Hiking Past Blood Mountain & Neel Gap | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike 2023

Day 3
March 11
Woody gap to tesnstee gap
Mile 20.5 - 37.3
16.8 miles
Greg Patterson:
• Assisted Hiking Opport...
/ @gregpatterson134
Follow along as I hike all 2,198 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine starting March 9, 2023. This is my second thru-hike attempt and I am excited to document and share my journey with you as I post daily vlogs from the trail!
⬇️ GEAR FOR THE THRU-HIKE ⬇️
BIG THREE + extras
Backpack -
Fanny Pack - bit.ly/3w2i16c
Water Bottle Pocket - bit.ly/3fnRcF2
Phone Pocket -
Tent - bit.ly/3wVhoMH
Tent Stakes - bit.ly/41qLJjQ
Sleeping Bag - bit.ly/3Sz52Dm
Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/41lGMsu
Pillow - bit.ly/3Df44Fr
CLOTHING
Rain Jacket - bit.ly/3Cr4oB3
Rain Pants - bit.ly/3ksVRYN
Hiking Shirt - amzn.to/3ICui7g
Long Sleeve - Columbia
Hoodie -
Puffy Jacket - bit.ly/3U0q1hz
Hiking Shorts - bit.ly/3KKUHTj
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Socks -
Sock Liners - bit.ly/3dy1eCx
Trail Runners - amzn.to/3xSZcDF
Gaiters - bit.ly/3WQl7WF
Sleep Shirt - bit.ly/3Z4UH4O
Sleep Pants - bit.ly/3m80xDZ
Down Booties - bit.ly/36jXMF3
Camp Socks - amzn.to/3SwPK22
Rain Mitts - bit.ly/3XYy5CJ
Gloves - bit.ly/3gk0dPK
FOOD & WATER
Water Bottle w/ Straw - amzn.to/3Qxw6SR
Food Bag - bit.ly/3wbmWPS
Stove - bit.ly/3cSZUJw
Mini Bic Lighter - amzn.to/3Y4RbGh
Kitchen Rag - amzn.to/3w9CIuv
Rock Sack - bit.ly/2Z0EakX
Water Filter - bit.ly/3cTh7T7
ELECTRONICS & MISCELLANEOUS
Garmin inReach - bit.ly/3P2Cdxz
Earbuds - amzn.to/3EHCfH4
Bluetooth Thermometer - amzn.to/41ocghS
Tripod - amzn.to/3lXzBGH
Trekking Poles -
Dry Bag - bit.ly/3wbmWPS
Knife - amzn.to/364TKQb
Battery Pack - amzn.to/3IBWzuE
Charging Block - amzn.to/3Z5TiuP
Watch - bit.ly/3CLj3r7
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WATCH NEXT:
2023 Appalachian Trail Daily Vlog Playlist - • 2023 Appalachian Trail...
My 2021 AT thru-hike daily vlogs - • 2021 Appalachian Trail
2021 Appalachian Trail Documentary - • Thru Hiking Entire App...
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#appalachiantrail #thruhike #nahamsha

[@suzannemccoy9610]

The white flower you saw on Blood Mountain is called Bloodroot. It blooms in the Spring and can be found primarily in eastern North America. The juice from the bloodroot was used by Native Americans for a red/orange dye.

[@arthwys]

I noticed that blood root flower and realized that area is a good month ahead of us up here in New England. Our blood root won't bloom until late April.

[@suzannemccoy9610]

I looked up the origin of the name of Blood Mountain. Here is what I found, there are several theories as to how Blood Mountain received it’s name and it has nothing to do with the bloodroot flower. One theory is that there was a bloody battle between two warring factions of Native American tribes. Another theory is that the mountain received its name from a reddish lichen that can be found there. I took a wildflower hiking class a couple of years ago (During spring for 6 weeks). It was quite interesting and fun. We weren’t so much into doing the miles but into learning about the wildflowers.

[@JadeAkelaONeal]

​@@reeseoutdoors7491 you're the comment section mvp

[@lynnepatterson5951]

So nice to meet you at Neels Gap! Thanks for spending time learning about Greg’s projects. Sorry we put you behind! We’re living vicariously through you again this year. Enjoy your hike and reach out to us if you need anything while you’re in the southeast!

