Introduction

We rate the 12.7 miles Coosa Backcountry Trail as moderate although there are some areas of extended strenuous difficulty. The trail is marked with yellow blazes and a hiking permit is required and available free at the Vogel State Park Visitor Center.

Coosa Backcountry Trail

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 a sign that serves as the trailhead for both the Coosa and Bear Hair Trails. These trails share the same footpath briefly, during the climb up Burnett Creek. At a road the Coosa goes right, while the Bear Hair Trail continues straight.

Hiking on the Coosa, courtesy Andy Newton

Initially the trail ascends gradually to Burnett Gap on Ga. 180, crosses the roadway built by Arthur Woody, then begins to descend down an old logging road to the West Fork of Wolf Creek. A U.S. Forest Service "bridge"(a technical term for a split log, no rails) permits crossing. 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 with Coosa Bald off to the right, before merging with the Duncan Ridge Trail (Coosa Bald, the namesake of the trail, is part of Duncan Ridge). There are some good scenic views in this area. From here the trail drops to Wildcat Gap where it briefly joins Duncan Ridge Road, then leaves to ascend Wildcat Knob. As the trail crosses Wildcat Knob it reaches the halfway mark.

The trail descends sharply coming off Wildcat Knob, following an old road at first, then turning onto a path, eventually leading to Duncan Ridge Road again where the Coosa Trail again crosses Georgia 180 at Wolfpen Gap. The climb into and out of Wolfpen Gap is the most difficult of the trail, as the Coosa/Duncan Ridge begins its ascent of Slaughter Mountain.

From this point it is a relatively easy journey to return to Vogel. Coming off Slaughter Mountain the Coosa turns left just before Slaughter Gap, winding down to Wolf Creek. Just before joining Wolf Creek the Bear Hair Trail joins the hike for the return to the trailhead.

Map

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