Blood Mt. Sunset Dine /FULL SUPER MoonRise Extravaganza!

1st up is the vivid & briliant Early Fall Color along our mountainous stairmaster trail.  2nd we will perch atop Blood Mtn. (4459 feet) on a large boulder to DINE with our own prepacked backpacked choice of dinner (I usually  pack a turkey wrap with veggies), while GASPING at a beautiful T extured SunSet in the west at 7:21pm.  3rd, 20  minutes later, we will move 100 ft. east to witness a Breathtaking Large Super FULL MoonRise at 7:43 pm (above the mountains at 7:46pm).  Any cloudiness will add much desireable texture & extra reflection!  This will be a Bonanza hike packed with old and new hiking buddies captured in many MEMORABLE PHOTO MOMENTS!

Friends, this experience will be unforgettable, forevermore!!  

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: 7:21 p.m. in the West

MoonRise 7:43 p.m. in the East, approximately 100 feet away (Moonrise above the mountain tops at 7:46 pm)

(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 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  to 45 minutes.