[@dalemerkley1245]

I like that you are explaining so many aspects of your hike, example, your water straw. Loving your videos!

[@Ryno8383]

I agree please continue to show different aspects that hikers encounter on a daily basis. Thanks for posting your journey.

[@davidschmude]

I’ve followed you from the very beginning including your COVID thwarted attempt in 2020. I’m loving the confidence with which you are attacking this thing this time. Keep it up. HYOH !!

[@elijahwasson]

Love that they’re doing wheelchair-assisted hikes!

[@debsmith7050]

Your live stream was fun; thanks for connecting with us. So pleased you are experiencing those lovely views and the rain has cleared out for a while

[@rpm773]

Super cool that you can see Atlanta from the top of Blood Mtn - thanks for showing that.

[@thetonycooper]

The shot of the flower @ 5:41 is freaking amazing!!!! You are awesome!!!

[@Whocares302]

Wow that Atlanta skyline! I knew that when you said you were doing this, we would get to see cool things like that that no one else shows :) thanks for the vids!

[@tlosgolf]

Hi Taylor! I briefly met you on this day. You were heading toward Tesnatee Gap (But before Wolf Laurel and Cowrock Mtn) and I was headed back to Neel Gap. It was kind of a funny shock as I saw someone coming down this slight hill wearing a buff just like you wear. And then it turned out to be you! You were nice enough to stop for a couple of minutes and I will admit to being slightly star struck. : ) After we went our opposite directions I wished I had to remember to ask if you have heard anything from #2pencil / heard hiker. He seems to have gone MIA since he finished. Just hoping he is okay. Hope you have an amazing journey! - Peace and sparkling paths.

[@jasonmillwood2893]

My absolute favorite part of the AT this section. It’s so nostalgic

[@RickINFJ]

Hazard trees, I think, refers to potential widowmakers. Nice zoom of Atlanta! Rest well. ✌️

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Ooh that makes sense! Didn't think of that

[@qsbroom]

Taylor, So glad you got some good weather today..great content for this vlog..You are mo ing on! Thanks for posting!

[@lyndajefferson5929]

It's just so amazing to see such beautiful forestry and wild flowers. I really enjoy watching your videos and seeing all the different mountains. Stay warm and stay safe out their 🙂🙂👍👍

[@TXMEDRGR]

Thanks so much for sharing your hike with us. Good luck with the rest of your journey.

[@bronashwright6689]

You’re doing amazing! Watching you from Australia and your videos drop at the perfect time each evening to watch just before bed and dream of the AT 🙌🏻🥰. Have the best time - so excited for you on this new AT adventure 😊 Bron

[@isabelcastillo2394]

Came across your site and subscribed to your channel. Always wanted to do this. Good luck and I'm watching your posted videos of your progress. Keeping you in my prayers.

[@mhe8545]

I am in awe of all of you adventurous hikers. I had knee surgery and am still getting back to normal. So fun to watch different journeys. Considering doing some trail magic for hikers coming through Virginia. Hike on!

[@gratefulhikes]

Hey Taylor! Wicked cute hostel! Good people and good BBQ sounds perfect! Blood Mtn shelter is one of my fav spots, but I have to say I can’t remember anyone showing the view of Hotlanta from there before, very cool! It’s like the view of Boston from Wachusetts! Huge thanks to the angels doing that amazing wheel chair assisted hike. I will definitely be checking that out! 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful

[@kevintolbert2140]

Nice surprise to see you doing it again! I followed you in 21,and enjoyed immensely. Good luck!

[@Flatlanderhikes_]

So nice to see you’re getting some better weather 👍

[@newburyportgreeleys8294]

Great videos! Really enjoying them 😊

[@1z1zmike]

Thanks for sharing your insights as you hike the AT!🙂🙏

[@trailtl5543]

Great job Taylor! Nice to see you back out there!!

[@pckngrn]

Taylor, Glad to see you back on the trail. I wish you all the best and look forward to following your progress again. I had thought that I might try to intersect you at Neel Gap and wish you luck in person, but was unable to make it up there at the proper time. I hope you have enjoyed our neck of the woods and good luck as you head north. Enjoy your hike, there are a lot of us pulling for you.

