Skill Level:

Intermediate The major technical difficulties are roots and a major stream crossing west of SR 186. The trail parallels Choctafaula Creek for most of its length, so it can get a bit boggy during the wetter seasons. 

Route Info:

High-quality topographical trail maps are available at the ranger station, though they have been known to run out. Maps can be ordered from the National Forest's office in Montgomery (Phone: 334-832-4470, FAX: 334-241-8111). See Information below. It is recommended to obtain a map.

The Bartram Trail is an out-and-back trail. The ranger station trailhead is at about the 2/3 point of the trail. To avoid repeating the trail for the return, it is possible to form a loop back on forest service roads. If taking the trail west from the ranger station, you can loop back on FS 913 from the point where the trail terminates on the road. Turn left onto 913 and take either of the next two forks left. Both service roads return to FS 900, which crosses SR 186. Going right will eventually end on US 80.

FS 900 will return to the point where the Bartram Trail Crosses CR 186. From there, the trail can be picked up and followed back by the ranger station trailhead and beyond to its eastern terminus on US 29. For the return to the Ranger Station, you can follow FS 908 to the right when it intersects the trail about a half-mile west of the US 29 trailhead. Following any of the three intersecting FS roads to the right on the westbound return leg will lead to FS 900 and the Ranger Station trailhead.

The trail plus extensive forest service road network allow for ample opportunities to explore the mixed long-leaf pine and hardwood forest.  

Variations:

While at Tuskegee National Forest. try the newer Spring Hill Trail. It is a 4-mile, nontechnical and fast supplement to the more worn-in Bartram Trail. Skill level is intermediate with the greatest technical difficulties being the exposed roots, which can be very slick when wet. Unlike the Bartram Trail, which is primarily a hiking trail, the Spring Hill Trail is faster, smoother and has fewer roots. It is a good trail for intermediate riders and a great trail for expert riders who like to go very fast. 

Afterward:

The trailhead is near Auburn, a busy college town. There are many dining and recreation opportunities in town.

• Bizilia's Cafe – Gourmet Coffee, Breakfast at 9 a.m., panini, salads, wraps. 134 North College Street 334-826-0080
• The Barbecue House – 345 South College Street 334-826-8277. www.barbecuehouse.com
• Byron's Smokehouse – 436 Opelika Road. 334-887-9981

 

Notes:

As of October 2005, the southern end of the trail, on the south side of Hwy. 186 has been closed. The Forestry Service has opened a new trail (with the help of the local mountain bike group – the "Cyclopaths") called the Pleasant Hill Trail. This trail is fast out and back that ends up at about 9.5 miles when leaving from the parking lot near the Ranger station. The Bartram Trail was originally built for hiking, so it is not well designed for mountain biking. This is not the case with the Pleasant Hill Trail, where there are only a couple of sections where roots are an issue.

For more info:

None

Contact any of the following for additional information:

Auburn Chamber of Commerce

Street Address:
714 E. Glenn Ave.
Auburn, AL  
Phone#:334 887-7011
www.auburnchamber.com

Auburn Flyers Cycling Club

www.auburn.edu/student_info/bicycle

Auburn-Opelika Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

Street Address:
714 E. Glenn Avenue
Auburn, AL
Phone#:334 887-8747
www.aocvb.com

Cyclopaths

Street Address:
 
,    

East Alabama Cycling Club

www.eastalabamacycling.org

National Forests in Alabama Office

Street Address:
2946 Chestnut Street
Montgomery, AL 36107-3010
Phone#:334-832-4470

The Bike Shop

Street Address:
147 N. College St.
Auburn, AL  
Phone#:334 821-6066

The Cradle of Forestry

Street Address:
 N/A
,  N/A  N/A
www.theforestplace.com/

Tuskegee District Ranger Office

Street Address:
125 National Forest Road 949
Tuskegee, AL 36083-9801
Phone#:334 727-2652