Climbing Blood Mountain via the Byron Reece Trail with Simba the Adventure Pup!
Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, bringing you another epic trail from the road.
This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail explorer) and I tackled the legendary Blood Mountain in Blairsville, Georgia — and what a climb it was! This is the highest point on Georgia’s Appalachian Trail, and we reached the summit via the Byron Reece Trail, one of the most popular and scenic routes in the area.
If you're chasing summit views, rugged terrain, and a hike that gets your heart pumping, this one’s for you.
You’ll encounter everything from smooth forest paths to rocky scrambles, and depending on the season, vibrant wildflowers or colorful fall foliage. It’s challenging, but totally worth the effort — and Simba handled it like the adventure champ he is!
✔️ Shaded forest — much of the trail offers tree cover, which helps keep pups cool.
✔️ Summit breeze — Simba was in his element at the top, catching the wind and gazing over the mountain views.
✔️ Watch the paws — rocky sections near the top can be tough on sensitive paw pads, so take your time.
💧 Bring plenty of water for you and your pup — there’s no reliable water source on the trail.
🍎 Pack snacks — you’ll want to enjoy the summit and refuel.
🐕 Keep your dog leashed — for their safety and the safety of others on the often narrow trail.
📸 Don’t skip the lookout points before and after the summit — they’re some of the best in Georgia!
In our latest video, Simba and I guide you through the hike up Blood Mountain — from trailhead to summit. We show the terrain, our favorite viewpoints, and what it’s really like to tackle this iconic peak with your pup.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV travel, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever adventures!
📲 Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels
✔️ Challenging and rewarding — a solid workout with an incredible payoff.
✔️ Dog-approved — Simba gives it four excited, trail-dusty paws up!
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers looking for a true Appalachian adventure.
Thanks for hiking along with us! Simba and I are traveling full-time in our RV, chasing scenic views, unforgettable trails, and dog-friendly destinations across the country. Got a favorite summit or Georgia trail we should check out? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐
This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail explorer) and I tackled the legendary Blood Mountain in Blairsville, Georgia — and what a climb it was! This is the highest point on Georgia’s Appalachian Trail, and we reached the summit via the Byron Reece Trail, one of the most popular and scenic routes in the area.
If you're chasing summit views, rugged terrain, and a hike that gets your heart pumping, this one’s for you.
🗺️ About the Blood Mountain Hike
This trail is a 4.3-mile roundtrip journey that begins at the Byron Reece Trailhead and connects with the Appalachian Trail. From there, it’s a steady uphill climb to Blood Mountain’s summit, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, massive rock outcrops, and the historic stone shelter at the top.You’ll encounter everything from smooth forest paths to rocky scrambles, and depending on the season, vibrant wildflowers or colorful fall foliage. It’s challenging, but totally worth the effort — and Simba handled it like the adventure champ he is!
🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights
✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — dogs are allowed on the trail, and Simba had the time of his life climbing the rocks and exploring the woods.✔️ Shaded forest — much of the trail offers tree cover, which helps keep pups cool.
✔️ Summit breeze — Simba was in his element at the top, catching the wind and gazing over the mountain views.
✔️ Watch the paws — rocky sections near the top can be tough on sensitive paw pads, so take your time.
🧭 Hiking Tips for Blood Mountain
🥾 Start early — this is a popular trail and parking fills up fast.💧 Bring plenty of water for you and your pup — there’s no reliable water source on the trail.
🍎 Pack snacks — you’ll want to enjoy the summit and refuel.
🐕 Keep your dog leashed — for their safety and the safety of others on the often narrow trail.
📸 Don’t skip the lookout points before and after the summit — they’re some of the best in Georgia!
🚐 RV Traveler Tips
If you’re road-tripping through Georgia in your RV, there are several campgrounds and RV parks near Blairsville and Vogel State Park, just minutes from the trailhead. It makes for a perfect base to rest up before or after your climb.🎥 Watch Our Full Hike
In our latest video, Simba and I guide you through the hike up Blood Mountain — from trailhead to summit. We show the terrain, our favorite viewpoints, and what it’s really like to tackle this iconic peak with your pup.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV travel, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever adventures!
📲 Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels
Why We Loved Blood Mountain
✔️ Epic mountain views — some of the best on the Georgia AT.✔️ Challenging and rewarding — a solid workout with an incredible payoff.
✔️ Dog-approved — Simba gives it four excited, trail-dusty paws up!
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers looking for a true Appalachian adventure.
Thanks for hiking along with us! Simba and I are traveling full-time in our RV, chasing scenic views, unforgettable trails, and dog-friendly destinations across the country. Got a favorite summit or Georgia trail we should check out? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐
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