Raco Locos Take on Rabun Bald: A Snowy, Icy Trek to the Top
On January 19, 2025, the Raco Locos braved the elements for a winter trek from Beegum Gap to Rabun Bald, North Georgia’s second-highest peak. What started as a crisp but manageable winter hike quickly turned into a slippery, ice-covered challenge as we gained elevation.
Starting at Beegum Gap
We hit the trail under an overcast sky, the air sharp and cold but invigorating. The lower section of the hike had patches of mud and light snow, but nothing too concerning. A steady incline led us through the bare winter forest, the skeletal trees towering overhead while the rhododendron remained defiantly green along the trail’s edges.
The Icy Ascent
About halfway up, remnants of last week’s snowfall became more prominent. The shaded areas of the trail were slick with ice, making footing increasingly difficult. By the time we reached the final push toward the summit, we were navigating a full-blown winter landscape—snow drifts, frozen-over sections of the path, and a thin layer of ice that made every step an adventure (or a potential wipeout).
The snow and ice covering the ground were remnants of a storm that had passed through 10 days earlier, leaving behind a frozen landscape that had only partially melted. To make things even more picturesque (and challenging), a light snow fell throughout the entire hike, dusting our gear and adding to the already icy conditions.
Some of us resorted to careful side-stepping and grabbing onto branches for stability. Others embraced the chaos, taking a few unintentional slides along the way. Thankfully, everyone made it up in one piece, albeit with a few close calls.
The Summit: A Frozen Wonderland
The wind at the top was relentless, with sustained speeds of 16 mph and gusts reaching up to 30 mph, making it feel much colder than the recorded 32°F. Factoring in the wind chill, the temperature felt more like 21°F, adding to the harshness of the exposed summit.
The frost-covered trees and exposed rock faces gave the summit an almost otherworldly feel. And despite the biting cold, we took a moment to appreciate the accomplishment before making our way back down.
The Slippery Descent
If going up was treacherous, coming down was its own kind of challenge. The already-icy trail had become even more slick under the weight of our ascent. Controlled slides became the norm, and trekking poles (for those who had them) proved to be lifesavers. We took it slow, helping each other out where needed, and made it back to Beegum Gap with plenty of stories to tell.
Final Thoughts
Winter hiking in North Georgia can be unpredictable, and this trip was proof of that. What seemed like a routine climb turned into an icy adventure requiring patience, caution, and a good sense of humor. The Raco Locos conquered Rabun Bald despite the conditions, and it’s safe to say this one will go down as a legendary winter trek.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. But next time, maybe with some microspikes.
Until the next adventure—stay wild, stay warm, and watch your step!
