Slow and Steady - Coosa Backcountry Trail and bonus Coosa Bald

Hiking from the Vogel State Park Visitors Center, this 13.5-mile loop escapes deep into the Blue Ridge Mountains on a challenging loop on the Coosa Backcountry Trail. Hiking through a mixed hardwood forest of oak, hickory, and white pine, the route crosses multiple forest creeks and (in season) samples a wide assortment of north Georgia wildflowers. Mid-way through the hike we will take a 0.25 mile detour to the top of Coosa bald and possibly a lunch break there. We will rejoin the main trail and hike back to the cars. This hike is characterized by several long hills.

This is a strenuous, approximately 13.5 mile hike, at a steady slow to moderate pace. Average hiking pace will be 2.5 mph. If you have not completed any D4/D5 hikes recently, the trip leaders will contact you to determine your hiking experience and reserve the right to remove any registrants that they feel may not be able to complete this hike. This is not a fitness hike, so if you are a fast hiker please be okay with the fact that the hike is not at lightening speed. 

Vogel SP has a 5$ parking fee, so if you have a State Park Pass, please bring it along. 

Email the trip leaders if you have any questions. 

Take GA 400 north to Dahlonega, then take US 19 north to where it joins US 129 at Turners Corner. Turn left and continue north on US 19/129 for 11 miles to Vogel State Park.