Blood Mountain from Lake Winfield Scott

 Enjoy the early winter views from the top of Blood Mountain!  Departing from Lake Winfield Scott we’ll enjoy a view of rushing Slaughter Creek, ascend about 1.1 mile to Jarrard Gap, then turn left on the Appalachian Trail for about 1.5 miles of gentle ups and downs.  A right turn on the Freeman Trail will provide us a traverse around the south side of Blood Mountain until we reach Flatrock Gap.  Then left turn puts us back on the AT for the steep climb up to the Blood Mountain summit.  The Freeman trail and the climb to Blood Mountain are both difficult, rocky trails - not for the beginner.

After a break for snacks and photos, we may dawdle if the weather is nice.... we'll continue southbound on the AT then turn right on the Slaughter Creek trail to return to lake WS.  From the lake up to Blood Mountain the net elevation gain is almost 2000 ft, so you need to be in good shape to keep up with the group.

Take GA 400 N, then left onto SR 60/19 toward Dahlonega. At the intersection of SR 60 and SR 19, continue straight on SR 60 to Suches then take a right on SR 180.  After about 5 miles turn right to the entrance road to the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area.  

As you drive toward the lake, pass the campground on the right, then turn left to the parking area, before you cross the outlet from the lake - once you park, you can easily see the lake.  If you get to the pavilion on your left, overlooking the lake, you've gone too far.  From the parking area, the trailhead is located across the lake outlet, then to the right.  

Parking is $5.00 - bring cash  (Lake Winfield Scott is on the Recreation.gov website, but I don't think the "buy a pass" function is active, and the local authority does not recognize an annual National Parks Pass)