Blood Mountain Hike From Neel's Gap - Blairsville, Georgia
by Rebecca Hollman
updated Sep 4, 2019
Blood Mountain Hike - Blairsville, Georgia
The famous Appalachian Trail starts its 2,200 mile length in the North Georgia foothills. Blood Mountain is one of the iconic lookout points along the Appalachian Trail and is an easy day hike for people wishing to appreciate the AT without actually doing it. It is also one of the tallest points in the whole state of Georgia and gives sweeping views of the rolling mountain foothills in all directions. During the fall, this trail gives amazing views of the foliage changing colors and the temperature in the fall months makes the hike much more pleasurable.
About the Hike:
The Blood Mountain summit hike from Neel’s Gap is a moderately difficult out and back hike that goes through covered forests full of ferns and rhododendrons and mossy rock outcroppings. After a good amount of switch backs and a moderate uphill grade, the trail opens up through the forest to give views of the smoky mountains as far as the eye can see. The trail isn’t too difficult but requires some fitness as there is a constant uphill grade. The trail is slightly uneven and goes over many uneven rock surfaces so be sure to wear proper footwear.
Trail Info:
Blood Mountain from Neel’s Gap is a 4.3 mile out and back. The trail is popular and so plan to be there early in the day, especially if you are going on the weekend. There is a small parking lot at the Reece State Memorial, also marked as Byron Reece Trailhead parking on Google Maps off Gainesville Highway. From there you will follow the Byron Reece Trail until it intersects with the Appalachian Trail at Flatrock Gap. There is a very small post here that indicates which direction each trail is, but it is hard to see. When you reach a point where you see an intersection, take the trail to the right. This will be the actual AT and will wind back and forth going up until you eventually reach the ridgeline. You can keep walking on the ridgeline until you get to the Blood Mountain Shelter but all of the views from the overlook point to the shelter give equally good views of the mountains heading west. Head back on the trail the exact same way you came in.
Trail Map:
Getting to the Trail:
The trailhead is thankfully very easy to reach. You follow Georgia Route 19, which is also Georgia 400 closer to Atlanta, all the way to the trailhead. 19 winds through Cumming, Dahlonega, and eventually to Blairsville as it passes through Vogel State Park. Right off Route 19 is a small parking lot called the Byron Reece trailhead parking. It is easily seen on Google Maps and is easy to locate. Limited parking may be an issue on weekends or holidays.