Georgia · Hiking · Near Red Bank

Barkeater

2.9 mi
round trip
652 ft
climb
1,882 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Nov
best months

Barkeater is a moderate out-and-back hike in Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The route is about 5.7 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 652 feet, and it starts at roughly 1,682 feet, rising to a high point of 1,882 feet before returning to the trailhead. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.2 miles in, with a 10% grade. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 67°F with lows near 51°F, and May highs around 74°F. That station sits about 228 feet higher than the trail, so temperatures on the route run a little warmer. The hike pairs easily with other outings in the park. The Great Eastern Trail - Lookout Mountain and Can't Hardly trails both start within a tenth of a mile. Mountain bikers can head to the Expert trail about 0.4 miles away, and paddlers will find Sitton Gulch Creek about 2.9 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Primitive Campsite 1

    Campground

    Campground · 0.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Canyon Grill

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rainsPub. by Cline Photo Co., Chattanooga. Tenn. "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichnor Bros.,..., Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

    Ochs Memorial Museum

    Museum

    On your way back · 14 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Pub. by Cline Photo Co., Chattanooga. Tenn. "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichnor Bros.,..., Public domain (commons)

More in Red Bank
  • Best time to go · Mar–Nov

    Best time to visit Barkeater

    Best months: March–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 29°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 31°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      58° / 39°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 47°

      11 wet

    5. May

      74° / 57°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 65°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 67°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 67°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 61°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      67° / 51°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 40°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 32°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lookout Mtn-Point Park, TN, 14.2 mi away at 2,110 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors