Blood Mountain at Sunset (Union County, Georgia)

Blood Mountain is the sixth tallest peak in Georgia and the the tallest point on the Peach State's section of the Appalachian Trail. I've been meaning to hike to it's summit for a while now and a sunset hike with one of the local Meetup groups seemed like a perfect chance to do it. 

Arriving at Vogel State Park a bit early, I explore the park a bit before gathering with the large group and heading up the trail. This is my first experience with this particular group, but as with all of the others I have met over the years, they seem to be extremely friendly and we chat on our way out of the park and up the mountain. After a short walk on the pavement, we quickly head into the lush woods of northern Georgia. There are a couple of small cascading waterfalls and extremely shallow creek on the early part of the trail making for a pleasant setting. While this early part of the trail is not overly steep, the group is keeping a good pace, which I appreciate.

There are a few trail intersections here in the woods and the group seems really good about ensuring everyone knows the direction to go. I have a number of good conversations with some of my fellow hikers as we make our through the woods. At one of the junctions, the group organizer mentions that we are about to start the most challenging part of the trail and as we begin this section, I move towards the front of the group and really push the pace. I want a good workout from tonight's hike. The grade is pretty steep, but I'm feeling good. That said though, I'm sweating like there's no tomorrow in this Georgia humidity. 

As we approach the last section, I see signage and tree blazes indicating that we are now on the Appalachian Trail. As a hiker, I'm obviously aware of this historic trail, but these are my first steps on the actual route. It's actually kind of humbling. I have a few friends that have through-hiked the AT's 2,200 miles and I have dreams of someday doing it myself.

A number of switchbacks finally lead us to the summit and to a stone shelter that has been constructed for hikers. It's still about half-an-hour before sunset and we take the time to rest and enjoy some snacks, while gazing at the amazing views. After a few minutes though, the group organizer suggests dropping down to another larger outcropping that will offer a better angle for the setting sun.

Arriving at the final destination, I find a large rock to sit on that offers a great view of both the setting sun as well as the sea of trees, complete with undulating hills and mountains, spread out before me. It's the best view I've had since relocating to his part of the country. That said though, it is starting to get a cool. The combination of my sweaty self and a cool evening wind flowing over the mountain top here at 4,458 feet of elevation encourages me to pull out my windbreaker, which helps tremendously. 

The group remains here while the brilliant oranges and reds fade into the night, before eventually pulling out our head lamps and preparing for a downhill hike in the dark. I strap two of my solar lanterns to my backpack straps in addition to donning my headlamp. The solar lanterns are the source of much curiosity and as I'm the most well illuminated member of the group, I take the lead as we head down the mountain. 

Of course down is easier faster than up, and I try to maintain a steady and brisk pace. Arriving back at the park after only about an hour-and-a-half, we say our goodbyes and I head to my jeep to change shirts and shoes in preparing for the eighty or so mile drive home. It was a great hike with a great group of people. While very far from the most difficult hike I've ever done, it is certainly one of the more challenging hikes I've completed since moving to Georgia. Total mileage clocks in at about 10.4 miles with right around 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Good times.