The History of Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most loved state parks. Located at the base of Blood Mountain in Blairsville, and just three miles south of Sunrise Grocery, Vogel is a scenic retreat that has drawn families for generations. Its history, dating back about a century, is deeply tied to conservation efforts, the Great Depression, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
The land that is now Vogel State Park was originally owned by the Vogel family, who were German immigrants. The family ran a lumber business in the region, harvesting timber from the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest. Recognizing the beauty of the land and the need for preservation, they donated a portion of their property to the state of Georgia in the 1920s. And guess what else popped up in the 20s just three miles north of Vogel?! That’s right! None other than Sunrise Grocery! It’s the oldest business in Union County that’s still in its original location. We just celebrated our 100 year anniversary this past summer with a fun shindig.
During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs sought to provide jobs and revitalize America’s natural resources. One of these programs, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), played a crucial role in the development of Vogel State Park.
In the early 1930s, CCC workers, most young guys who were unemployed during the Great Depression, were assigned to Vogel to construct trails, cabins, roads, and other park infrastructure. Their most notable was the creation of Lake Trahlyta, formed by damming Wolf Creek. The lake remains one of Vogel’s most iconic features today, offering a stunning view with the mountains in the backdrop. It is one of my and Jason’s favorite places to go. We’re lucky enough to be neighbors with the park, so Jason often goes to shoot photos. When the lake is still, the reflection you can get is magical!
The CCC’s contributions to Vogel State Park extended beyond physical structures. They also planted trees, worked on erosion control; helping to restore the area’s natural beauty and ensuring the land would remain a special spot for future generations.
In 1931, Vogel officially became a Georgia state park, making it one of the oldest in the state. As road systems improved and car travel became more common, Vogel’s popularity grew. Families from across Georgia and the Southeast began flocking to the park. And now with the Internet, forget it! The secret’s out! Visitors can explore miles of trails, including the popular Bear Hair Gap Loop and the challenging Coosa Backcountry Trail. The park also hosts seasonal events, such as the annual Fall Festival and the Christmas tree lighting. They also have great musicians playing there in the summer. Jason and I have gone a few times. It’s so fun to sit around listening to music and chatting with the community while getting to stare at the beauty that surrounds us.
There really have been families going for generations. Jason has seen three generations now who have been camping at Vogel every year. He knew the first generation as they had young kids. He has now seen those young kids grow up and have young kids of their own—still carrying on the Vogel tradition. How cool is that?!
Vogel’s history is a testament to the power of conservation and the legacy of the CCC. Thanks to early preservation efforts and continued stewardship, this mountain gem is a place where families make memories and the community can share in experiences for generation after generation. Hopefully, both Vogel and Sunrise will still be standing long after our generation is gone, for the ones coming behind us.
Photo by Jason Clemmons of JMC Artistic Photography