At Slaughter Gap the Duncan Ridge Trail ends. Also at this intersection is the Slaughter Gap Trail. When the Cherokee first began to migrate to Georgia a tremendous battle took place here, hence the name Slaughter Gap. At this point, traveling almost due east, the trail ascends Blood Mountain, the highest point on the trail in Georgia. This section of the trail is heavily traveled, many of the people on day hikes from Lake Winfield Scott.
Blood Mountain is one of the most scenic spots on the entire trail.
Near the crest of the mountain is a two room stone cottage that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's and is on the National Register of Historic Places. From Blood Mountain the trail makes one of it's steepest descents in Georgia into Neels Gap. About a mile and half down the trail it intersects with the Blood Mountain Spur Trail.