Blooming Blood Mountain - Wed, May 20 2026

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Blooming Blood Mountain

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Lake Winfield Scott

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, May 20 2026 9:30 am >> Wed, May 20 2026 2:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Mon, May 11 2026 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, May 19 2026 9:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

8 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Joyce B.

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:

Itinerary:

Last year in the middle of May, I went on a hike to Blood Mountain when the rhododendrons, flame azaleas and other wildflowers were spectacularly in full bloom. Let's see if we can get lucky again and hit the mountain at just the right time. And if we are not lucky with the flowers, there is always that wonderful view from atop Blood Mountain.

We'll begin at Lake Winfield Scott, hike up the Jarrard Gap Trail, pick up the A.T. to summit Blood Mountain where we'll take a break for lunch. We'll then complete the loop descending on the Slaughter Creek Trail.

Since this is more of a stop - or slow down - to admire the flowers (hopefully), this is not a fast or high-end moderately paced hike. This is definitely on the low-end of moderate: 2.2-2.5 mph (25-27 minute mile). So it's not the more typical faster paced D4. Please keep this in mind when you sign up.

It is still a D4. Be ready and able to hike 8 miles with 1,600 feet in elevation gain (approximate).

Meeting at carpoool: Arrive by 7:20 am to arrange carpools. Departure promptly at 7:30 am.

Meeting at trailhead: Arrive by 9:15-9:20 am.

Required Items to Bring:

Water (1.5-2 liters)
Good hiking boots
Sunscreen
Money (or an app) for gas if carpooling

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

Hiking poles
Camera
Snacks
Rain gear
Hat

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

If you are not joining the carpool:

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
439 Lake Winfield Scott Rd.
Suches, GA 30572

We will meet at the small parking lot by the lake. Once you've entered the recreation area, drive down the main road. Parking lot is on the left on the near side of the lake.

There is a $5 parking fee. An America the Beautiful pass works here as well.

Directions to the trailhead parking area at Lake Winfield Scott.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

125Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 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 5/11/2026 7:00:00 PM