I started from the Byron Reece Trailhead on a cool early spring morning, around 48 degrees. You have to get here early because the parking lot fills up quick. No Godfrey on this hike. The grade and the terrain would be too much for his arthritic hips and shoulder.
Blood Mountain is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. The route is only about four miles out and back, but don’t let the short distance fool you. It’s a decent hike where you’ll climb about 1,500 feet to the summit. It’s also not a gradual incline. It’s up.
The hike begins gently enough with a simple water crossing and a gradual warm-up. Once the climb starts, it becomes a steady sequence of rocky steps, uneven footing, and sustained incline. You might question your life choices half-way through but stick with it because the views are worth the effort.
Conditions were ideal. Clear sky, dry trail, and early spring visibility before the leaves fully come in. You get open views of the North Georgia mountains that will disappear in a couple of months.
The trail is well traveled and decently marked. I missed a turn briefly near a junction where the Byron Reece Trail meets the Appalachian Trail and had to double back. Pay attention to blazes and intersections, especially where trails overlap with the Appalachian Trail. It was my dumb mistake though.
You’ll get a great cardio workout on this hike. The grade is consistent enough that you stay under load most of the way up, but there are just enough breaks to recover. You’ll be breathing hard, but it’s manageable if you pace yourself. The terrain is rocky throughout with some minor scrambling in parts.
Previously I talked about the rating differences depending on where the trail is located. Georgia labels this hike as hard. In a place like Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountain Range this hike would be more on the moderate side. This is not an extreme hike its just strenuous.
As you gain elevation, the views begin to open. Large rock outcrops provide clear sightlines across the surrounding mountains. These are the payoff points before the summit, and nice spots to stop and rest if you need it.
The summit area is exposed rock with wide views. It’s also a little crowded. It’s one of the highlights in the area and there is a shelter just below the rock outcropping that makes the summit. I took my rest, took some video, took some pics, and then moved on. This isn’t the place to linger if you’re looking for solitude.
The descent is quicker but, for me, going down is harder. Less strain on the lungs, more strain on the knees. The same rocky steps that slow you on the way up become impact points on the way down. You have to stay controlled the entire time.
You also get a different visual experience coming down. Sections that felt enclosed on the ascent open up into wider views as you move in the opposite direction. That’s the advantage to an out and back hike. You see the views you missed on the way up.
I mentioned this hike is a challenge, but, I still feel almost anyone can do this. I passed people on the way down hiking up in regular clothes and they were fine. There are plenty of people with poles and special gear. I don’t use any special gear other than my backpack and water bladder. I hike in a t-shirt, jeans, and my trust Panama Jack Chukka Boots!
Don’t skip this hike because it’s short and steep. It’s great for a morning hike that will give you a great workout and great views to boot.
stats
Length: 4.29 mi
Avg. Pace: 32:00
Elev. Gain: 1,493 ft
Calories: 1,112
Moving Time: 2:17:17
Total Time: 2:19:08
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