Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 3
Difficulty rating: 4
Backpacked Nov 26 & 27. Rain the last 1/2 of second day. Highs 50s, lows 30s. Calf Stomp is a nice place to camp. A better place is 1/4 mile further up the trail by a stream. Last 1/2 of hike is hard. Counter clockwise and as an overnight is the only way to do this trip. Great views from Rabun Bald. In bad weather the wind can be tough on ridges

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 3
Difficulty rating: 5
Hiked the Coosa on January 14, 2006. There was about 2 inches of snow on Blood Mountain, temperature around 15F, winds were high on the summit. I parked at the Byron Herbert Reece access trail lot, hiked over blood, and descended to the Coosa Backountry Trail via the Duncan Ridge. I hiked it clockwise (I know, I know). Completed the loop and hiked out and over Blood Mountain the same way I came in. This was a grueling hike. The snow and ice didn't help. I did this in one in a day, saw another hiker (several years my better also day hiking it). I woudln't recommend a day hike unless you've trained (which I didn't) or you don't mind some pain (which I don't). The trail was easy enough to follow, although I did miss a few of the blazes, so watch for a few tight turns. Enjoy the hike.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4
For the experienced hiker, this strenuous, 12.4-mile loop in Blood Mountain/Vogel State Park takes you to wildflowers (when in season) and a vista at Coosa Bald. Use Coosa Bald or Neels Gap Quadrangles or trail map available at Visitors Center. Hike year-round. Elevation gain is 3,480 ft. High point is 4,300 ft.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5
BEAR HAIR TRAIL GREAT

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 4
The lookout at the top is worth the hike.As you look down at the lake in Vogel State Park.Carry a day pack with water and good snacks such as Hot shot or Gue,trail mix and slim jims or trail bars.Also carry water and your treking sticks.

Overall rating: 3
Scenic rating: 2
Difficulty rating: 4
I hiked the Coosa on 10/4/2006 and did it counter-clockwise. It was definitely tiring with over 3500 feet of ascension (according to my GPS), but it can be done in a day easily. I averaged about 2 MPH over the whole trail including short breaks, so it only took me about six hours to make the entire loop. I hiked it counter-clockwise, but will do it clockwise next time. I would rather hike steep inclines than steep declines, which are just too hard on my knees and it's also easier to fall going downhill than up. So I should have done it clockwise to begin with and I probably would have enjoyed it more. The scenery was rather boring with no nice views/vistas at all. I will maybe do this hike again in the winter to see if there are some winter views, but I wouln't expect too much. I do see this trail as a good workout, but not a scenic hike at all. So I will be back, but mainly for "training" purposes for other hikes.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5
To Do List

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 3
Difficulty rating: 4
Despite all the warnings, you can do this in one day. I'm not a world class hiker by any stretch of the imagination and I managed it in around 7 hours. That's with a lot of stops to enjoy the scenary. I'm not saying it's easy, my calves still are sore 2 days afterword, but it's doable. I even went over onto the AT for a short hike and went up Blood Mountain, which I would highly recommend because it's the only spot you'll get to see any overlooks. If you're the type that needs a reward at the end of a tough hike besides the gratification of knowing you climbed it, then go up Blood Mtn. because there is no great overlooks on the Coosa alone. Another option would be to hike the Bear hair gap trail when the two meet, this would add one nice overlook of the lake. You probably could do both if your a fast hiker and in good shape. There is water on the trail, but only during the first half of the trail. After you start climbing at the 6 mile area there's limited water, but you have to expect that because how many times do you see water on top of knobs or ridgelines? The trail was "soupy" in places, but it had just rained the day before, so I don't know if it's always like that. Good boots and you'll be fine. It did have a few overgrown places (wear long pants) and there were some trees on the path, but nothing I couldn't go over, under, or around. This is a backcountry trail after all, not a nature trail, so you have to expect a few obstacles. Overall, a good test and definately worth it.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4
I did the Coosa trail on 5-11-2007 counterclockwise as a day hike. Nice weather and a dry trail. The first third is fairly easy but the poison ivy was getting up pretty well in that section and I supsect by the end of May the first couple of miles would be a bad hike for anyone sensitive to the plant as it was already getting close to the legs. After the first few miles there was not as much of it. The last half of the trail was much more strenuous but if you are in good shape, it can be done in a day. I am 56 and did it in 7 hours which included some short rest stops and about a 15 minute nap at one spot. I was craving protein and carbs by the end of this one and downed a huge t-bone steak and potato when I got back to the cabin. Trail mix, fig bars and granola bars just did not satisfy as they normaly do. I would have loved some good hi carb foods to fuel me back up at lunch on this one. Nice hike, and I am glad I did it.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 4