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

I enjoy photos/video of town dinners and hostel breakfasts, when you feel like it.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Great day to out there. Always enjoy your vlogs. Thanks for posting

[@hdbinnc8583]

Looks like you’ve hit your stride! The views were beautiful. Thanks for sharing.😊

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

Awesome 🌻

[@rachescakes]

I’m enjoying watching you hike the AT again!

[@ronroberge9706]

I appreciate being taken along for your trek. I wear your shirt in support. These videos are great. Thanks.

[@thomasgale1631]

Great weather over blood mountain and great views

[@rkatufus]

Love the view of Atlanta.

[@ericcorbett7574]

Hey Taylor - Great videos! As others have pointed out really enjoy the way you explain things and share your decision making process. Im preparing to hike the AT in Feb next year so looking forward to learning more from you. Keep enjoying the hike!

[@crochetmima1443]

Great video today, as always 👏👏👏

[@markviers998]

What a great looking day, I'm sure it was crowded! Loved the shot of the Atlanta skyline.

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with some lots of good views, so let's keep on hiking. 😊

[@thomasfabian1001]

I like your videos and Wisch you good luck for the next steps.

[@randywineke5416]

Nice video. Heading North. Stay Safe and HIKE ON!!!

[@cragratoutdoors]

Great vlogs! I’m really enjoying following you on the AT! It’s on my bucket list!

[@codyhikes4054]

Those Georgia views though 😍

[@moviejunkie189]

Love your genuine attitude and general personality! Thanks for taking the time to make videos. I have a water bottle holder on my strap that fits a 1L smartwater bottle. I drill a hole in the cap just large enough for some bendable tubing from a hardware store (you buy it by the foot). It's works great if this is something you're considering doing differently! (Just a suggestion!)

[@allisonweiner4660]

Assisted hikes -- that's awesome!!!!

[@kenmachine9951]

Hey Taylor 😎 you are doing great 👍.I always follow AT.I am so glad I got to follow you ❤ Ken NC

[@tracysessions]

Hey! Saw you on the overwatch before testanee gap. Was having a rough hiking day, but you def gave me a pick me up for the rest of the day. Thank you and for all your videos!

[@pckngrn]

You had a really clear day on Blood Mt. I have hiked it many times and have been able to see Atlanta 2 times.

[@coachdaltonyeatman536]

I took a group to blood mountain from woody gap , then we looped back from neels via freeman and it is one of my favorite treks so far. We left a bushcraft cross at the top

[@lisapellitier2450]

I'm glad that the sun is out for you

[@ReefahCheef]

This series is inspiring at the very least!

[@charliehicks2554]

Thanks!

[@swilsher]

Nice views

[@mikegrant656]

Thanks for doing the interview with the wheelchair guy. That was interesting. I didn’t know that.

[@edwardsmith7550]

You are a great ambassador for the hiking community. I saw you're still using your Stash.

[@marilyncrawford3499]

Rachelrandoms- this so cool that we were there not to long ago at above th🎉 clouds

[@adamhudson2511]

Hazardous trees = widowmakers! Be careful in choosing your campsites! Good luck with your journey and I’ll be following you all the way!

[@robp3431]

I've never hiked the AT, I'm surprised how many hikers you come across.....kinda nice 🙂

[@michelejones9284]

Taylor, I see that you are stopping at Tesnatee tonight. It’s about a 45 minute climb from Tesnatee up to HogPen Gap. Just wanted to let you know that I am a part of a Trail Magic group that will be set up at Hogpen somewhere around 11 or a little before tomorrow (Sunday) morning. You may be getting an earlier start, but I just wanted you to be aware that we will have a hot lunch, salads, hot and cold drinks, baked goods, and any other thing that you might need or want as a thru hiker. And lots of camp chairs on which to sit for a spell if you wish! Best wishes on your journey NoBo and hope to see you at Hogpen. Blessings, Michele

[@ScottWilliams323]

Taylor, I am starting to believe you only hike for the great food!

[@jasminedefoore9317]

Thanks for taking us along on your journey. What are some of your favorite podcasts to listen to?

[@tomwalk5789]

Love watching your videos so much I went back and started watching your first AT through hike. Why did you switch from the Zpacks to the yellow one your first time.

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@janjeffcoat5345]

We locals say Tes/na/tee or nickname “Ta nasty” due to it’s steepness. Enjoy your hike!

