Hike Description: Blood Mountain, at 4461 feet, is
the highest point on the Appalachian Trail in the state of Georgia. There
are magnificent views from a rock outcropping at the summit. Blood Mountain
is known for an old stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
during the 1930s. The hike starts
from the Byron Herbert Reece parking lot, located off of US
19 just north of Neels Gap. The combination of trails will have you
climbing 1,418 ft. in little more than 2 miles of trail.
The first 0.7 miles of trail starts gently through lush rhododendron and
mountain laurel before you begin to switch back your way up stone staircases
to Flatrock Gap. Here we will turn to the right and follow
the white blazed AT up towards the summit of Blood Mountain. The trail is
rugged and often steep as it winds its way up to the mountain summit. Here
there is a picnic rock or large boulder that serves as a popular viewpoint
for hikers.
Getting There: The carpool will leave the
Hardee's in Ocoee at 8:30 a.m. Hikers will need water and a lunch, hiking
sticks, and tons of energy. Those planning to hike need to contact Gail
Gray at (423) 336-1070.
Post-Hike Report:
On a very warm Saturday, eight hikers led Gail
Gray up Blood Mountain. Hikers were Edmond Gray, Joanne Jackson, Ken
Jones, Randy Morris, Taylor Morris (Randy’s son), Robert Owenby and
Clayton Pannell. The Byron Herbert Reece Trail leading up to the
Appalachian Trail was new territory for Clayton, Ken and Robert. This
was pretty incredible since the three are such experienced hikers.
Many wildflowers were in evidence
including Flame Azalea, Mountain Laurel, Fire Pinks, Spiderwort,
Buttercups, and Black-Eyed Susan.
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We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the
top of the mountain and began the trip back down to the parking lot. It
was extremely warm, as I am sure, many no-shows expected. This hike
should probably be planned in a less hot and humid time of the year in
the future. It is a strenuous trip.
The Boogher Hollow Store was not
forgotten by many at the end of the trip back to our original meeting
place (Hardees in Ocoee).
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