Vogel State Park
CCC-built cottages and mountain trails beneath Blood Mountain, with the lake closed for repairs
The short answer
Vogel State Park opened in 1931 as one of Georgia's first two state parks, on land the Vogel family of Milwaukee gave to the state in 1927. Much of what you see was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including the first cabins, picnic areas and camping grounds. It sits inside the Chattahoochee National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail is nearby.
What's open right now
Status as of October 2026
| What | Status | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Trahlyta | Drained for dam repairs | No lake views or boating for now |
| Lake Trahlyta Loop Trail and the waterfall | Closed | Reopening dates aren't posted; check the park |
| Visitor center | New building under construction | Parking is limited |
| Cottages and campsites | Open | 34 cottages, 90 RV/tent sites, 18 walk-in sites, a pioneer campground |
| Other trails | Open | Bear Hair Gap and Coosa Backcountry (below) |
Call 706-745-2628 for the latest before you make the drive. Park hours are 7 AM to 10 PM.
Hiking
| Trail | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Hair Gap Trail | 4-mile loop | The park's moderate hike. |
| Coosa Backcountry Trail | 13 miles | Strenuous backcountry route; connects toward Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail. |
Staying and spending the day
Vogel is as much a place to stay as a place to hike. The park covers 242 acres at the foot of Blood Mountain, inside the Chattahoochee National Forest, and the state-park pages list a lot of ways to settle in. Cottages and campsites are open this fall; reserve through Georgia State Parks at 800-864-7275.
Cottages
Camping
Groups and picnics
Extras
Details from the Vogel State Park page. Several of these (the beach, paddling rentals, the CCC museum) are listed as seasonal, and the beach and paddling depend on the lake, so ask the park what's available before you plan around them.
Fall color drive
With the lake out of the picture this year, make the road your leaf view. Georgia State Parks recommends Wolf Pen Gap Road (GA-180) for fall scenery, and it's close to the park. It also leads toward Sosebee Cove, a cove forest that's best in April. For when to go, see our fall color guide.
The legend of Trahlyta
Folklore, not documented history
The lake and waterfall are named for Trahlyta, a Cherokee maiden in a local story. According to the tale, she's buried a few miles from the park at Stonepile Gap, where travelers have long left a stone on the pile for luck. Treat it as a legend: locals tell it, but no documentation settles who or what the pile marks.
Plan around it
Combine Vogel with Smithgall Woods, Brasstown Bald stargazing or other waterfalls for a fuller day.
Vogel questions
Is Lake Trahlyta open?
No. As of October 2026 the lake is drained for dam repairs, and the Lake Trahlyta Loop Trail and the waterfall are closed. The cottages, campsites and other trails are open.
How much does it cost to visit Vogel?
Parking is $10 per vehicle per day with the Georgia ParkPass, or $70 for an annual pass. Overnight guests pay the daily fee once per vehicle for the whole stay.
How far is Vogel from Helen?
About 45 minutes by car.
What is the Trahlyta legend?
Locals tell the story of Trahlyta, a Cherokee maiden said to be buried at Stonepile Gap near the park. Travelers once left a stone on the pile for luck. It's folklore, not documented history.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
