Hike Description
- Take the Byron Reece Trail southwest out of the parking lot, at the far end of the paved loop. Ascend on the trail, steep at times, for about one mile, then cross over the A.T. and continue south and west along the Freeman Trail.
- The Freeman Trail contours gently around the south side of Blood Mountain for 1.8 miles, but is very rocky.
- The Freeman Trail intersects with the A.T. again at Bird Gap. Go northeast/right on the A.T. for 1.2 miles to the summit of Blood Mountain. The summit is the highest point on the A.T. in Georgia at 4,461’.
- From the summit, cross over the top of Blood Mountain and rock outcroppings, following the white blazes, being alert in 0.5 mile for 90 degree left turn from rock slabs into woods.
- Continue descending on the A.T., back to the junction with the Freeman Trail and Byron Reece Trail.
- Turn left on the Byron Reece Trail, back to the parking lot.
Directions
From the Walasi-Yi Center/Mountain Crossings outfitter, continue on US 19 about 0.6 miles to the entrance of Byron Herbert Reece parking area on the left. Hiker parking is not allowed at Walasi-Yi Center.
