I hiked to Blood Mountain (the highest peak on the Georgia AT, a very popular, relatively short hike with spectacular views) in May 2006 with my step-mother. In that area, the AT runs east-west, and is crossed by US 19, 2.4 miles east of the summit. However, if you are dayhiking, there is no parking at Neels Gap where the AT crosses the highway. There are some side trails to the mountain with TH parking at Byron Reece Memorial (0.5 mile north of Neels Gap on US 19), and Vogel State Park (about 3 mi north of Neels Gap on US 19). US 19 is a well maintained highway with a good deal of traffic. This area is only about 60 miles north of Atlanta. The hike to Blood Mt is relatively easy (from where we started it was about 4.8 mi RT with about 1400 foot ascent.) Its one of the most popular hikes in that area, probably more so than nearby Springer Mountain (southern terminus of AT) because of the easy access by highway and the great views. Its a gradual, well maintained trail that attracts both people in sneakers toting nothing more than a water bottle and more experienced hikers.
Having some knowledge of the area, made this all the more creepy and frightening. I wouldn't think twice about hiking this mountain by myself...its like a walk in the park compared with most of the Adk hikes I've done.
Also, this blows my theory that "mass murderers aren't likely to go to the trouble of hiking miles into the woods to find their victims." I guess there is at least one who did.
I will admit that this terrible tragedy probably won't change the way I hike, other than being a bit more vigilant of the other people on the trail. I understand that two of his possible previous victims were a man and woman hiking togther. Meredith had a dog with her. So hiking with a dog or a partner is obviously not enough to protect you from a monster. The only thing that gives me some reassurance about this horrible event is that it happens so infrequently.
