Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

The Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia was originally constructed from local stone in 1937 for the Georgia State Parks system by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers stationed at Camp Enotah at Vogel State Park. The shelter was transferred to the US Forest Service in a land exchange agreement in 1956. The basic elements of the rooms, window, and doorways of this stone structure remain unchanged, but modifications to the roof and floor have occurred over the years. 

Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

Showers are in the hostel ($20 for thru-hikers), the market is inside the building and there is a wide selection of hiking/camping supplies including food, sleeping gear, backpacks, nicknacks and anything you need to re-supply with. 

Neels Gap

Lofty, cool, and breezy the historical stone building housing Mountain Crossings is called the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center ("Wa La See Yee"). It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps who started construction in 1934 and finished in 1937, incidentally the same year the Appalachian Trail was completed. The center served as a dining hall and an inn until the mid sixties. After nearly being torn down in the 1970s some locals worked to preserve this historic building. Finally in 1983 it was reborn as Mountain Crossings, the outdoor retailer and Appalachian Trail gift store that it still is today. The A.T. itself passes through the building, marking the only covered portion of the trail's 2100 plus miles. 

Every year Mountain Crossings serves over 2000 hikers on their way to Maine. The staff evaluate over 500 packs each year and ship back over 9000 lbs of gear from the store. The personalized service and the spirit of the store and staff can be felt from the moment you enter the store. Mountain Crossings staff know their stuff. The combined experience of our team exceeds 15,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Since 1983 Mountain Crossings has helped many a hiker and even helped develop some gear. 

Mountain Crossings Hostel

## Overview

Desoto Falls Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service Campground located approximately 2 hours North of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Desoto Falls offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls. The campground is situated along Frogtown Creek with at an elevation of 2,080 feet above sea level, under a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees. 23 campsites are neatly arranged in two loops(upper and lower), with each loop having creek sites. The climate here is fairly mild and generally offers all four seasons, so it is a wonderful place to relax and experience each of these throughout the year. North Georgia is a playground for wildlife watchers. An abundance of Deer, Turkey, Bear and, small furbearers can be seen as well as bird watching. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, come to Desoto Falls. 

## Recreation

The primary attractions to this area are the two waterfalls along Frogtown Creek, which lead from the wooden bridge across from the Host Site. This hike’s relatively short, kid-friendly distance and moderate elevation change make it one of North Georgia’s most popular waterfall hikes. .25 hike to lower falls and .75 to the upper falls. The trail hikes through several large exposed rock outcrops, beautiful rhododendron, and under the shade of several enormous old-growth pine trees with their wide trunks reaching high into the forest canopy above. The waterfall’s newly built observation deck makes a great spot for a mid-hike rest or picnic, and a great place to soak up the waterfall’s beauty. 

Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.

## Facilities

April 1st through October 31st, the campground has drinking water, warm showers, and flush toilets. The bathhouse has warm water outdoor showers connected to a flush facility, and is located on the lower loop. Hydrants are centrally located throughout the entire campground for your convenience. Centrally located in the upper loop is a vault toilet, which is a short walk from most campsites. **NOTE: There are no hookups or a dumpstation avaliable in the campground. From November 1st - March 31st, fees are reduced because no water is available.**

A dumpster is located near site #3 for all bagged trash to be disposed of. Amenities include a picnic area, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, lantern posts, drinking water, flush toilets, water hydrants, water front sites, and garbage service. 

## Natural Features

Desoto Falls is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and is located in a 650-acre (2.6 km2) area designated as the Desoto Falls Scenic Area. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia make up part of the Appalachian Mountain range stretching all the way to Canada. The hardwood coves, rushing waterfalls, creeks, and steep canyons are crisscrossed with abundant trails for hiking and fishing. During the Month of October, North Georgia’s trees put on a vibrant show. Summer's dark greens change to brilliant reds, oranges and yellows which makes the camping atmosphere amazing. Thousands make the yearly trek into the mountains near Desoto Falls for a front row seat. 

## Nearby Attractions

Just 1.5 miles north on 19/129 is Neels Gap and the Appalachian Trail. Drive just a short piece down to Byron Herbert Reece parking area on the left, and the Appalachian Trail can be easily accessed there. Nearby water falls to visit are are Helton Creek Falls, Dukes Creeks Falls, and Raven Cliffs Falls. 

Just a short drive and located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area & Visitor Center is a great place to visit. It is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level with a 360 degree view of four states. 

Towns within a short drive to visit are Blairsville, Helen, and Dahlonega, GA

Desoto Falls Recreation Area

## Overview

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and hiking, all centered around beautiful Lake Winfield Scott.   
  
The area is situated high in a mountain valley within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, approximately 80 miles from Atlanta, Georgia. The facility offers a rental cabin with electricity and water, as well as sites for tent and RV camping.