[@fannypack96]

In 1996, Blood Mtn was socked in with fog so I never realized u could get a view of Atlanta..

[@250bks]

I always thought I'd start my AT hike late March. But after watching your videos and a February starters videos, the crowds are so much lower I'd rather rough it through the cold to start for the peace at shelters

[@rogerwarr4673]

Gushers on sale?!!! Nice😎

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Oh yeah!

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

march 18-23ish very cold overnite 20s 30s in n.c.

[@charliehicks2554]

Hey Taylor, watched you're first thru hike after it was completed. Excited to watch it day by day now, kinda going along with you on the hike:) At minute 11:45, you put up a graft showing peaks, elevation & poi's. Where could I find this? Thru hikers Rock! Stay safe.

[@francislally6066]

I believe (but I could be wrong!) That is a screen shot from the far out app (the general trail info app a lot of hikers use). You have to pay to get a specific trail though.

[@Dalethe1]

Great views from Blood Mtn. I enjoyed your camera angle climbing the rocks for the views on top Blood Mtn. My daughter can’t walk & I use a jogging stroller to take her on hikes that are easy & flat, but would love for her to be on the AT one day. Her name is Kalee (#KaleeT18) Happy hiking Taylor 🥾

[@joecamel6196]

Back toward Dahlonega on Hwy 60, is a mountain (ridge) that sometimes is in flames like it is on fire, but nothing is on fire or being consumed. In the book. "History of Lumpkin County", Indians called it Flaming Mountain. An old timey couple told me that they seen the phenomenon. About 10mi. east of there is Mt. Yonah. Yonah is an Oriental word that means female reproductive organ. Near the base of the Flaming Mt. is a pool of Spring Water that has healing properties, named PorterSprings. Monarchs & super rich folk stayed at a hotel there to bathe in the healing water. The hotel burned a t the turn of the 1800's into the 1900's. In esoteric philosophy, the male is represented as fire; the female principal as water and the Mt. Yonah means female reproductive organ. The perfect offspring in esoteric philosophy is represented as gold, and the 1st. gold rush took place there. Plus the gold there is the brightest luster of gold anywhere. There are legends of little people who live in the area (like leprechauns) and one married into the Collins family. Years ago a very short man named Collins that belonged to the in town Masonic Lodge (not the one on Pea Ridge), and it made me think of the rumors of little people. The area was one of the sites that the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith had scouted as a possible location to move the Mormon Church H.Q. Go figure :.

[@fredwebster1091]

ham radio operators do parks on the air and summits on the air....they set up their radios and transmit to see how many contacts they can make from a different spot....have you ever run into any on your hiking experiences?

[@jzoop1]

Gushers on sale, they must have known you were coming.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I was so happy about that!

[@foxxmulder3564]

Really loving your page. I am considering training to eventually do some of what you do. I am curious how safe you feel at night? Do you always stay by other campers if you can? 😅 not scared of the animals more so a 1 in a million chance a bad human comes around. I am sorry if this is improper to ask. I watched your safety video and liked everything but felt that aspect wasn’t addressed, long dark nights and the imagination. Thanks so much for sharing with us

[@arthurr.2075]

Like me when hiking, I prefer to do it alone. Less people the better! Most hikers I run into are nice, when I do my *day hikes* now! Like skiing, it is much better to hike during the week! Less people on the trail, allows one to relax and enjoy the solitude of the hike and enjoy nature! The one thing I hate when hiking is running into *hikers* who are so "ill prepared" especially since Covid!! Believe it or not, I've run into hikers with no water, no backpacks, some wearing just sneakers, or even *flip flops*! So ill prepared!! Great video as always, still don't know how you hike, narrate, and film?

[@beersthatfitz]

I love that you’re wearing a survivor buff. Have you ever applied to be on the show?

[@johncaban4310]

Hey, since this is your third time hiking the AT, can you tell me in your experience what's the most beautiful spot to hike with a view?

[@miketognacci7937]

Hi Taylor

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Hi dad!

[@Self_Proppelled]

I always thought that hiking Blood Mountain should be like a Klingon rite of passage

[@maryhubbard11]

How much do you pay for hostels? What kind of podcasts do you enjoy? Enjoying your journey!! Amazing!! Thanks

[@vanessawatson1768]

Hey amazing chick stay strong, you are inspiring me. How do you edit your videos on trail? Do you take a laptop or iPad or something?

