The long way to Blood Mountain via Coosa backcountry (6AM carpool)

Start the new year off right with some fresh air on a long winter hike!

We will be hiking the Coosa backcountry trail counter clockwise starting in Vogel State Park at 2250ft. The first stretch takes us around Sheriff Knob and up gently for 1.5 miles, then down to 2000ft to cross Wolf Creek at 3.5 miles. It then ascends steadily to Coosa Bald at 4000ft over the next 3.5 miles. The next landmark is Wolfpen Gap with elevation changes to get there and then you cross Hwy 180, marking about 8.5 miles through the loop. We then go hike Slaughter Mtn and into Slaughter Gap. From here we will turn onto the Duncan Ridge trail and a section of the AT to climb to the top of Blood Mountain. This is about mile 12. We return back to the Coosa trail and descend back to Vogel State Park over the last few miles.

This trail is STRENUOUS but will be fun! We will be hiking at a moderate steady pace (2-3 mph) to complete this trail in the shorter daylight. Please have recent D5 or D6 experience!

I have not hiked this trail so the event is marked exploratory, but the loop and excursion to Blood Mtn are all well marked.

We will stop for lunch and probably several quick snack breaks along the way.

From the Idian Trail Park & Ride, take I-85 north to I-985. Continue as it turns into US23 North and exit onto US129 North. Take this all the way north for approximately 43 miles and Vogel State Park is on the left. Est drive time is 1hr 40 mins.

Directions link: https://goo.gl/maps/XiyV7oU3sUL2