KatherineBook
Blood Mountain is the highest peak on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. First, you have to pick from the several routes you can choose to hike to the summit. I chose a route starting from Lake Winfield Scott near Blairsville, GA. The round trip distance is 7.7 miles and I would rate this hike as difficult. There is a 5$ parking fee at the Lake Winfield Scott rec area. From the first parking lot on the left, the trailhead is a short walk up the road (located on the right). The route I chose was the Jarrard Gap trail (blue blazes) to the AT (white blazes) to the Blood Mountain summit, then going back down the AT to the Slaughter Creek trail which loops back to Lake Winfield Scott.
Directions To The Blood Mountain Summit Hike
From the Trailhead, follow signs for both Jarrard Gap and Slaughter Creek. Initially, you will come to a gravel road-take that to the right, following the signs for the Jarrard Gap trail. Then, follow the Jarrard Gap trail (blue blazes) up for a little over a mile and you will reach a junction sign-Jarrard Gap, with AT to the left. Follow that to the left (white blazes) and you will continue along the ridge to Bird Gap at 2.6 miles, Freeman Trail goes to the right. Stay straight and continue on until you get to the split with Slaughter Creek (3 miles). Up to the right are stone steps-follow those up to the Blood Mountain Summit and the shelter (3.9 miles). Enjoy a snack and the view before heading back down the AT the way you came to the Slaughter creek split. Take that to the right (blue blazes) for a gradual easy walk along the creek back down to the lake and parking area.
Views From The Start
Along The Trail
Here is a link to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to find out how they are working to preserve this beautiful trail: https://appalachiantrail.org/
Views From The Summit
As always, when hiking please follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace!
Address: 439 Lake Winfield Scott Road, Suches, GA
