Bear Hair Gap Trail

Bear Hair Gap is the best option for a moderate hike from Vogel State Park. From near the campground it climbs into the hills among shady forest. The highlight is an overlook where you can see the Lake Trahlyta below and miles of mountains beyond.

Begin the hike from the shared trailhead for Byron Herbert Reese Trail, marked with a sign from the road in between the visitor center and campground. The trail makes a roughly 4-mile loop by connecting with part of the Coosa Backcountry Trail. A short distance from the campground is a well-signed intersection. Proceed in either direction, beginning on Coosa Backcountry Trail or Bear Hair Gap. The trails meet again higher on the mountain. Most of Bear Hair Gap Trail follows an old road bed, making the elevation change rather gradual. The Coosa Trail is steeper and narrower. At many points the route crosses small streams that may require getting your feet wet after recent rains.

The forest here is very diverse and shows a unique character for each season. Spring is best for flowering trees and fresh leaves, summer for wildflowers, fall for foliage, and winter for distant views. No matter the time of year, be sure to take the signed spur trail for Vogel Overlook, where a gap in the trees reveals the lake you hiked up from. If you peek through the leaves to the left side, you can even see the top of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's state high point at 4,783 feet above sea level. Through the trees to the south you can see Blood Mountain (4,458 ft) which the Appalachian Trail passes over.

By linking with the Coosa Backcountry Trail (13-mile loop) or Appalachian Trail, you can make a longer day hike or overnight backpacking trip (with camping permit from the visitor center).