For as long as I can remember, I have loved the idea of hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT). It is a hiker’s dream. The chance to explore what feels like endless miles of rugged singletrack through multiple states, deep within the wildest areas of the country. While a months-long thru-hiking adventure might not be in my future, Blood Mountain was one of the many mountains along the AT that caught my attention.
When an opportunity to travel to Georgia for a work conference popped up, I knew I had to make it happen. I would finally get to cross off another mountain summit along the AT.
The Route: Bryon Reece Trail to AT
There are a few different ways to tackle this peak. Because my time was limited, I chose the quickest and most direct route.
I parked at the Byron Reece Trailhead at Neel Gap. I went earlier in the year on a Friday and there was plenty of parking but the parking lot isn’t that big and will probably fill up quickly in the summer months. This route is 4.3 miles, round-trip, and has over 1,400 feet of elevation gain. And yes, it feels like it.
Immediately, the Bryon Reece Trail begins its steady, upward climb toward the summit of Blood Mountain. I hit a small creek crossing early on in the hike. The water was low enough that I was able to navigate the tops of rocks and keep my feet dry.
At around the 0.7-mile mark, the trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail. There was a signpost acknowledging the junction, but I still managed to turn onto the wrong trail. I ended up hiking very briefly on the Freeman Trail.
It only took me a few minutes to realize I was not seeing the iconic white blazes of the AT, and I turned back to the intersection to get on the correct trail.
Once officially on the AT, the terrain becomes more technical and rugged. Large boulders, rocky switchbacks, and exposed tree roots forced me to slow down my pace and watch my footing carefully.
Navigation got a bit tricky here and there. Rocky sections actually masked the footprint of the trail, making it tougher to spot. I kept a close eye out for those white blazes painted onto trees and rocks to make sure I stayed on track.
The Reward of Standing on the Summit
Roughly 1.5 miles after turning onto the AT, the hike pays off. The summit opens up to multiple large outcroppings that offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
It was the perfect place for me to sit down, enjoy a snack, and take in the endless layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Before heading back down, I made sure to take a peek at the Blood Mountain Shelter. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this two-room stone cabin is a landmark for AT thru-hikers looking for a refuge. As badly as I wanted to step inside and check it out, I opted to view it from the trail, just in case any hikers were currently using it to rest.
Alternative Routes
The Byron Reece trailhead is the shortest route to the summit of Blood Mountain, but it isn’t the only option. If you’re staying at Vogel State Park and want an all-day hike, you can start the hike right from the campground. By linking the Bear Hair Gap Loop to the Coosa Backcountry Trail, you can connect directly to the AT. This is a longer and more challenging route, but it lets you experience the full transition from the base of the mountain to the peak.
Tips for Hiking Blood Mountain
Pack Layers. The summit is consistently cooler and windier than the base of the mountain. I brought a light jacket, and I’m grateful for it.
The AT section of this hike is technical. You’ll want sturdy shoes with excellent grip. This is especially true during the rainier seasons when the rocks are slick.
Keep an eye out for the white blazes. The trail can easily get lost when crossing rock fields. Constantly scan ahead for the white paint blazes on trees and rocks to confirm you’re still on the official Appalachian Trail.
Know your route before you go. I always say this. Make sure you plan ahead, know what to expect, know what your route is going to be, and what conditions you might encounter.
Beat the crowds by going earlier in the day. I headed up mid-morning and only saw a few people going up, but a lot more on my way down.
Don’t forget that you’re hiking in active black bear territory. Always keep your food packs within arm’s reach, never leave trash on the trail, and know how to react if you encounter a black bear.
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