May 19, 2026
Wolfpen Gap to the Byron Reece Trailhead via Blood Mountain
near Vogel State Park
With sunny skies, light winds and temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, it was a good day for a hike. The trails were mixed with some overgrowth on the Duncan Ridge Trail, but the AT climbing up Blood Mountain on its east side was not difficult. However, the decent on the AT and Byron Reece Access Trail was very rocky and eroded in places requiring careful footing. The conditions on this latter section made this portion of the hike more difficult than the initial steep climb. Amazingly, there was a wide variety of wildflowers blooming including some earlier spring varieties such as Trillium and native Azalea. We also noticed the overhead trees above 4,300 feet had not fully developed their leaves. Of further note, "The Byron Herbert Reece Trail from the trailhead parking lot to the Appalachian Trail was rerouted to prevent erosion and improve sustainability. The new path extends the trail to 1.25 miles while offering a more scenic and gradual climb compared to the original 0.75-mile route." It sems that May 19, 2026 was the last day the original access trail was to be open. This does not effect the AT above that access trail which is quite technical and challenging, either climbing or descending. This route from Hogpen Gap, while moderately difficult to difficult, is still a rewarding trail.
Today's hikers: Linda Solomon, Jeff Solomon, Gregg Nuessly, Jack Treadman, Matt Henderson & Toby, Mike Bell
The route
5.9 mi · 1,526 ft climbing · 4h 53m out, 3h 42m walking · 1.6 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
26 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (28)
A panoramic view to the southwest from Blood Mountain Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Linda, Jeff, Mike & Matt w/Toby; Front: Gregg & Jack A panoramic view to the southwest from Blood Mountain Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Linda, Jeff, Mike & Matt w/Toby; Front: Gregg & Jack Getting started from the Duncan Ridge trailhead at Wolfpen Gap. There is an initial steep 0.9-mile climb on the Duncan Ridge Trail. Another great example of a tree that has adapted and won't give up. This beautiful Bowman's-root seen early on was quite prevalent along most of our hike. This Plum-leaf azalea that we first thought was Flame azalea was mostly found along the first two miles of our approach hike on the Duncan Bridge Trail. And as a bonus, we periodically found a few examples of this Catesby’s Trillium. Top: Foam flower; LR: Mayapple with fruit; LL: False Solomon's Seal. We did see true Solomon's Seal but the photos were not acceptable. Jeff Solomon hiking up the narrow, somewhat overgrown Duncan Ridge Trail. Can you believe it, Cinnamon Fern still showing their fertile fronds (or sporophylls). Come on Mike, "Are we talking or walking?" Continuing up the Duncan Ridge Trail toward its intersection with the AT. Another surprise, native Rhododendron in bloom along sunnier places. Hey! We're here! Blood Mountain. A bit of a hazy view to the southwest from the large boulder outcrop. Munch time on Blood Mountain Can't keep Jeff, a technical rock climber, down. Unless you are Toby who knows how to really take a break. Heading down now with Toby in the lead. Gotta love these Bluets. A curious tunnel in this rock formation. I don't understand how these Mountain Laurel bloom later than the Rhododendron? It is definitely a slow rocky hike down Blood Mountain. Some last wildflowers: Left: Beardtongue; Right: Mapleleaf viburnum Still quite rocky as we finish our hike on the Byron Reece Access Trail.