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A lollipop loop heading up the AT and looping back down the Freeman Trail #1A.


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Map Key

6.6

Miles

10.6

KM

Loop

4,440' 1,353 m

High

3,120' 951 m

Low

1,424' 434 m

Up

1,422' 433 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

Overview

The hike to the summit of Blood Mountain is of northern Georgia's most popular day hikes. While the views from the summit of Blood Mountain are memorable any time of year, if you are able to time your visit in the autumn when the leaves change, you'll enjoy an added bonus.

Need to Know

Parking is limited at the trailhead and will fill early on weekends. Be sure to get there early if you want to snag a spot!

Description

It is recommended to do the loop portion of the hike counterclockwise to get the steep climbing on the AT done on the way up and then you can enjoy a more mellow cruise back down the Freeman Trail #1A.

Starting from the Neels Gap parking lot, cross the highway and pick up the AT on the other side. The trail starts climbing almost immediately, but the first mile is fairly gradual, giving you a nice warm-up. At just under a mile, you'll come to a four-way junction with the Freeman Trail #1A and Byron Herbert Reece Trail #112. Continue straight on the AT.

The going gets more difficult in the next mile as the trail starts to climb more steeply up several switchbacks. You'll get a brief reprieve before a final push to the summit, where you can enjoy a well-earned break to soak in the views. There is also a small shelter near the summit.

Once you are done enjoying the view, continue on the AT. you'll pass several trail junctions. Stay left on the AT at all three of these until you come to the junction with the Freeman Trail #1A. Turn onto this trail for the steady and gradual descent back to the four-way junction with the AT and Byron Herbert Reece Trail #112 that you passed earlier. Note that the Freeman Trail is narrow and quite rocky in some places. Turn right here to head back to the trailhead and complete the hike.

Flora & Fauna

Black bears

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 15 votes

#849

Overall
  4.5 from 15 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#15

in Georgia

#849

Overall
40 Views Last Month
3,556 Since Nov 8, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
33%
42%
25%
0%

Photos

Georgia AT - Blood Mtountain Summit GATG
Apr 10, 2018 near Blairsv…, GA
View from the Blood Mountain Shelter.
Sep 30, 2015 near Blairsv…, GA
Blood Mountain summit
Jul 12, 2015 near Blairsv…, GA

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 6 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 20, 2023
Andrew Larey
17.6mi — 5h 12m
Jan 3, 2023
Cameron Blizard
Wrassle
Aug 13, 2022
Kristofor Jacobson
Great cool day!! 6.6mi — 3h 44m
Aug 1, 2022
Cameron Blizard
6.5mi
Jan 22, 2022
Doug Tam
Aug 8, 2021
Kelly Gauger
Rocky on Freeman Beautiful view at Summit Should hike the loop counter clockwise 6.6mi — 6h 00m
Aug 8, 2021
Jim Gauger
Great hike moderate to mildly strenuous. Gorgeous view from the summit of Blood man. Lots of rocks on the trail. Well worth the time 6.6mi
Apr 25, 2021
Mike He
6mi — 3h 45m