August 5, 2021
Blood Mountain & Freeman Loop Trails
A more challenging hike today with lots of large and small rocks and roots on a well used trail in generally good condition. The weather was good with generally overcast skies and temperatures in the 60's and lower 70's. We decided to hike this loop clockwise to minimize the steeper climb if hiked counterclockwise. Not a lot of other hikers on the Freeman Trail, but a fair number in the afternoon on our climb down Blood Mountain. The view from atop Blood Mountain was obscured by clouds, but we lucked-up and got some nice views of the valley to the south on our return path. We encountered a couple of Timber Rattlesnakes on our hike, one under a small ledge not too distant from my feet as I sat down on the large bolder on Blood Mountain. The second, a much larger Timber Rattlesnake was sunning itself on a large rock outcropping on our way down Blood Mountain. Heather later reported that some friends did some exploring along that trail and found seven Timber Rattlesnakes and 13 other snakes under rocks and ledges. There were more summer wildflowers than we expected along our hike. It felt good to finish this hike.
The route
6.1 mi · 1,594 ft climbing · 5h 46m out, 4h 56m walking · 1.4 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (25)
The "No View" from atop Blood Mountain Today's Hikers (L-R): Linda, Ray, Gerald, Renee, Jenny, Heather, Mike & Christine A little history on the Byron Herbert Reese lead-in trail to the loop around Blood Mountain An easy start, but . . . But, lots of sections of rocks to scramble over making for a generally slow hike. A break from some of the rocky, rooty sections of the trail. Balance Rock More rocks . . . who picked this hike? Starts with a "C." Dark-eyed Junco looking for a meal on Blood Mountain. Another Junco taking a bath in the middle of the trail. Carolina Lily (Lilium michauxii) Yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris) Collage of wildflowers More wildflowers Lots of wildflowers Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). . . who would have guessed? Help! . . . Lousewort of some kind perhaps? Found near Balance Rock on the AT. Indian Cucumber fruit A fair amount of Love Vine along these trails, especially the Freeman Trail. Milkweed fruit . . . how about that! Not a lot of showy fungus on this hike except this one. A group photo in front of "Balance Rock" just back down the AT from the main loop. First small Timber Rattlesnake on top of Blood Mountain. . . almost didn't see this guy! Second, much larger Timber Rattlesnake a bit agitated by . . .yep, Ray. A better view of the vista to the south coming down Blood Mountain.