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5
not done yet

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 3
Difficulty rating: 4
Quite a surprise, a great trail that kicked my butt. Not great for a scenic trail, perhaps in winter with less tree cover. But the terrain was a definite challenge.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 3
I am going on saterday

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 4
We just returned from a beautiful weekend on this trail. Although difficult at times, and the fact we lost the trail once, this was a rewarding hike. At almost one mile an hour, it gave us a chance to look at the spectacular views and admire the changing fall colors. We began our trek towards the Blood Mountain Wilderness, the most strenuous part of the trail, but the rewarding views made it worthwhile. We encountered water the last four miles of trail, but 6L between 2 adults and a dog was enough, swallowing the last at the road with one mile to go. We encountered maybe 15 people on this trail, all on the first day, so the solitude was nice. Although we camped on a ridge line where the city lights were visible, if you just tilt your head up, the stars were a gorgeous sight.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 3

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5
Leaving tommorrow..3 nights 4 days..

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5
I hiked the trail counter clockwise on July 7, 2008 with Maggie, my Brittany. It took approximately seven hours including a break for lunch. Temperatures were in the upper 80s and lower 90s. I could not see much in the way of views because of the leaves on the trees however the woods and solitude were nice. I did not encounter another hiker the entire trip. I would rate the difficulty of this trail as moderate for the most part with one exception and that is the climb from Wolfpen Gap (Ga 180 crossing) toward Slaughter Mtn. This part of the trail is difficult and you need to be in shape. The Coosa is a good day hike for an experienced hiker.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5
Start out of Vogel State Park. Detour and Camp at top of Blood Mtn. Extremely strenuous with Pack

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4
Hiked this trail on Thanksgiving Day 2008 in 6 hours including a 20 minute lunch break. Beautiful day, awesome hike. Temperatures were in the upper 30's at the traihead, but quickly warmed into the 50's by afternoon. I was expecting a much more strenuous hike based on what I had read about this trail. I reached the halfway point in about 2 hours. The most strenuous portion (counter clockwise direction) was the last climb right after crossing the highway. At this point you are about 10 miles into the hike, and this climb is steep. Fortunately it is short, and the descent begins just as soon as you hit the summit. Without any leaves on the trees there are some nice breakout views. Not the most scenic of hikes, but beautiful country to hike through.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 5
Hiked Coosa with twin 21 yr old sons and nieghbor. We knoew going in of 80% chance of rain and got it all. Overestimated the map, water source on map is a stream. Great trail maintenance! Reached HWY 180 after 7 miles, spent the night but had to take the hike of shame short cut return due to very bad weather. Expect to return for a mulligan.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 3
Difficulty rating: 5
This was a cool trail. I think it was a little harder than what it says. Good views in the winter I imagine. Good campsites, although not many with water.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 3
Difficulty rating: 5
Coosa is considered by many to be the most difficult short trail in Georgia. It is best hiked in cool weather. From spring to early fall, much of it is overrun with poison ivy.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4
Beautiful, challenging trail. Hiking counter-clockwise (most common), gives you about 4-5 miles of limited scenery to start, but once you get out of that, there are some really nice bits. Get ready to breathe hard.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4
Hiked 10/31/09. Nice fall leaves but tough & slick in rain with heavy pack.

Overall rating: 4
Scenic rating: 4
Difficulty rating: 4
Hiked on 4/9/2010. Took counter clockwise route. Trail was in excellent shape, nice views from the tops. Very few people on the trail. Spent the night around Slaughter Gap. Water is limited on the western portion from Coosa Bald down to Slaughter Gap. Lots of nice camp sites all along this trail.

Overall rating: 5
Scenic rating: 5
Difficulty rating: 5