Hike Cheoah Bald via Bartram Trail Nantahala National Forest, NC

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Cheoah Bald via Bartram Trail GPX Track

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Definitely among my favorite hikes of the southeast, the Bartram Trail seems to have a bit of everything. From the trailhead, a staircase leads to a railroad crossing, and then into the forest. Pretty quickly, the Bartram Trail gets very steep, moreso than pretty much any other trail I've done around here. I was thrilled to get a quad workout in as I switchbacked up. After about a thousand feet of vertical gain, the trail mellowed out a bit, descending slightly down into Ledbetter Creek along a very old roadbed.

The trail then became narrow, but always easy to follow. The long section of trail that paralleled Ledbetter Creek is really spectactular; a few creek crossings, the winding and undulating trail, and many small waterfalls keept the route interesting. I was enjoying the Bartram Trail immensely and continued to do so as it crossed some old forest road and began ascending steeply up to the junction with the Appalachian Trail. From here, a short hike led to Cheoah Bald, a nice viewpoint that made this hike feel really complete.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Cheoah Bald

5062 ft

2357 rise

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Starting from the trailhead. I took the stairs up to some railroad tracks.

Cross railroad tracks.

Cross broken bridge to head along the Bartram Trail.

Bartram Trail ascends steeply.

Tight switchbacks as the Bartram Trail ascends the steep slope.

Minor views as the Bartram Trail ascends.

After the steep switchbacks, the Bartram Trail descends slightly on an old roadbed down to Ledbetter Creek.

Descending to Ledbetter Creek.

Crossing Ledbetter Creek for the first of a few times.

Another crossing of Ledbetter Creek.

The Bartram trail parallels Ledbetter Creek for a while.

Very pretty water features as the trail hugs the creek.

Small waterfall.

Another small waterfall.

The Bartram Trail ascends slightly up east side of Ledbetter Creek for a while, a small bridge placed for some reason.

Ascending on the east side of Ledbetter Creek.

Ledbetter Creek on the left.

Crossing another unnecessary bridge, considering I had to cross Ledbetter Creek a few times already.

Junction with an old forest road. Bartram Trail continues on the other side.

After the forest road junction, the Bartram Trail ascends steeply again. This is looking back the way I came.

Cheoah Bald visible ahead through the trees.

Junction with the Appalachian Trail. Head right to Cheoah Bald.

Some views before the summit.

Cheoah Bald.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!