Blood Mountain Loop via Appalachian Trail and Freeman(edit)

based on 109 tracks & routes | |

MODERATE

#1 hike out of 272 in |

MODERATE

5.8 mi

Distance

2 hrs 47 min

Time

1,375 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult loop trail to Blood Mountain in Georgia.

Beautiful panoramic views of the North Georgia blue ridge on top of the granite dome of Blood Mountain. Neat shelter at the top for AT through-hikers and other backpackers. Plenty of overnight campsite options with tremendous views.

Tons of rhododendrons and mountain laurel along the entire hike that bloom most of the summer.

Getting Started

Park at the Byron Reece trailhead parking lot loop which is just north of the historic Mountain Crossings store at Neels Gap.

Note - Parking at Neels Gap is reserved for Mountain Crossings customers

Follow the blue-blazed BH Reece trail up to the Appalachian Trail (AT) and turn right. Upon reaching the summit, continue north on the AT and join back up with the BH Reece trail to complete the loop back down to the parking lot. The third leg of this loop climbs up and down quite a bit across rocky terrain.

Taking Children

Doable, but challenging for children under 10. The third leg of the loop is across rocky terrain and may be difficult for small children to navigate.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

aleks09 3 years ago

Not a bad hike, after Smoky mountains may seem underwhelming, but still has all the basic attributes of a pleasant hike. Was crowded on a nice fall Saturday.

★ ★ ★

TVCAST 3 years, 9 months ago

Beautiful hike. Quite a challenge for someone new to hiking and lacking proper equipment. I made it and I absolutely would do it again. There was a lot of ice which added to the beauty and to the challenge. Some of the elevation climbs are steep and sudden which can take the wind right out of you. Take your time, enjoy the beauty surrounding you, and breathe. You can do it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

shajith 4 years ago

First time on this..almost missed the left turn to take Freeman Trail towards Flat Rock-Byron Rees. Good Hike!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

jon.duckert 4 years, 10 months ago

Nice hike. Fist time on at. Go before sunrise. Summit at sunrise

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

scott.matthew.carlson 5 years, 2 months ago

Hike this trail about 20 times per year. Each season brings a different challenge and new features. In early and mid-summer the rhododendron blooms are abundant along the entire trail. Fall colors are amazing and the lack of foliage in the winter opens up new views, but can get quite windy especially along ridges. The views at the top are always amazing...we love to hike up to watch the sunset over the North Georgia mountains and blue ridge. While this trail is not overly challenging, it is fairly steep with a few different rock scrambles that are tough, but fun. Get there before 7am on weekends if you want to find parking!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★