Description Legends tell of the gory battles waged between Creek and Cherokee Indians atop 4,458-foot Blood Mountain, but today the site is famous for being the highest point in this Wilderness. Scenically rugged mountain peaks, rocky outcroppings, waterfalls, and numerous streams (offering 27 miles of trout fishing), all of which lie within the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area, surround the mountain. Vegetation is primarily second-growth upland and cove hardwoods, a forest that's only about 60 years old. Deer, grouse, wild turkeys, and squirrels live here in abundance. There are also black bears and raccoons, although in lesser numbers. The Desoto Falls Scenic Area, with its high vista points and waterfalls, marks the boundary. Just across U.S. 129 lies Raven Cliffs Wilderness. Small and big game bring in quite a few hunters, and trout fishing, especially in Dick's Creek and the region north and east of Lake Winfield Scott, attracts their tackle box-toting counterparts. Hikers usually travel the Appalachian Trail (AT), which crosses the area along the crest of the Blue Ridge for 10.75 miles and eventually reaches a rock shelter on Blood Mountain. This trail, according to the USFS, is "the most heavily used portion of the AT in Georgia." Many old logging roads crisscross the area. The Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail crosses part of the area.

Area Management The Blood Mountain Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, set up by the Wilderness Act of 1964 to keep these lands wild. Please use Leave No Trace practices when you visit.

General Wilderness Prohibitions As in all designated wilderness, motor vehicles, motorized equipment and mechanical transport (including bicycles, carts and wagons) are generally not allowed, and aircraft may not land. Contact the ranger district listed on this page about any exceptions.

The following wilderness regulations are in effect for this area. Not all regulations are in effect for every wilderness. Contact the Forest Service office for more specific information about the regulations listed. Campfires prohibited Dogs Restricted - Must be leased and under control Stock Use Prohibited Possessing or using a saddle, pack, or draft animal on developed trails which hs been closed to use by horses and is posted as prohibited. Prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire or gathering woodly material for a fire or campfire. Maximum length of Stay - After 14 days at a specific site, the individual must move at least 1 mile away for minimum of 7 days.

The priority for the Forest Service during the 1960's and 1970's was to restore badly eroded lands on the Oconee and restore forest health. During the 1960's construction efforts were undertaken to provide developed recreation areas within 50 miles of every major town. Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center atop Georgia's highest mountain and Warwomen Dell are examples of areas built as a result of this effort.

The next four decades saw increased environmental legislation that governs management of the national forests to protect environmental quality and insure public involvement in the process. Wilderness areas were preserved, Wild and Scenic Rivers designated, and experts in natural resource management were employed to help meet the challenges. While the way we do things have changed many times over the years, our tradition of stewardship--caring for the land and serving people, is the same.

Contact and Address

Contact: Blue Ridge Ranger District (Blairsville office) - Phone: 706-745-6928 - Address: 2042 Highway 515 West, Blairsville, GA 30512

Deciding between this hike and the other end of Georgia's Appalachian Trail? See our Blood Mountain vs. Springer Mountain comparison.