Lake Winfield Scott to Blood Mountain to Neel Gap

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Lake Winfield Scott to Blood Mountain to Neel Gap

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Feb 21 2026 9:30 am >> Sat, Feb 21 2026 3:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:50 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Feb 10 2026 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Feb 20 2026 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

12 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Clay Davies

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Please join me for a hike starting at Lake Winfield Scott to Neel Gap passing over the summit of Blood Mountain from both directions on the AT. We will take our lunch break at the picnic tables at Neel Gap which is our mid-point. Special thanks to Greg Pharo for the use of his Alltrails map

We begin our hike ascending the Jarrard Gap Trail before turning northbound on the Appalachian Trail. While on the AT we should enjoy some great ridgeline views on our way to Blood Mountain. We will take in the views at the top before continuing on to Neel Gap.

After a 20 minute lunch break, we will head back southbound on the AT. After passing the Duncan Ridge Trail intersection we will approach Slaughter Gap. We turn right on the Slaughter Creek Trail which leads us back to Lake Winfield Scott on a different route from our approach on the Jarrad Gap Trail. This scenic hike is over 12 miles and over 3,000 feet elevation gain.

This is a moderate/challenging D5 event. You will need recent D5 experience and be comfortable maintaining a moving pace between 2.5-3.0 mph. If you don't have recent D5 experience with the AOC, you will be contacted in advance to determine whether this hike is right for you before officially being added to the event.

Required Items to Bring:

hiking boots/ trailrunners

minimum of 1-2 liters of water

lunch/snack

raingear

Gas money for driver, if carpooling

$5 per car entrance fee for Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

trekking poles

sunscreen

hat/ gloves

sunglasses

dress in layers

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

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 next to the lake. After you enter Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, go to the check-in area and pay fee, and then continue down to the lake. The parking will be on the left just before you reach the lake.

There is a $5 entrance fee for all vehicles.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

125Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:50 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $50.00 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.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Registration for this event opens at 2/10/2026 7:00:00 PM