Blood Mountain Loop Blood Mountain Wilderness, GA
miles
LENGTH 5.9 MILES
DIFFICULTY 11.7 Medium
DURATION 3-5 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
1690
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Lollipop
Loop
Blood Mountain Loop

This Blood Mountain hike consists of a lollipop loop along the most hiked section of the AT in Georgia with a great view at the summit. Hikers also have the option to ascend directly up Blood Mountain in a shorter, but more difficult, out and back trail. Both ways make for a moderately challenging hike worth the 1.5 hour drive from Atlanta.

The trailhead is located half a mile north of the Mountain Crossings center at Neal’s Gap along US 19. The first .7 miles are along the Byron Herbert Reece trail. The path starts off level along a small creek, but quickly picks up the pace along several steep switchbacks and stone staircases. This trail end at Freeman Gap and the junction of the AT and the Freeman trail. From here, turning right on the AT is the shortest and most direct route to the top of Blood Mountain; however, it is also the steepest. Turning left along the AT will take you back to Neal’s Gap and US 19.

To make the loop, turn right on the Freeman trail (to the left of the AT). The Freeman trail follows the contour of the mountain side along the south until reaching Bird Gap and the AT again. This trail is very rocky, with several large boulders along the way. This trail is much less frequented that the other portions of this hike and it is likely that you won’t see anyone at all along its 1.8 miles.

At Bird Gap, the trail rejoins the AT. Turning right, the trail continues to Slaughter Gap and the start of the climb to the top of the mountain. The first half of the 1 mile ascent is slightly steeper than second half, but no part of this trail is too difficult for anyone moderately in shape.

Once at the top, the the fruits of your labor will be reaped with excellent views on both sides of the mountain. Check out the Blood Mountain shelter then climb the rocks next to the shelter for more views. Continue along the trail, watching the ground for the white blazes painted on the stone. Several more open stone faces allow for great views. Although it’s likely that the trail so far has afforded plenty of solitude, the summit of Blood Mountain and rest of the hike will almost definitely have some volume.

Head down steep switchbacks as the trail descends the east side of the mountain, rejoining the Freeman and Byron Herbert Reece trails at Freeman Gap. Continue back down the BHR trail to the parking area.

Check out more Blood Mountain hikes.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.8 mi
80 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
1 mi
361 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.8 mi
491 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.5 mi
381 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.3 mi
434 ft
Elevation Loss
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Loss
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.5 mi
66 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.5 mi
165 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.8 mi
475 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.4 mi
328 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
0.5 mi
615 ft
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length5.9 miles
difficulty11.7 Medium
duration3 - 5 hours
features Dog Friendly  History  Summit  Views 
trail typeLollipop Loop
blazeBlue (BHR), White (AT)
elevation gain1690 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestBlood Mountain Wilderness
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtBlue Ridge Ranger District
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6928
parking feeFree
trailhead coordinates 34.741687, -83.922683 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°44.5, W 83°55.36 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°44'30'', N 34°44'30'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.741687, -83.922683 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°44.5, W 83°55.36 most GPS units use this one
N 34°44'30'', N 34°44'30'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
Driving north, continue .6 miles past the Mountain Crossings center at Neal's Gap. On the left, you will pass the exit for the parking lot first.
Parking Capacity
38 designated parking spaces. All other vehicles will be ticketed.
Notes
Get there early on weekends. The Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead can accommodate 38 vehicles. Vehicles parked outside designated spaces will be ticketed.
The Freeman trail is very rocky, so watch your step.
Use caution at the top, there are several rock outlooks with steep drops.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (2)
mudboi-5 years ago
beautiful hike
amazing views and a very satisfying, thorough hike
Medium-Hard | Hiked Winter 2018
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Must Hike
Essential hike. This is a must. Walk along the AT to outstanding views of north GA. One of my all time favorites.
Medium | Hiked Summer 2011
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