Bear Hair Overlook
Vogel State Park
7485 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
(706) 745-2628
Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most popular facilities in the Georgia Parks system. The park is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is one of the first two parks designated by the State of Georgia and founded in 1931. Much of the park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.
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.
- click to see trail photos from this hike in Vogel State Park: December 22, 1997
- click to view a detailed trip report from a backpacking trip in this area: December 22, 1997 (password required)
- click for a Daytimer report on this hike on the Bear Hair Gap Trail (password required)
- click for a Trails Illustrated map of this area in the Chattahoochee National Forest
- click for a topographical and profile map of this hike on the Bear Hair Trail
- click for a park map of the hiking and backpacking trails at Vogel State Park
- click for a topographical map of the trails in Vogel State Park
- click for hikes on the nearby Coosa Backcountry Trail and the Trahlyta Lake Trails in Vogel State Park
- click to access the guidebook Best Hikes With Dogs Georgia And South Carolina which has details on this destination
- click for other Georgia hiking and backpacking books