Big Rock via Bartram Trail

trail was in good shape, well marked

Other reviews are on point. I spent some time trying to find the trail head, and the app was not helpful there. That's OK, because I accidently got to see the Warwoman Dell Nature Trail and other sites around the parking area. This area is very scenic-- a small waterfall, plaques describing various native plants and remnants of history from the 18th C. (Warwoman meaning, the Bartram Trail), the 19th C. (Blue Ridge RR bed and stone culverts), and the 20th C. (CCC pavilions, trout spawning pools, stone privy). I finally discovered the Bartram Trail at the end of the parking area, by the SECOND pavilion. It's a narrow path near the outhouse, higher than the RR bed, and it takes a steep incline to the left. Like many southern App. trails, you have to climb to get on the ridge. It's not a long stone staircase like some other trails, and the few steep parts are fairly short. The are long stretches of easy hiking on top, as well as gradual ups and downs. For the average experienced hiker, the moderate rating overall seems just about right. The trail itself is a typical pretty path through the woods, with a few small stream crossings. But even at this time of year with most of the leaves gone, there are no great overlooks, even on Big Rock.

We enjoyed this trail! Thankfully had some cell service and had the AllTrails map handy. We got ourselves back on track after we missed a right turn at the ".2 Miles" sign. When you see this sign, look up to your right just a bit and you'll see a round reflector frame on a tree with no reflector in it (it has fallen out). That's your trail! We hiked with our dog and we were careful on the Big Rock. It is mighty steep but a beautiful view. The ropes down to the rock were helpful to and from.

Excellent hike. When coming back do NOT take the wider “truck” route as it will not bring back directly to the parking lots, rather to a dirt road, war woman rd and VERY SCARY unleashed German Shepard. We thought it might be worth taking chance as a short cut/different scenery, but ended up not quite working out. Wish we had just taken the up and back route. FYI. Ended +1 mile and a scary “beware of dog” true encounter

Tough! Even better if you can summit Rainy Mountain. Blue blaze trail is faster but more challenging.

When my wife and I hiked this trail we didn't see the turnoff for Big Rock marked. So we were unable to do that part. It was a fun hike along the Bartram though.

A fabulous trail. We did not have any problem finding the turn off to big rock due to the pictures in the app and tracking as well. View was fabulous from the walk. Climb down to rock not as bad as I was expecting. Could have done it with just poles, but the rope was a help. A great day!

Beautiful day to be on this trail. I definitely would rate this as moderate due to the steep inclines, scrambling over trees, and the rope down to big rock. So worth the views but it is hard to find if you don’t have this app open to track it. Can’t wait to go back!

Did this trail today with friends. Not sure I'd rate it easy as the elevation gain was pretty good and the rope scramble down to Big rock was fun but not easy. I would say moderate. Will definitely do this again. The spur trail to Big Rock is very easy to miss without the map open and tracking.

This section of Bartram reflects the logging of earlier years. That being said, it’s still beautiful with sections of Laurels that’s pretty impressive. The terrain is the perfect combo of up & down. Plan to scramble to the final destination of Big Rock. Thank goodness there’s a rope to help with your decent.