Blood Mt. Sunset/Super Pink Moonrise Extravaganza

NO CARPOOL>>>

The Blood Mtn. hike at Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead will begin promply at 6:15pm. We should be back at the Parking Lot around 9:45pm.

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/"Pink" Super 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.  At the start of our hike --Sunny/76*-6mph breeze in nearby Blairsville. It will be an Incredible Observation of a Sunset (8:17pm) in the west, then a Pink "Super Moonrise" (7:59pm) in the east!!!  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). Bring your back-packed magnificent SunSet Dinner to enjoy on the west side top of  Georgia (6^th tallest Mtn. in Georgia). A few minutes later, we will witness a Breathtaking  Full MoonRise on the EAST 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: :8:17 p.m. in the West

MoonRise 7:59 p.m. in the East, approximately 100 feet away

(Hike up is 1.5 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 the AT trail, 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 a little Chilly returning and while sitting on the top of the mountain!  The top of Blood Mtn. is usually, 10-15 degrees colder than the bottom, with an added  wind chill factor.  Remember, we are in viewing mode, on top, for approx. 30 to 45 minutes.

GA-400 Directions:  Head North on GA-400 till the end.  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 Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead parking lot.  The drive is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from GA-400 Mansel's Marta Park & Ride.