Vogel State Park
Quick Facts
Why Vogel State Park & Blairsville
Vogel State Park was one of the first two parks in Georgia’s state park system when it was founded in 1931, built largely by the Civilian Conservation Corps and sitting at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. At nearly 2,500 feet elevation, the park stays genuinely cool through the summer, centered on the scenic 20-acre Lake Trahlyta.
Now drawing more than 350,000 visitors a year, Vogel offers direct access to the Appalachian Trail via the strenuous Coosa Backcountry Trail, which climbs toward Blood Mountain and Neel Gap.
What Makes It Special
- Location: Blairsville, at the base of Blood Mountain
- Setting: Historic CCC-built park around Lake Trahlyta
- Site type: State park campground
- Amenities: Historic CCC-built park, lake, visitor center with museum, easy access to the Appalachian Trail
- Recreation: Hiking and water activities
Pro Tips for Booking
Book well ahead. This is one of the most-visited state parks in Georgia, and sites fill up genuinely fast, especially in fall.
Hike the Bear Hair Gap Trail. This 4-mile loop is a favorite day trip with great mountain color and lake views.
Visit the park museum. The visitor center covers Vogel’s history as one of Georgia’s original 1931 state parks.
What to Do Around Here
- Swimming and boating on Lake Trahlyta
- The Bear Hair Gap Trail, a 4-mile loop with mountain and lake views
- The Coosa Backcountry Trail, climbing toward Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail
- The Lake Loop Trail to a small waterfall, an easier walk
- The park’s visitor center and history museum
