Are you looking for an equally historic and beautiful Georgia state park to visit? A place to get away from the city and immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the outdoors? Located in Blairsville, Georgia, one hour and forty minutes northeast of Atlanta, Vogel State Park features 223 acres at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The majority of this park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression in 1930. Since becoming the second oldest state park in Georgia after the state formed its park system in 1931, Vogel State Park has served as a highly sought-after Georgian historic site.
History of Vogel State Park
Did you know that Vogel State park sits at 2,500 feet above sea level, which is the tallest summit on the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the State of Georgia? Surrounded by the Chattahoochee Forest and the North Georgia Mountains, the parklands are believed to be the Native lands of the East Cherokee, Yuchi, and Nunnehi ("the people who live forever") tribes. The legends say that the nearby Slaughter Mountain and Blood Mountain obtained their names after warfare between tribes.
Activities at Vogel State Park
Ideal for those looking to soak up nature and engage in some enriching activities, Vogel State Park is a mecca for it all! Whether you have come to camp for the night, hike a few miles, swim at the beach, or go backpacking for a week, there is a level of outdoor immersion for you at Vogel.
Lake Trahlyta
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If you are looking to cool off on summer days, Lake Trahlyta features 22 acres of water to enjoy. Perfect for boating, fishing, and launching a paddleboard, this mountain-view lake is one of the main draws of Vogel State Park. Bring a kayak, use a pedalboat, and swim at the picturesque swimming beach. No motorized boats are permitted on the lake.
Fall Colors at Vogel State Park
Vogel is a wonderful place to visit year-round, but particularly in the Fall, the area sees an influx of visitors wishing to take in the Autumnal beauty. When you arrive from the south, you drive over Neel Gap, a mountain pass near Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Georgia). The Blue Ridge Mountains put on a show comparable to colorful painting, with the trees boasting bold red, yellow, and gold leaves.
A Hiker's Paradise
Vogel State Park features a plethora of hiking trails, 17 miles to be exact. An easy loop that takes you to the gorgeous Trahlyta Falls is the Bear Hair Gap Loop (4 miles). The challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail is a great option if you are looking for a more difficult hiking trail. The Byron Herbert Reece Nature Trail is a 0.8-mile walk that leads you through lush forest with more types of trees than what grows in Yellowstone National Park (also a great trail for wildflowers)!
Other Activities at the Park
Vogel State Park is actually equipped with its own miniature golf course for those who want to play some mini-golf with their group (this is also ADA accessible). Pack your lunches and enjoy a meal at the picnic area or try your luck at geocaching. The park also offers seasonal bike rentals, a playground, and the CCC museum to learn about the history of the park and its formation.
Camping & Events
Why not stay a few days? Vogel State Park is appointed with cottages, walk-in campsites, RV sites with hookups, backpacking sites, and even amazing event spaces for groups and weddings. There is a general store that sells basic necessities as well. Campers can choose from 90 tent, trail, and RV campsites, 34 cottages, one pioneer campgrounds, four picnic shelters, one group shelter, and a lake pavillion. An awesome perk is that there is Wi-Fi available at the Visitor Center, museum, group shelter, picnic shelters, and cottages.
Have you ever stayed or camped at Vogel State Park? Share your experience at our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
