Blood Mountain via Slaughter Creek

Join us for a moderate paced hike to the iconic Blood Mountain peak, 4500 feet, the highest on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.  Expect 2.3-2.5 mph.  Elevation gain of 1,900'.  

Pack your lunch to enjoy atop Picnic Rock, with a surprising view of downtown Atlanta 70 miles away.  I will bring binoculars if you want a closer look.

At the peak there is an interesting stone shelter, one of the rare deluxe two-room models, built by the CCC in 1934.  Up top there is also a porta potty.

We are going on a weekday hoping for minimal crowds.  We're hiking up the "backside " from Lake Winfield Scott where there is ample parking if you choose to drive although a carpool is also being arranged.  If you do drive remember to bring your National Park Pass or cash to pay daily access fee.

We will go up and back on the Slaughter Creek Trail, about 4 miles each way.  Slaughter Creek is much more scenic than the Jarrard Gap Loop option, IMHO.  On the way we'll talk about the origins of the eerie place names, and who Winfield Scott was.  We'll pass photo opps for mayapples currently in bloom, as well as foam flowers and wild Irises, and cross several streams, or is it one stream several times?  You decide.

From Indian Trail Park and Ride: take I-85N to I-985, then take GA Hwy 60 toward Dahlonega 42 miles to Suches, GA, turn rt on GA 180 and follow signs to Lake Winfield Scott.  On left, before the lake, is trailhead parking.  No cell service after you leave Suches. 

From North Atlanta: take 400 north, that becomes US 19.  That will join up with GA 60 below Dahlonega.  Then follow the GA 60 directions above.