Blood Mountain Wilderness

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blood Mountain Wilderness
IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
Blood Mountain Wilderness
Map of the United States
Map of the United States
Location Union County, Georgia
Nearest city Blairsville, Georgia
Coordinates 34°44′38″N 83°56′21″W / 34.74389, -83.93917
Area 7,800 acres (32 km²)
Established 1991
Governing body United States Forest Service


The Blood Mountain Wilderness was designated in 1991 and currently consists of 7,800 acres. The Wilderness is located within the borders of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Union County, Georgia. The Wilderness is managed by the United States Forest Service and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. In November, 1999, three fires burned through parts of the Blood Mountain Wilderness and the Chatahoochee National Forest. Fire crews came from across the nation to help fight the fires.

The highest elevation in the Blood Mountain Wilderness is the 4,458-foot (1,359 m) peak of Blood Mountain. The Wilderness includes 10.75 miles (17.30 km) of the Appalachian Trail, which may be the most heavily used portion of the AT. The Blood Mountain Wilderness is the first wilderness encountered on the AT after its starting point on Springer Mountain.

In connection with its management of the Wilderness, the Forest Service actively promotes adherence to the Leave No Trace principles. The seven Leave No Trace principles are:

  • Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Leave What You Find
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors

[edit] External links