William's Pulpit Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a great hike whether you are looking for a quick, short distance or the ability to continue on for a long distance hike. You'll pass a waterfall shortly after leaving the parking area, and if you head to William's Pulpit, there are excellent winter views.

The Bartram Trail is a grand total of about 115 miles between Georgia and North Carolina created from naturalist William Bartram's southern journey during the late 1700s. This hike follows a segment of the longer trail to a beautiful waterfall.

From the parking lot off Ray Cove Rd., head north on the Bartram Trail: Franklin - AT Segment. You'll pass a beautiful waterfall only a few short minutes from the parking lot. From the parking lot, the trail will ascend a steady but moderate grade alongside Wallace Branch. The trail leaves the creek after about 0.5 miles and the grade steepens slightly. The trail turns west, and you'll pass Bruce Knob on the right.

After two miles you'll reach a signed spur trail off to the left. This is William's Pulpit Spur, which you'll follow to William's Pulpit where you'll have excellent winter views of rolling hills and beautiful scenic landscapes. Though some of the views may be hidden by leaf cover in the summer, the spring brings numerous wildflowers.

From here, simply turn around and head back the way you came to finish the hike. The Bartram Trail: Franklin - AT Segment continues west from William's Pulpit Spur if you're looking for a longer adventure.