RECREATION & CREATION

Pages 44-59

One aspect of the 110 miles of the North Georgia and Western North Carolina sections of the Bartram Trail is Sandy Ford to Warwoman Dell, or vice versa. Newly released Georgia Bartram Trail maps (formerly only Western North Carolina Bartram Trail maps were available) direct hikers to beginning and ending points of the 9.1-mile trail near Clayton.

Although there are some gradual climbs and descents, the trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route. Average hiking distance is two miles in one hour, so this hike typically takes between four and five hours, so hikers need to factor in the time to plan for water, food, and weather. There is little water available on the trail; mostly it is in the Warwoman Dell area due to Warwoman Creek, along which is also a shelter area, parking, and picnic tables.

Although the meaning of dell – a small valley among trees – is not disputed, evidence for exactly why the area is called Warwoman is not completely clear. However, a signage kiosk at Warwoman Dell reads: “The Warwoman was a beloved Cherokee dignitary who voiced the decision of Council on war and peace. These ‘pretty women’ had the power to decide the fate of the captives. Legend states that each spring, this woman visited the Dell to preside over rituals.”

Another common consideration for the naming of the trailhead (or trail end, depending on which direction is hiked) is that Nancy Hart, a Revolutionary War era woman, who may have fought at the battle of Kettle Creek with her husband and sons, is the “Warwoman.” Hart is the person after whom Hart County, Georgia, about 50 miles from Clayton, is named.

Another interesting aspect of Warwoman Dell, besides the fact that famous 18th century naturalist and explorer William Bartram traversed the path and wrote about it in the classic, Bartram’s Travels, is that a railroad bed was constructed in the area. If completed, it would have connected a southern to mid-western route to Cincinnati, Ohio. The Civil War ended work on the project, and even though one can still see the path where the track would have been, no rails were ever laid. Another signage kiosk marks the spot.

Regardless of the historical significance of Warwoman Dell and the nine-plus mile stretch that either ends or begins at Sandy Ford, (i.e., a ford is a shallow place in a river or stream), the hike affords views of various gaps and peaks, including Rainy Mountain, and an overall elevation gain of just over 2,000 feet.

Walking with Bartram, on YouTube, chronicles spots along the 110 miles, including a specific film on the Sandy Ford to Warwoman Dell section, which can be viewed at youtube. com/watch?v=RLrCtbvp54o

by Deena Bouknight