36 | Attractions & Recreation
Trahlyta Falls at Vogel State Park HIKERS GA Highway 325 on the shores of Lake Nottely. There are large
and small RV and tent sites, with power and water at most. In
addition to camping, you’ll find a boat ramp, picnic tables,
swimming area, pavilion, playground, fishing area, hiking trails,
restrooms and bathhouse with showers.
TRACK ROCK GAP PETROGLYPH SITE
Track Rock Gap Road, Blairsville
(706) 745-6928 | www.fs.usda.gov
One of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeast and
the only such site on public land in Georgia, Track Rock is home
to more than 100 different rock carvings, or petroglyphs,
thought to be made by early Native Americans.
VOGEL STATE PARK
405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville
(706) 745-2628 | www.gastateparks.org/Vogel
At the base of Blood Mountain lies one of Georgia’s oldest and
most popular state parks. Built mostly by the Civilian Conservation
Corps in the 1930s, this 233-acre natural retreat features
more than 100 campsites, 35 cottages, picnic shelters, a 22-acre
lake with a swimming beach, easily accessible Trahlyta Falls,
mini golf course, hiking trails, museum, general store and more.
Take a Hike Almost Anywhere
If you’re looking for an easy paved trail or some shorter hikes,
Meeks Park offers more than 4.5 miles of trails. But our area is
also home to a number of mountain hiking trails that can be as
challenging as they are beautiful.
The most famous trail in the area, of course, is the Appalachian
Trail (AT), which is accessible from several locations
within Union County. See the article at left — then just follow
the white rectangle “blazes” found on trees, rocks and posts.
Looking for an interesting day trip? The Jacks Knob Trail
stretches 4.5 miles from Brasstown Bald to the top of Wolfpen
Ridge. The trailhead is located at the Brasstown Bald parking
lot, as is the popular 5.5-mile Arkaquah Trail that leads to Track
Rock Gap.
The Coosa Backcountry Trail loops 12.5 miles in the rugged
mountains near Vogel State Park. The trail is moderately difficult
and requires a permit that you can get at the Vogel State
WELCOME!
They say that a journey of a thousand
miles starts with the first
step. And for many, the 2,192
miles of the Appalachian
Trail starts by lacing up their
boots in Georgia. The famed
footpath runs through Blairsville
Union County, and we are
proud to be an “AT Community.”
This designation comes from our
efforts to promote and protect the
Appalachian Trail — and to provide support to those who
hike it. Thru-hikers can catch a shuttle to town and enjoy
special discounts on lodging, dining and supplies from
the AT Community Supporters in the area.
Completed in August of 1937, the Appalachian Trail winds
through 14 states — from the southern terminus at nearby
Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at
Katahdin, Maine. It is estimated that 3 million people visit
the Trail each year, and more than 3,000 people attempt
a full thru-hike. In Union County, the Appalachian Trail traverses
three high mountain gaps — Hog Pen Gap, Jack’s
Knob and Jarrard Gap — which provide direct access to
the AT and are reached by paved roadways. In addition,
there are a variety of other access trails that intersect the
AT throughout the county.
A unique feature of the AT in Union County is a small section
that runs through the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center —
the only section of the trail that runs through a man-made
structure. Whether heading north or south on the AT, hikers
use the local outfitters, Mountain Crossings, as a
place to resupply, rest up at the hostel and pick up mail.
Many also take advantage of Mountain Crossings’ Trail-
famous “shakedown” to help lighten their loads. You can
also reach Walasi-Yi and Mountain Crossings by car off
GA 19/129 at Neel Gap.
/www.fs.usda.gov
/Vogel