## Recreation

The Lake Winfield Scott Beach includes a designated swimming area, picnic tables, a bathhouse, pavilions (by reservation only), a playground and trash bins.   
  
Day-use hiking trails are found within the recreation area, ideal for a short stroll. A 0.4-mile trail parallels the lakeshore. In addition, the 1-mile Jarrard Gap Trail and 2.7-mile Slaughter Creek Trail both begin within the recreation area and connect to the Appalachian Trail.   
  
Lake Winfield Scott is open to hand-powered and electric motor boats only. Fishing for catfish, trout, perch, brim and bass is a popular activity. See the [Georgia Department of Natural Resources](http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/) for a complete listing of freshwater fishing regulations for the lake. A boat ramp and accessible fishing dock provide year-round lake access.

## Facilities

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area's cabin is a short walk to the lake, and can accommodate up to 12 people. A sleeping area upstairs is furnished with six twin beds and three double beds, all with mattresses. Visitors must provide their own bed and bath linens.  
  
The main floor houses a living room with wood stove (no wood provided), dining room and kitchen, which is equipped with a refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, assorted pots and pans, utensils, plates, glasses, cups and flatware. The bathroom has a flush toilet, shower and an electric heater.   
  
Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area's campground consists of 31 campsites configured in two loops for tent or RV camping. Showers, flush and vault toilets, grills, picnic tables and lantern posts are provided. The campground has no dump station. Nearby Vogel State Park has a dump station with a nominal fee.   
There are water and electric hookups on Site #12, 13, 14 and 15. The North Loop is open November - March (sites 21 - 37). Fees are temporarily reduced because water is not available.

## Natural Features

The recreation area includes 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott, which forms the headwaters of Cooper Creek. The lake was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.   
  
A variety of wildlife makes its home in the surrounding forest, including deer, bear, wild turkey, grouse and songbirds. 

## Nearby Attractions

Suches, Georgia is five miles southwest of the recreation area and offers a general store and fuel station.   
  
Blairsville, Georgia is 16 miles north on U.S. Highway 19/129 and offers the nearest full-service grocery stores and shopping villages.

Lake Winfield Scott Campground

Established in 1931, Vogel State Park stands today as one of Georgia’s oldest state parks. Over 223 acres of land make up this beautiful reserve, known for its extensive selection of trails and crisp, brightly colored forests. Located at the base of Blood Mountain in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel is especially popular during the fall thanks to the blanket of colors that transform the park’s trees and wildlife. In fact, Red, yellow, and gold leaves cover the landscape of the surrounding hills, mountains, and valleys for months at a time. 

This park is also full of history, with many facilities being constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. To learn about the “CCC” boys and their incredible story, check out the park museum open seasonally. 

The North Georgia Mountains around Vogel were also linked to native tribes for generations before European settlement, and the adventurous individual can still find remnants from their time on this land via the surrounding trails. In fact, there are a variety of trails available, including the 4 mile Bear Hair Gap loop. Bear Hair is easier than other hikes in the area and leads to the Trahlyta Falls, a peaceful set of waterfalls perfect for photo opportunities or a small picnic. More seasoned hikers can undergo the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail, which showcases the regional wildlife and various water features throughout. 

If hiking isn’t your thing, the park’s 22 acre lake is open to non-motorized boats, and during summer, visitors can cool off at the mountain-view beach. Enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking while your family watches you from shore, then finish up with a round of mini golf at the park’s 18 hole course. 

For overnight accommodations, 34 Cottages, 85 campsites and 18 primitive backpacking sites are all available for a reasonable rate.There is also a pioneer campground available for rent, which is perfect for groups and allows campers to see how past settlers would have lived. During your stay, there are 4 picnic shelters available for use, as well as a group shelter and a lake pavilion, which seat 90 and 100 guests respectively. There is also a general store open year round, with Wifi open at the visitor center. 

Vogel State Park

Chattahoochee National Forest Lake Winfield Scott Campground

Desoto Falls

Rivers Edge RV Park II

Cowrock Mountain

Overlooking Dockery Lake and nestled deep within the mountains 12 miles north of Dahlonega, GA. Dockery Lake Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking and fishing for all ages. The Dockery Lake Campground is small and located right along the banks of Dockery Lake.

Dockery Lake Campground

National Forest

I love the blood Mountain shelter atop of blood Mountain on the Appalachian Trail! Rock built with a fireplace and the views are spectacular! 

Amazing Spot!

All I heard about BMS was that it smelled horrible. It’s actually not that bad. Views at the top of the mountain were OK better views coming off the mountain on the north side. Must see. 

Not as bad as advertised 

It is not advised to p at the top of blood mountain. It's an amazing hike to the top but once there it can get very windy at night and the shelter has nice and other critters. There are a few good primitive spots down the other side of the mountain if you are hiking the AT.

Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

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Amazing Spot!

Not as bad as advertised

Hike there but don't stay

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