There are so many amazing parks in the southeast, but this one should be on your list of places to visit soon. Vogel State Park in the North Georgia Mountains in Blairsville offers a 22-acre lake, multiple hiking trails & a museum, plus cottages & campsites.
Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s most beloved state parks, and one visit there will show you why. Vogel is Georgia’s second oldest state park and is located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest near Blairsville.
Vogel is a park located close to many of our state’s most beautiful waterfalls and hikes, which makes this is a place that cannot be missed. The drive to Vogel State Park is an amazing adventure itself! Visitors to Vogel pass through Neels Gap – a seriously beautiful mountain pass that goes right by Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.
WHY YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH VOGEL STATE PARK
HIKING IS FOR FAMILIES
The Byron Reece Nature Trail begins near the campsite and is only a 0.8-mile hike through the woods. Your little ones will love exploring this trail!
The Trahlyta Lake Trail is a 1.0-mile loop trail, and it is spectacular! There is a spur trail off the lake loop trail that will take you down to an observation deck to see the bottom of the spillway “waterfall” – and it’s something that will leave your kids (and you!) completely impressed. It’s an easy hike for the kiddos, plus its dog friendly, so bring Fido!
Also, one of the most popular pictures of Vogel State Park can be taken on this hike. When you’re on the bridge over the dam, take a picture of Lake Trahlyta with Blood and Slaughter mountains behind it! It’s truly beautiful.
HIKING TRAILS FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS
Two other trails are available within the park for more experienced hikers.
The Bear Hair Gap Trail is a 4.1-mile partial loop trail that takes you through wildflowers and over the lower ridges of Blood Mountain!
The 12.9-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail is an all-day hike that loops over the summit of Duncan Ridge
Both hikes travel through the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is open to hunters, so it’s advised to wear bright-colored clothing, or orange safety vests, during hunting season.
EXPLORING WATERFALLS
Helton Creek Falls can be found just minutes away from Vogel. There are two waterfalls to see — the lower and upper falls — and the hike is a short, family-friendly 0.6 miles.
If you’re looking for another nearby waterfall hike for the whole family, check out DeSoto Falls! The DeSoto Falls hike also takes you to two waterfalls and has a beautiful picnic area. There is a $5 parking fee here, but it’s more than worth it.
And, of course, a visit to Vogel is not complete without a hike to the waterfall from the Lake Trahlyta dam! A spur trail off the Trahlyta Lake Loop will take you down to an observation deck at the bottom of the roaring falls!
STAYING IN THE CABINS AND COTTAGES
There are multiple types of cottages at Vogel, including standard cabins, and rustic log cottages refurbished in 2018.
Vogel offers 34 cabins and cottages, accommodating anywhere from 2 to 10 people. And six of the cabins are pet-friendly!
Some of the newly-refurbished cottages back up onto a creek, and look like something straight out of Southern Living! And several of the rustic cottages, and standard cabins overlook Lake Trahlyta.
All the cabins and cottages have kitchens that include pots and pans, utensils, and coffee makers. Linens for the beds and bathrooms are provided. Fire rings, grills, and picnic tables can be found just outside.
All cabins also have cable TV, and free WiFi (available throughout the park, as well.)
LET’S GO CAMPING
Ready to camp? With a little over 90 campsites, there is a campsite for every type of camper out there at Vogel State Park.
Vogel has 90 campsites with electrical hookups, 18 tent-only walk-in campsites, and one pioneer campground.
The campsites with electrical hookups can be used by tent campers, RV campers, or those with trailer campers, too! Each site has a fire ring, the electrical hookup, a picnic table, a place to park, and a gravel pad for your tent.
The tent-only walk-in campsites are exactly as they sound — only for tent campers!
You will park your car in a small lot, and then hike your gear to your site. But don’t worry, the hike to your spot is not very far! These sites do not have electrical hookups, but do have a tent pad, grill, fire ring, and picnic table.
The pioneer campground is perfect for large groups!
The pioneer campground is a walk-in campground that can accommodate up to 50 people. The area doesn’t have electrical or water hookups (the water is located in the parking lot), but does have two Adirondack shelters, a picnic shelter, a pit toilet, and a fire ring.
