(Rescheduled) Lake Winfield Scott to Blood Mountain to Neel Gap: From Shore to Summit to Store

Streams, summit, lake, boulders ... and a lunchtime stop at Neel Gap. This is such a fun hike! 

Join us as we venture from the shores of beautiful Lake Winfield Scott upward to Blood Mountain. At  4,458 feet elevation, Blood Mountain is Georgia’s sixth tallest mountain and the highest point on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. This rugged wilderness offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains from several large rock outcroppings. Our route will also take us past spring-fed mountain creeks and through sublime forests. 

Starting by the lake shore, we'll begin our hike with an enjoyable trek along Slaughter Creek along the camp trail. We'll ascend Jarrard Gap Trail before turning northbound onto the Appalachian Trail. Everyone will enjoy ridgeline views as we head up to summit Blood Mountain. There are spectacular long-range vistas from atop the boulders near the summit's stone shelter.

Next we will parade down the other side of Blood Mountain as we take the AT northbound to Neel Gap. We'll avoid the overcrowded parking lot at the Byron Reece trailhead so that we can instead enjoy splendid mountain views as we lunch near the patio at Neel Gap or a bit further down the trail. If desired, we can also pick up souvenirs and treats at Mountain Crossing outdoor store. This famous store, housed in a beautiful stone building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, caters to backpackers and hikers. It's also the only spot where the Appalachian Trail passes through a building. 

After a leisurely lunch we'll head back southbound on the AT, once again summitting Blood Mountain. As we head down the other side we'll pass the DRT intersection before reaching Slaughter Gap. Turn right onto Slaughter Creek Trail will lead us back to Lake Winfield Scott by a different route than the way we came. This final  trail section is a beautiful hike. Along the way we will pass small cascading creeks and walk through beautiful forests layered with rhododendron and hardwood coves. Emerging from the forest we have a short walk back to the lake and our cars.

The hike is approximately 12.2 miles with over 3,000 feet elevation gain.

This is a challenging D5 mountain trek. You'll need recent D5 or equivalent hiking experience and be comfortable moving at a moderate pace of over 2.5 mph. If you don't have recent D5 or higher hiking experience with the AOC we will be in contact to determine whether this event is right for you.

Lake Winfield Scott Rercreation Area, near Suches, Georgia.

Click here for directions to the trailhead parking area at Lake Winfield Scott.

We will meet at the small parking lot on the lake. Enter Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, proceed to the check-in area and pay fee, and then proceed down the main road to the lake. The parking area is on the left side of the road when you reach the lake. Additional parking, if needed, is available 200 yards down the road.

There is a $5 entrance fee.

Click here for the AllTrails trail map of our route.