Blood Mountain

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Blood Mountain

Blood Mountain has a lot going for it. It is Georgia's 6th highest mountain. The Appalachian Trail crosses right over the summit. There are multiple amazing views. And to bring it all together, there are multiple access points giving you hiking options from 4 to 10 miles. All of this makes Blood Mountain one of the most popular hiking destinations in Georgia and the most hiked section of the AT in Georgia.

Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead

The most popular trailhead to begin a hike to Blood Mountain, the Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead is also the first one that will be full up. With only 38 parking spots, you'll need to get here early or on a weekday. Two excellent hikes begin here. Heading straight up to Blood Mountain will get you there on the shortest, but steepest route. Taking the Freeman Trail around to the other side will get you a longer loop hike. These are by far the most popular routes up the mountain.

Blood Mountain via Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead

4.1 mi

12.1

The shortest route to the summit of Blood Mountain may be the most popular, but it's certainly not an easy hike. Be prepared for some elevation gain.

Adding almost 2 miles to the hike, this alternative creates a loop, summiting Blood Mountain from the other side for a less strenuous climb.

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Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park is the starting point for several trails and one of the most popular is Blood Mountain. Taking either direction on the Bear Hair Gap Loop and combining a short section of the Coosa Backcountry Trail, then the Duncan Ridge Trail will eventually connect you with the Appalachian Trail just a half-mile shy of the Blood Mountain summit.

Blood Mountain via Bear Hair Gap Trail

9.2 mi

16.1

Take a longer route to the top of Blood Mountain, combining several trails to make for an epic half day hike. Criss-cross over mountain streams, navigate around large boulders, and ascend to soaring views on the way to this popular north Georgia summit.

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Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

Another great starting option, you have a couple choices from here. Both Jarrard Gap and Slaughter Creek trails access the Appalachian Trail south of Blood Mountain and you can use the Freeman Trail to combine two loops to form an epic double loop.

Blood Mountain Double Loop

10 mi

16.4

Hike this 10 mile double loop that combines 4 different trails to make a figure-8 over Blood Mountain's summit.

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Blood Mountain via Lake Winfield Scott

7.7 mi

12.7

Hike from a beautiful mountain lake to the mountain summit on this lollipop loop combination of trail up Blood Mountain.

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Wolfpen Gap

Probably the least used starting point for a Blood Mountain hike, taking the Duncan Ridge trail past Slaughter Mountain and up to Blood is one of the more difficult routes thanks to a steep climb right at the start.

Blood Mountain via Wolfpen Gap

6.3 mi

16.5

While there's no getting around the crowds at the top on a weekend, even in winter, you're sure to find this route less trafficked than others on your way up.

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.