Up and Over Blood Mountain and Back

Labor Day is over but it is still summer until the Autumn Equinox on September 22nd. Join me for a late summer hike while the weather is still warm. We will hike up Blood Mountain from the Byron Reece (BR) Trailhead parking lot on Highway 19, climb to the top of Blood Mountain, then hike down Blood Mountain to the Freeman Trail. Rather than take the Freeman Trail, which is rocky with some trees down on the path, we will take a break then climb back up Blood Mountain then down to the parking lot. Most of the AOC Blood Mountain hikes meet at the Winfield Scott parking lot but I have always hiked Blood from the BR lot. This route is pretty steep with a lot of switchbacks but has excellent vistas and a rock to scramble up at the top of Blood for an even better view. Almost all of the hike will be on the AT. The elevation gain will be about 2211 feet and the distance will be about 6.5 miles. Based on elevation and distance, this hike is rated a D4.

We will meet at the Trailhead parking lot at 0815. There is no porta potty at the parking lot. We will stop at the top of Blood for 15 minutes for a snack, then head down Blood to the Freeman Trail, stop briefly for 5-10 minutes, then begin the ascent back up Blood, where we will stop for another 15 minute break for lunch. There is an out house at the top of Blood Mountain. 

From the Windward Parkway Park and Ride merge onto US-19 N/GA 400S. For 32 miles, continue on US-19N/Georgia 400, then continue straight onto GA-115. In 4.8 miels, continue straight onto Long Branch Rd. In 3.5 miles, turn left onto Cavender Creek Rd. In 1.1 miles, turn right onto Town Creek Church Rd. In 2.1 miles, turn left onto Frogtown Rd. In 3.2 miles, turn left onto Damascus Church Rd. In 1.2 miles, turn right onto US-19N.In 2.2 miles, turn left onto US-129N/US-19. In 8.3 miles, turn left onto the Byron Reece Trailhead parking lot. (You will pass the Mountain Crossing Store at Walasi-yi Center on your right about 0.6 mile before the entrance to the parking lot on your left. You won't see the parking lot from the road - look for the entrance sign.)

The trail is pretty shady except on the bald look-out spots so think about bringing a hat. 

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $48 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

If you find you are unable to attend this event, please delete your name from the roster as soon as possible. If you have to cancel after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th, please call or text me at 706-877-2882 but not after 10:00 p.m.