Vogel State Park now offers site-specific camping, meaning that when you make your camping reservation online, you can choose exactly which spot you want!
You get to choose if you want a spot near the creek, near the bathrooms, or — if you don’t want to haul your gear too far — near the walk-in camp site parking.
GET OUT ON THE WATER
When you think of Vogel, we know you think about the beautiful mountains — but do you think about all water activities they offer?
Vogel’s 22-acre Lake Trahlyta is at the center of the park. The lake is open to non-motorized boats year-round, and offers freshwater fishing.
For just a $5 parking fee, you can enjoy cooling off and picnicking all day on sandy swimming beaches, or participate in the other recreational activities offered at the lake, like renting kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, or aquacycles to explore the entire lake!
LET’S PUTT-PUTT
Vogel offers many outdoor activities, including miniature golf! Our kids were so surprised to see a putt-putt course right outside our cabin. For a small fee, you can putt-putt your afternoon away.
RENT A BIKE!
During the warmer seasons, you can see the park in a whole new way — by renting a bike from the Visitor’s Center and taking in the sights on two wheels!
ENJOY A PICNIC
Bring your picnic basket and meal with a view at one of Vogel’s four picnic shelters! Each picnic shelter has tables and grills, and they’re great to reserve for a party or reunion.
VOLUNTEER AT THE PARK IN APRIL
Take part in a truly rewarding experience — Vogel’s Annual Volunteer Work Day in April! It’s a chance to give back while spending time in the great outdoors.
You’ll help Vogel get ready for the busy summer season by helping with things such as refurbishing campsites, and cleaning up trails. Meals are provided, and pre-registration is required.
LEARN ABOUT THE CCC!
The CCC — the Civilian Conservation Corps — was a relief program for unemployed, young men during the Great Depression. A CCC History Day and Open House is held at Vogel in May, where hands-on activities and work, similar to what the CCC boys would’ve done in the 1930s, is demonstrated.
After working, there will be an open house with refreshments at the park’s very own CCC museum, where you can learn more about the many facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
JUNIOR RANGER CAMPS
Two- and 3-day Junior Ranger camps are offered for kids ages 6-12 during select days in June, July, and August.
Days of crafting, learning, and exploring with a ranger will earn your kids a Level I or Level II Junior Ranger badge. Advance registration is required. (Fee.)
VISIT THE MOUNTAIN MUSIC DAY FESTIVAL
A day in the mountains will be better by visiting Vogel during their Mountain Music Day Festival in September! Check back for 2023 dates and times!
This event features bluegrass and gospel music, local crafters selling their handmade items, and the Vogel Volunteers selling food. Food, crafts, and music in the mountains? Yes, please!
CELEBRATE JULY 4TH AT THE PARK
Vogel offers games for the whole family, including a bicycle parade, pedal boat races, a sandcastle competition, a watermelon-eating contest, sack races, an egg toss, and greased pole climbing! How can you say no to that?
CHRISTMAS AT THE PARK
Every December for 15 years, Vogel has held a Christmas tree lighting at the park on one special Saturday.
It is truly a special event, that includes the tree lighting, Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, hayrides, and caroling. Please bring an unwrapped gift to donate to a child in need, and let the sounds of the season surround you!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GEORGIA STATE PARKS
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- GEORGIA WATERFALLS: 9+ Georgia State Parks With Waterfalls Begging You To Visit
- GEORGIA STATE PARKS CAMPING: 52+ Essential Things To Know
- GEORGIA STATE PARKS IN THE FALL: 13 Best Georgia State Parks for Gorgeous Fall Leaf Color
- FRIENDS OF GEORGIA STATE PARKS: 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Friends of Georgia State Parks
- CAR CAMPING: 40+ Creative Car Camping Tips for Adventurous Families
GETTING TO VOGEL STATE PARK
VOGEL STATE PARK FAQ
What is Vogel State Park known for?
Vogel State Park is Georgia’s second oldest park and favorite destination.
What is there to do at Vogel State Park?
Vogel State Park offers hiking, swimming, fishing, and the great outdoors, with the North Georgia Mountains as a backdrop.
Can you camp at Vogel State Park?
Yes, you can camp at Vogel State Park. The park offers 90 tent, trailer u0026amp; RV campsites.
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