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Adventure Out

Rabun Bald

Adventure Out Romantic Overlooks: Rabun Bald and Sunset Rock

By Peter McIntosh

February is Valentine’s month which is why every year at this time, I like to visit a romantic location, a beauty spot to share with your special someone. And this year we’re visiting two lovely locations with amazing vistas, one that requires an invigorating hike and one that’s super easy. Our destinations are Rabun Bald and Sunset Rock. Up first is Rabun Bald, Georgia’s second highest mountain, 4,696 feet above sea level and one of the crown jewels of the Southern Appalachians. The hike is about two miles each way. (I would describe this trail as moderate to slightly difficult.) From the trailhead at the end of Kelsey Mountain Road, the trail follows an old logging road, ascending gently on the western side of the mountain. After about one mile the road ends at a clearing that is also an intersection with the Bartram Trail. Passing through some boulders, the trail now becomes a true footpath and ascends a bit more steeply. There are a few switchbacks and a couple of spots that may require a little scrambling but this is still a moderate hike. After a mile of upward climbing on the Bartram Trail comes the big payoff. And I do mean big. There is a stone tower at the top of the mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930’s. This was the base of a fire tower but now the tower has been replaced by a wooden platform which provides a stunning 360 degree panoramic view. And the deck boards on the tower run almost true north and south so it’s easy to get your bearings. Just below you to the east is the unspoiled beauty of the Chattooga River watershed. Still looking eastward, the bold granite face of North Carolina’s Whiteside Mountain is a prominent feature as are the other rock walls of the Blue Ridge Escarpment stretching into the distance through Sapphire Valley. Looking to the north you’ll see the saddle shaped Scaly Mountain with the Cowee Mountains off in the distance. Turning to the west now, we see Sky Valley

just below and Black Rock Mountain and Tiger Mountain just across the way. Far off in the distance is Tray Mountain, another one of my personal favorites. This is a splendid spot to watch the sunset any time of year, so, after familiarizing yourself with the trail on your first visit, go back again with a headlamp so you can enjoy the twilight and hike out safely. Our second beauty spot is Sunset Rock in Highlands, North Carolina. The official name is Sunset Rock at Ravenel Park, property owned by the Ravenel family who donated the land way back in 1914. It’s now cared for by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. From Horse Cove Road, it’s a 6/10 mile hike up a gravel road if you want to get a little exercise. Otherwise you can do as most folks do and drive up to this spot which offers stunning views of the Southern Appalachians as well as the little hamlet of Highlands down below. (If you choose to drive up, please don’t block the road.) There are two nice benches facing west as well as plenty of good spots to relax and catch a sunset. Sunset Rock is a romantic spot to be sure but don’t get too amorous as this is a popular place for folks of all ages. Happy hiking!

And now without further ado, here’s my poem for month number two: Grab you coat, your hat and some good hiking shoes, We’re going to places with sweet mountain views. With air fresh and clear, and vistas so fine, Two great spots to share with your Valentine. Getting there - Rabun Bald: From US 441 in Dillard, turn right (east) on Georgia 246. There is a sign pointing to Sky Valley and Highlands, North Carolina. It is 4.1 miles to Old Mud Creek Road. Turn right (water wheel and store at corner) and travel 2.9 miles through Sky Valley to Kelsey Mountain Road, a narrow, steep paved road on the right; there is a forest service sign that says Rabun Bald Trail. It’s two-tenths of a mile to the trail head. And don’t forget a windbreaker or fleece pullover or both. It can be windy and cold on the tower, even when it’s warm everywhere else.

Getting there - Sunset Rock: From Main Street in Highlands at the intersection of Hwy 28 and Hwy 64, go west on Horse Cove Road 4/10 mile. Parking is just across from the Highlands Nature Center if you choose to hike, or just follow the road, but don’t block anyone when parking please.

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

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