Blood Mountain Loop Day Hike with Swim

This is a classic loop hike to the highest point on the Appalachian trail in Georgia - Blood Mountain.  This will be a a moderately paced hike.  There is about 1500 feet in elevation gain, so if you must be in reasonably good shape to keep up with the group.  You should be able to hike 2.5mph pace minimally.  Beginning at Lake Winfield Scott park, we'll hike up the West face of Blood Mountain along the Slaughter Creek trail. After 3.5 miles, we'll reach the top of Blood Mountain.  We'll probably spend about 60 minutes at the summit enjoying lunch and the views, taking photos.  Then we'll hike out on the Jarrard Gap trail, which will return us to Lake Winfield Scott.

Once back to the cars in the park, we'll grab our swim suits and a change of clothes, change in the bath houses (men and women are separate), then walk the 50 feet to the sandy beach for a swim.  Plan to spend about one hour at the lake swimming and relaxing.  Then walk back to the bath house, change into dry clothes and shoes, return to the car, and drive home.

North on GA 400. Take a left onto SR 60/19 toward Dahlonega. At the fork of SR 60 and SR 19, go straight on SR 60 to Suches. Take a right on SR 180.  The entrance to the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area is on the right, approximately 7-8 miles on after you turn onto SR 180.  As you drive toward the lake, past the campground, the parking lot is located on the left, just before you get to the bridge. The trailhead is located across the bridge and to your right.

Parking is $5 per day.