Byron Reece to Blood Mountain via Appalachian Trail to Slaughter Creek Loop

North Georgia is packed with awesome mountain trails, but few boast the beauty and magnitude of the Appalachian Trail. The hike from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain is one of the more scenic sections of the AT in Georgia, in terms of mountain views.  Do this hike as a full day hike, or spread it out into a two day backpacking trip to catch some awesome sunset and sunrise views.  The hike st...

The Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness make up the wild and scenic southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blood Mountain trail offers the day hiker a taste of the Appalachian Trail that does not disappoint. The hike starts at the Byron Reece trailhead at Neels Gap where you follow the blue trail blazes. As is typical in the southeastern mountains, your journey begins w...

Vogel State Park is one of the many beautifully preserved wilderness parks of Northern Georgia.  With a stunning alpine lake and 17 miles of trails, you cannot go wrong.  The Bear Hair Trail is the perfect mid-distance option that will reward you with both great views of the lake from a high vantage point and a great exercise through the beautiful forest.   Starting just a stones throw away fro...

Lake Trahlyta in Vogel State Park offers a truly unique combination of natural beauty and opportunity for recreation.  The easy one-mile Lake Trahlyta trail circles the emerald colored lake and has a short deviation that leads to a calming, yet impressive waterfall.   The trail starts on the edge of the lake nearest the parking lot and visitor’s center.  You can take the trail either direction,...

Nestled at the foot of Blood Mountain is one of Georgia's most scenic State Parks.  With over 90 campsites and 35 charming cottages, 17 miles of hiking trails, a beautiful alpine lake, and a charming waterfall, Vogel State Park highlights all of the best things that North Georgia has to offer.  The 90 campsites are split between RV/camper sites and walk-in tent sites.  Some can be used for eith...

Getting to Helton Creek Falls can be a little bit tricky. You can either access the trailhead from 348 (the less popular, more adventurous route), or you can access the trailhead easily off of highway 19.  The reason why access from 348 is a bit tricky is that the road actually has two creek crossings, so make sure your car has very good clearance and ideally 4WD.   Once you get to the trailhea...