Hiking
Trails at Vogel State Park |
Georgia's second oldest and most
popular state park. Vogel is located at the base of Blood Mountain in
the heart of Georgia's Chattahoochee
National Forest. Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Vogel
is perhaps the most enduring monument to the Corps efforts in the state.
Driving from the south, visitors
pass through Neel Gap,the access to the Appalachian Trail and a beautiful
mountain pass near Brasstown
Bald which is the highest point in Georgia. Vogel is particularly
popular during the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains transform into
a canvas of red, yellow and gold leaves. Cottages, campsites and primitive
backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations.
The 20-acre Lake Trahlyta is the
heart of the park and was built when the Corps dammed Wolf Creek. The
lake was named for a Cherokee maiden who is buried a few miles from
the park at Stonepile Gap. The 2500' elevation of the park keeps a cool
evening temperature even during the dog days of summer,which makes this
a great camping spot. However make reservations in advance as the park
fills up quickly, especially in the summer and during leaf change.
Located in and near the Vogel park
is some of the best hiking trails in the eastern United States. Neel
Gap, Byron Herbert Reece Trail, Duncan Ridge Trail and Coosa Back country
Trail are for the avid hiker. For those wanting something a little less
stimulating try Sosebee Cove or Slaughter Creek Trail.
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Bear Hair Trail
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This 3.6-mile orange-blazed loop trail is
ideal for family hikes. It is of moderate difficulty, beginning and
ending in Vogel State Park. Most of the trail is in the Chattahoochee
National Forest.
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12.5-mile loop. This strenuous trail
is marked with yellow blazes and signs and for the most part is easy
to follow. It fords streams on its lower part and traverses the high
Duncan Ridge, including Coosa Bald at over 4,000 feet. It is recommended
that hikers take more than one day to hike the entire route, although
it can be done in one long day, particularly during the longer daylight
hours of spring and summer. A permit is required and is available free,
together with a trail map, at the Vogel State Park Visitor Center.
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20.4 miles and strenuous. On this blue-blazed
trail, one can traverse the longest contiguous ridge line leading
off the main Blue Ridge. The trail's eastern terminus is to the west
of Blood Mountain at Slaughter Gap, then crosses northwest through
Wolfpen Gap and Coosa Bald, then goes westward to Mulky Gap and intersects
with the Benton MacKaye Trail.
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Byron Herbert Reece Nature Trail
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An easy, 1-mile loop trail.With plaque stationed
along the trail make this an informative as well as scenic hike.
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Trahlyta Lake Loop trail
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An easy, 1-mile loop trail. The trail begins
at the footbridge over Wolf creek on the east side of the parking
lot near #2 picnic area. Upon crossing the footbridge the trail turns
immediately left and follows the shoreline. After crossing the spillway
about a half a mile in look for the Falls bottom trail and descend
the side trail 650' to the Trahlyata
Fall's observation deck.
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Directions:
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11 miles south of Blairsville via U.S. 19/129
Turn right at the Vogel State Park entrance;get the required permit
at the Vogel Visitor Center.
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From
Dahlonega |
Drive 25 miles north on US 19/129. Turn
left at the Vogel State Park entrance;get the required permit at the
Vogel Visitor Center.
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Activities: |
Pioneer and primitive campsites, cottages,
picnic shelters, group shelter, CCC museum, general store, miniature
golf, 20-acre lake, pedal boat rental, swimming beach, fishing and
17 miles of backpacking and hiking trails.
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Facilities: |
233 acres. 85 tent, RV and trailer sites,
18 walk-in campsites, pioneer and primitive campsites, 35 cottages,
4 picnic shelters, 1 group shelter, CCC museum, general store, miniature
golf, 20-acre lake, pedal boat rental, swimming beach, and 17 miles
of backpacking and hiking trails.
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Fees: |
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Closest
town: |
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For
more information: |
Please say you saw it on www.GreatGeorgiaProperties.com!
Vogel State Park
7485 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park Office (706) 745-2628
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