HIGHLIGHTS: Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most popular facilities in the Georgia Parks system, and it is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Bear Hair Gap Trail begins and ends here at Vogel State Park. Because it is a loop hike, the trail can be hiked in either direction. However, most hikers prefer traveling the Bear Hair Trail counter-clockwise. This is the easier of the two routes and it is particularly suited for a beginner or anyone who is out for a leisurely afternoon with their dog. Begin this hike at the trailhead located in the southwestern corner of the park just past some small rental cabins. Hiking counter-clockwise, walk along Burnett Branch then turn south and wind along to a side trail marked with green blazes after a little over a mile. This side trail leads to the Bear Hair Overlook at 3,280 feet with fantastic views of Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park. Brasstown Bald which is Georgia’s highest peak may also be seen in the distance if the weather conditions are decent.
