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This loop trail is of moderate to strenuous difficulty. The trail is marked with yellow blazes. A permit is required and available free at the Vogel State Park Visitor Center.

Although possible, walking this trail in a single day is not recommended. Coosa Bald and Slaughter Mountain are the highpoints on this journey. Follow the green blazes from the Visitors Center to reach the trailhead, marked by a sign. The Coosa and Bear Hair share the same footpath briefly. At the road the Coosa goes right and straight. This overview is told taking the right.

Hiking on the Coosa Photo courtesy Andy Newton

Initially the trail ascends gradually to Burnett Gap on Ga. 180, then begins to descend down an old logging road to Wolf Creek. A U.S. Forest Service "bridge"(a technical term for a split log, no rails) permits crossing for those who are well balanced. Camping is available here(check the map that came with the permit).

After crossing the creek a quick right on Wolf Creek Road then an immediate left and its back into the woods. Shortly the trail comes to Ben's Knob. A slow change has been and continues to take place as the forest common to the lower coves is replaced by the hickory and oak forest common to the ridges. For most of the rest of the trail this ridge forest prevails. The trail winds alongside this mountain's steep slopes then levels out to Calf Stomp Gap. After crossing Calf Stomp Road the trail climbs Coosa Bald and Slaughter Mountain. Shortly after crossing the road is the halfway point of the trail.

As you cross near the top of Coosa their are some good views. Shortly after the Duncan Ridge Trail merges with the Coosa.

The trail descends sharply, following a road at first, then turning onto a path, eventually leading to the Duncan Ridge Road, which the path joins briefly. A few feet further the path leaves the road and begins a descent into deep Wolfpen Gap, and heads up to Slaughter Gap. The climb into and out of Wolfpen Gap is the most difficult of the trail. From this point it is a relatively easy journey to return to Vogel

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Coosa Backcountry Trail
Coosa Backcountry Trail maps and directions
Trail reports for Coosa Backcountry Trail
Historic reports for Coosa Backcountry Trail