[@jeremymerritt5564]

It’s your life. Live it how you want. It’s your hike. Hike it how you want. If you wanna hostel hop the whole way do it! Just do what makes you happy. Just my opinion.

[@AdventureswithPatrick]

Hazard Trees can be trees that have extensive root rot and will eventually fall over. They can be standing dead trees that can drop limbs or break off at the top and fall to the ground and possibly hit people. Some trees will even rot from the inside and you won’t even know until it falls over. All very dangerous scenarios.

[@kymountaingal3672]

Do you have a link for your Columbia mid layer? I’m not seeing it. You’re doing great!

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I just bought it at the outlet store so unfortunately I don't have a link. It's base layer with their omni heat interior

[@OSAS726]

You must be around mile number 28 or 29 on the AT.

[@coreymahjoubian3668]

Hey Taylor, was Nimrod at Above the clouds. I hiked the AT in 21 like you and he cooked the meals?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I didn't see him this time

[@user-bf4hw4fg8i]

Honest question: Why a gatorade and not LMNT?

[@dianerhodes4705]

I’m really enjoying your videos very much. You explain everything and give us the feeling we are there. I’ve been planning to thruhike the AT since 2011 but unavoidable things get in the way. I’m 67, inexperienced and out of shape. I am the sole caretaker of a very elderly family member so my free time is nonexistent. I’m not giving up on my dream though. I figure if I get to Springer and take one step on the trail, I have won. I look forward to the rest of your videos and will watch every single one! Have a great hike!

[@OSAS726]

My wife and I and my half beagle half border collie are planning a trough hike on the AT. I’m 50 and my wife is 38. Believe me when I say that is never too late to hike the AT.

[@donald2818]

If I could stay in a cabin like that every night I might even do the trail, but I know it doesn't work that way.

[@Basic6936]

Hiking isn't for you.

[@donald2818]

@@Basic6936 I know, I’m not interested. Day hikes, yes.

[@tomlucas4788]

What mobile video app are you using. Hiking in Spain this year and trying to post daily videos. Watched your hike last Year following this year as well

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Power director

[@tomlucas4788]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker thanks.

[@stephaniehartlyn209]

What is that water bottle system. I want a straw with a bite but not have the bladder in my pack?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

It's from hydrapak. It's linked in the description. It's pretty awesome!

[@Oriole21]

If you already have a bladder, you can remove the tube/valve and run the tube through the cap on a sports bottle. You will probably have to open up the cap opening a little but it works great. This will save some $ if you already have the bladder system.

[@James_Knapp]

What is the 41 on your bandana for?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

It's a survivor buff from season 41

[@jeremiahclark2033]

@taylorthenahamshahiker how old were you when you started hiking?

[@Yogawithasideofbooks]

What would you say is the average elevation gain per day along the AT?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I'd say the average elevation gain daily for me is in the 4 thousands. My highest day was over 7,000 and the lowest Day was 1,800

[@nyredneck63]

Does it ever get hostile at the hostel?

[@zeusjackson9679]

Are dogs allowed in the shelters?

[@stevenvarner9806]

You said something on your live video that I kind of struck me as interesting. You said it wasn't the right time for you to hike the PCT. That it would likely be easier later. I know you're a business woman, but generally your twenties are going to be the best time to do something like that. Later in life, responsibilities and complications will arise, whether that's children, family issues, work, or the onset of health issues. Then you may find you can't get out until your retirement.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I know I'm more physically fit now, I just have other goals for my 20's and 30's that are higher up than the PCT. If i don't ever get to the pct, I'll be okay with that!

[@larryosselborn9009]

When you was hiking the at in 2020 you was at a shelter and you said you heard some strange sounds at nite do you remember which shelter you was at

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

No i don't remember that

[@WorldWideWub]

What are you using to film/edit whilst on trail?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I'm using my galaxy phone to film and power director to edit

[@WorldWideWub]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Thank you!

[@agalletly88s]

Taylor, why the ear plugs? Are you listening to music?

[@winter2341]

Suggest text on video, if possible. Many of us are unable to use volume in our consumption time.

[@ravenstone1988]

I’d be pissed if I was named morning wood 😭