Blood Mt. Sunset/FULL Moonrise Extravaganza

Our Hike at Byron Reece Trailhead will begin at 6:30pm.  We should be back at the Trailhead & Parking Lot by 10:00pm.

This hike is NOT for beginners!

There are NO vault toilets at the trailhead.  There is a rough outhouse at the top of Blood Mtn.

There is no parking fee!  40 parking spaces.

Ok, outdoor lovers looking for a real Sunset/Moonrise Bonanza hike packed with old and new hiking buddies!  Please, listen up!  This StairMaster mountain trail is not for beginners.  We will pace ourselves & take several water breaks during the ascent to the top.  Partly cloudiness will add texture and color brilliance to our already Incredible observation!!!  Friends, this experience will be unforgettable, forevermore!!
 

The Blood Mountain trail is part of the totally awesome (AT) Appalachian Trail (AT's Tallest Point, in Georgia). You will experience your own back-packed magnificent SunSet Dinner - on the WEST top side of the mountain (6^th tallest Mtn. in Georgia). 8 minutes later, we will witness a Breathtaking  FULL MoonRiseon the EAST top side of the mountain. There is a very large boulder atop Blood Mt.’s summit (4459 feet) that we will Perch upon to DINE & GASP. This is the most amazing mountaintop Sunset observation point in Georgia!
 
Then, with our lightning bugs (LED flashlights) in hand or on head, we’ll return back down the mountain in the shadowy moonlight. Picture lightning bugs winding back and forth, in formation. It is simply unimaginable. Believe me, this is a photographic Nikon evening you don’t want to miss with your fellow AOC hikers! Not to mention, an evening of awe-inspiring scenery, good exercise, and fun as we explore God’s incredible creation.

SunSet: 8:46 p.m. in the West

MoonRise 8:54 p.m. in the East, approximately 100 feet away

(Hike up is 1.75 hours - 2 1/2 miles) (Down 1.25 hours - 2 1/2 miles)

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

This is a rocky steep trail, so if you lack agility especially in the dark, this may not be for you. The trail starts off easy then begins to climb steeply by use of multiple switchbacks and then traverses through a boulder field.  There is only 1 intersection, with a sign directing us to take a right turn up to the top of the mountain.  Nearing the summit, the trail climbs over open rocky outcrops with jaw-dropping distant views. On the summit, there is an old stone shelter that campers use to overnight in. Keep in mind, the downhill hike back will be in the dark. A flashlight or headlamp (LED type) per person is an absolute must!!! Strong suggestion: wear your over the ankle protection hiking boots!

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!!!

You will be at 4,458 feet: It will be a Chilly night!  The top of Blood Mtn. is usually, 10-15 degrees colder than Helen, GA., with an added  wind chill factor.  Remember, we are in viewing mode, on top, for appprox. 30 minutes.

No masks will be required for this event. We will try to social distance during the event. If you are not comfortable with these arrangements, please choose a different event.

The carpool has been eliminated from this event due to our friendly virus. If you want to caravan to the event, feel free to meet me at the Mansell Park and Ride at 4:30pm. No ride sharing or carpooling will be supported by the AOC for this event.

From Mansell Rd. at GA-400.  Head North (North) Continue 37 Min. to the, end of GA-400.  Continue Straight onto GA-115.  Continue Across Hwy 52 onto Long Branch Rd., which continues Straight onto Copper Mines Rd.  Continue to a Dead End at Cavender Creek Rd., Turn Left.  Then, Turn Right on Town Creek Church Rd.  Continue, until Frogtown Rd., Turn Left.  At Y intersection of Frogtown Rd., Continue Left on Frogtown Rd.  Continue to a Dead End at Damascus Church Rd., Turn Left.  Continue to Hwy.19 & 9, Turn Right.  Continue to a Dead End at Hwy. 129, Turn Left.  Continue Past Mountain Crossings Store, on your right.  Continue 1 mile, Turn Left (one way) into the parking lot.