carolina are an enjoyable trek as well. My hope is to thru-hike the entire Bartram some day.
#2 Uwharrie Trail
This trail runs through one of North Carolina's smallest National Forests. Broken up and disjointed over time, at one point it was reduced to nearly half its original length. But efforts have recently been made by the Uwharrie Trailblazers group to close the gaps and reconnect the trail to its former 40 miles again!
Distance: 40 miles
Time Frame: 3 to 4 days
Estimated Daily Mileage: 10 to 15 per day
Location: Southern terminus - Wood Run trailhead Mt Gilead NC
Northern terminus - Tot Hill trailhead Asheboro NC
Shuttle Providers: For info regarding shuttles check out the Uwharrie Trailblazers website as well as their post on the Facebook group about possible shuttle volunteers.
Additional Info: For a general overview of the trail and updates/alerts concerning the area see the NC Forestry Service site. Brian from RidgeTrekker.com wrote an incredibly detailed guide/trip report for the Uwharrie Trail.
The trail becomes a little disjointed after reaching Walker Creek trailhead entering Birkhead Mountain Wilderness. According to this route on Gaia GPS the path continues along the road for around 4 miles to Robins Branch trailhead and Hannah's Creek trail. You can then reach Tot Hill by following the Birkhead Mountain trail North.
Jordan, the dogs, and I completed a section of the Uwharrie Trail last Winter. So far, we've backpacked the Southern most 10 miles connected with the Dutchmans Creek Trail.
#3 Chunky Gal Trail
Unlike the other entries on this list (and the one before) this trail is sandwiched between two other major trails in the Nantahala and Tusquitee mountains. Serving as a bridge between the Appalachian Trail and Fires Creek Rim Trail, the Chunky Gal Trail makes a variety of long distance backpacking routes possible. Wondering how "Chunky Gal" got its name? Read about it here.
Distance: 21 miles one way. 48 out and back from AT access point.
Time Frame: 3 to 5 days
Estimated Daily Mileage: 8 to 15 per day
Location: East terminus - Intersection of Buck Creek trail and Appalachian Trail (approximate location 35.03007, -83.57400) Nantahala National Forest NC.
West terminus - Fires Creek Rim trail near Signal Bald Nantahala National Forest NC
Logistics: Because of the unusual placement of this trail and no official trailhead / terminuses, this one would be best hiked as an out and back starting at Deep Gap on the AT (see Additional Info) or in conjunction with part of the Fires Creek Rim loop or Standing Indian Loop. You could even use it to connect the two loops for an epic 70+ mile trek.
Additional Info: The easiest way to access the East terminus is from Deep Gap on the AT. Follow the AT around Yellow Mt and through Wateroak Gap to the intersection with Buck Creek trail (about 3 miles) According to Sherpa Guides, you can also access it from Glade Gap trailhead about 6 miles North of where the trail begins. You can purchase an official guide for both the Chunky Gal trail and Fires Creek Rim trail from the authors of the Bartram guides: Chunky Gal and Fires Rim Trail Guide - FIND Outdoors (gofindoutdoors.org)
While I haven't personally backpacked this trail, I have completed the Standing Indian Loop and trail system adjacent to Chunky Gal. While Deep Gap isn't a trailhead per say, it is accessible via forestry roads and has space for a couple vehicles. In fact, some campers were parked there during my visit.
#4 Pine Mountain Trail
Tranquil forests, flowing streams, and scenic rock outcrops, the Pine Mountain Trail has a little bit of everything. Located in Georgia's largest state park, this trail is ideal for backpackers and day hikers alike.
Distance: 23 miles (one way) or 46 miles (out and back)
Time Frame: 2 to 3 days one way, 3 to 5 as an out and back yo-yo
Estimated Daily Mileage: 8 to 10 per day
Location: FDR State Park, GA. Eastern terminus - WJSP-TV tower parking lot
Western terminus - Callaway Gardens Country Store
Shuttle Providers: Unfortunately, there are currently no shuttle providers available in this area. You will either have to park a car at either end OR park at one end and do a yo-yo hike. Several other trails interconnect with the Pine Mountain trail which can be used to return to your starting point. You'll find information about seven loops along this trail HERE. See the additional info below in regard to parking regulations.
Additional Info: A parking pass ($5 per day) is required to park anywhere in FDR State Park. If you have a Georgia State Park annual pay that counts! You can purchase a daily pass at the park office. Self-pay boxes are available at a number of parking areas. A backcountry permit is also required (in addition to a parking pass.) to camp within the park. This can be obtained from the park office or reserved online. For a detailed description of the parking regulations and backcountry permit system see the "Permits for Parking & Backcountry Camping" page from the Pine Mountain Trail Association and the Pine Mountain Trail System page from the Georgia State Park System. A topographic map of the trail can be purchased from the PMTA store.
Hiking Project has an excellent overview of this trail with an interactive map.
Read recent reviews, see pictures, and check waypoints from other hikers on AllTrails:
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you found this follow-up post helpful and informative. A third installment in this series is on the way.