Blood Mountain Georgia
Georgia's highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, offering challenging hikes, historic shelters, and stunning mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Blood Mountain Georgia
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Georgia's highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, offering challenging hikes, historic shelters, and stunning mountain vistas.
"Truly, one of the best hikes in the state with incredible views."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is rocky and boulderous. Good ankle support and grip are essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blood Mountain Summit
Summit
Georgia's highest peak on the Appalachian Trail offers panoramic views of the North Georgia Mountains.
Appalachian Trail Section
Appalachian Trail
Hike a portion of this iconic trail, experiencing its challenging ascents and historic significance.
Blood Mountain Shelter
Appalachian Trail
Discover a piece of history at this 1937 Civilian Conservation Corps shelter, maintained by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.
Vogel State Park
Base of Blood Mountain
Explore one of Georgia's oldest state parks, offering scenic trails and a glimpse into the Civilian Conservation Corps' legacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Views
Trail Navigation & Difficulty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is rocky and boulderous. Good ankle support and grip are essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
🗺️ Watch for Trail Markers
Follow the painted white dashed lines carefully to stay on the correct path. Some sections can be tricky.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on challenging ascents. Water crossings are present but manageable with care.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is rocky and boulderous. Good ankle support and grip are essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
🗺️ Watch for Trail Markers
Follow the painted white dashed lines carefully to stay on the correct path. Some sections can be tricky.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on challenging ascents. Water crossings are present but manageable with care.
🐾 Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trails, provided they are kept on a leash.
🐻 Bear Activity Possible
Be aware of potential bear activity and take necessary precautions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible views from Blood Mountain, especially during the fall foliage season. The challenging hike is considered a highlight, offering a great workout and a sense of accomplishment. Some find the trail markers a bit tricky to follow, and parking can be an issue during peak times.
"Went in fall during peak leaf changing season, and it was gorgeous. Its a moderate 2 mile ascension, with a rocky and boulderous trail. Took me under 2 hours to complete."
The5ifty9ine
"Truly , one of the best hikes in the state. Arrived early as the parking lot can fill up quickly . This hike is a wonderful 5/+ miles loop, it starts out with a good ascension but nothing crazy. I always feel like I’m part of history on this hike as it has been around. There is a hostel up top for many Appalachian trail hikers to use and remember to respect one another . There are many spots to look over the horizon as you near the top and take your time at the summit to explore. I would say this is a moderate workout but not too bad.
Have fun and hike your own hike"
True Carolina
"A must visit if you are nearby. Incredible views. Pretty decent hike and need to keep a good eye out for trail markers but definitely worth the hike."
Cody Melillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blood Mountain is accessible via scenic drives on Highway 129. The Byron Reece Trailhead offers free parking and is a popular starting point for hikes. Vogel State Park is also located at the base of the mountain.
Many motorcyclists and car enthusiasts enjoy driving the winding roads of Blood Mountain for its challenging curves and scenic beauty. 
Yes, you can drive to overlooks near the summit of Blood Mountain, offering spectacular views without a strenuous hike.
The Byron Reece Trailhead provides free parking and is a common starting point for ascents. Vogel State Park also offers parking facilities.
Yes, there are overlooks accessible by car that provide stunning views of Blood Mountain and the surrounding North Georgia Mountains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the hiking trails and overlooks of Blood Mountain is generally free. Parking at trailheads like Byron Reece is also free.
Blood Mountain is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round. However, visitor centers or specific park facilities may have operating hours.
No, tickets are not required for Blood Mountain. It's a natural landmark and public access is generally open.
Typically, no special permits are required for day hiking on Blood Mountain. However, it's always good to check with the Chattahoochee National Forest for any specific regulations.
Visiting on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall, excluding peak foliage) can help you avoid the largest crowds. Arriving early in the morning is also recommended.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Blood Mountain hike is generally considered challenging due to its steep ascents, rocky terrain, and boulderous sections. It typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete a loop.
A typical loop hike on Blood Mountain can take around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the summit.
Popular trails include the 5.7-mile loop starting from Vogel State Park or the ascent via the Byron Reece Trail to connect with the Appalachian Trail.
While not the primary feature, some smaller water crossings and cascades can be found along the trails, especially after rainfall.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the North Georgia Mountains, especially during the fall foliage season.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides breathtaking panoramic vistas. Look for scenic overlooks along the drive and unique rock formations on the trails.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is subject to regulations by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Always check current rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying.
The Blood Mountain Shelter, built in 1937, offers a unique historical element for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you opt for hiking, the trails around Vogel State Park offer more moderate options. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for rocky terrain. The historical Blood Mountain Shelter can be an interesting point of discovery for kids. 🚗 Driving Enthusiasts & Scenic Cruisers
+3 Take your time to enjoy the journey, and be mindful of other travelers. Pull over at designated overlooks to soak in the breathtaking mountain vistas. 🏞️ Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers
Be prepared for challenging ascents and descents, and remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Respect fellow hikers and the natural environment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Drive: Blood Mountain's Twisting Roads
+4 The roads offer a thrilling ride with elevation climbs and sweeping bends, providing just enough adrenaline to keep drivers grinning. It's a destination that appeals to those seeking both natural beauty and a spirited journey.This stretch of road is part of the scenic beauty of North Georgia, attracting visitors who appreciate the combination of challenging driving and stunning mountain landscapes. While the focus is often on the ride, the surrounding environment provides a beautiful backdrop. It's important for drivers to be aware of other vehicles, cyclists, and potential wildlife on the road, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The drive itself is an adventure, offering a unique perspective of the mountain's grandeur.
Hiking Blood Mountain: Trails, Challenges, and Rewards
Hikers often start from Vogel State Park or the Byron Reece Trailhead, ascending through rocky and boulderous terrain. The trail is known for its steep ascents, and keeping a close eye on trail markers, particularly the painted white dashed lines, is crucial to stay on course. Despite the challenge, the rewards are immense. The summit of Blood Mountain, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the North Georgia Mountains.
Along the way, hikers can encounter historic sites like the Blood Mountain Shelter, built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trails also feature water crossings with large boulders, adding to the adventure. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and be aware of potential wildlife, including bears. A Glimpse into History: The Blood Mountain Shelter
It has been preserved and is now maintained by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, ensuring its continued existence for future hikers.The shelter offers a unique resting spot and a tangible connection to the past for those traversing the Appalachian Trail. It's more than just a roof; it's a piece of history that hikers can experience firsthand. The area around the shelter also provides a pleasant spot to pause and appreciate the natural beauty and the historical context of the trail.
Social
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