Blood Mountain, Byron Reece and Freeman Trails

     This 7-8 mile loop trail combines the Byron Herbert Reece Trail, Appalachian Trail and Freeman Gap Trail for a rugged midmorning/day hike through the gorgeous Chattahoochee Forest.  Blood Mountain is one of Georgia’s premier hiking destinations. At 4,458 ft. Blood Mountain is Georgia’s 6th tallest mountain. Its peak is the highest point along Georgia’s 76-mile long section of the AT.  Blood Mountain’s rugged wilderness offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from several large, natural rock outcroppings.

     We’ll start at the Parking lot for the Byron Herbert Reece trail.  Taking the Reece Trail, we’ll ascend .7 miles to Freeman Gap where the trail intersects the Appalachian Trail and the Freeman Gap Trail.  At this point we’ll bypass the summit approach to take the Freeman trail around the mountain (just under 2 miles) to where the trail intersects the AT on the southern approach to Blood Mountain.  After reaching the summit, we’ll plan on a late lunch and rest at the top to warm up and catch the magnificent view.  After this we’ll take the AT down the mountain to Freeman Gap where we’ll again take the Reece Trail back to the parking area.

     I expect the HIKE to be approximately 4.5+/- hours with stops for a snack at the summit and breaks. We’ll head back down to Dahlonega to Pueblo's for a late lunch/early dinner for those who want to eat and make merry!  Please note that after adding travel time, stop at Pueblo's we will be returning back to Atlanta late afternoon. 

IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE A D4 WITH THE GROUP, I WILL CONTACT YOU TO CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE THE ABILITY LEVEL TO DO THIS TYPE OF HIKE.  I reserve the right to remove anyone from the hike who has not done a D4 or has equivelant ability level hiking.

     We will meet at the INDIAN TRAIL PARK AND RIDE at 7am.  Please be early to help get cars loaded.

      There is limited parking lot at the Bryon Herbert Reece lot . If there are not sufficent spaces we will shuttle from Vogel State Park (just down the road). Plan on at least 4 people per vehicle.