Criss-cross over creeks and navigate through large boulders as you hike your way around this lollipop loop at Vogel State Park in north Georgia. From lake side to lake view, the Bear Hair Gap Trail offers adventurers a moderate challenge along this beautiful hike.

Park in the day use lot across from the Visitor Center. Head down the road to the right of the Visitor Center for .2 miles before turning into the woods on the right just after Cabin #7 at the large sign for the trail. Pass a side trail on the right, then stay to the right after the bridge, following the green blazes until you reach the intersection with the Coosa Backcountry Trail.

Turn right, following the sign for the Bear Hair Gap Trail. Less than a tenth of a mile later the Coosa leaves to the right and the Bear Hair Gap takes a left. The trail climbs at a 600 ft/mile rate for .6 miles before coming to a gravel road. Follow the white arrow pointing left.

At 1.8 miles, take the Vogel Overlook spur trail to the left at the sign for a limited view of Vogel State Park and Lake Trahlyta. This will definitely be a better view in the winter. You can make a little loop around a campsite here, but this is the only view. Returning to the main loop, the hike levels out for the next mile until the second intersection with the Coosa.

Take a left to begin your descent to finish the loop. Large boulders and several creek crossings await you. If you hike the trail clockwise, this section is much steeper than the other side, providing more challenge if going uphill. The blazes disappear for a while but return to navigate you past a side trail on the right then over a bridge. Turning right after the bridge takes you around to finish the loop. Follow the sign back to the Visitor Center.