John B. Derden CCC Museum Loop via Bear Hair Gap Trail and Coosa Backcountry Trail(edit)

Route Strategy: Counter-Clockwise (CCW) Hiking this loop Counter-Clockwise is generally preferred. This direction allows you to tackle the elevation gain gradually on old roadbeds and save the knee-pounding descent for the end, while hitting the overlook at the optimal time for a break. Key Waypoints (CCW Direction) 1. The Shared Corridor (Mile 0.0 – 0.5) The Warm-up: Like the Coosa trail, you start at the Visitor Center and follow the green-blazed connector trail. The Split: You will reach the critical intersection again. Action: Unlike the Coosa loop (where you went right), you will stay LEFT/STRAIGHT to follow the Bear Hair Gap loop. (Note: The trails share the same path initially, but watch for signs explicitly marking the "Bear Hair" divergence). 2. The Climb & Wilderness Boundary (Mile 0.5 – 1.8) Terrain: The trail ascends steadily through hardwoods. You will cross the boundary from the State Park into the Chattahoochee National Forest. Feature: The path utilizes old logging roadbeds for sections of this climb, making the footing wider and more predictable than the rugged ridges of the Coosa trail. Water: You will cross several small tributaries of Burnett Branch. In December, check these crossings for ice on the rocks. 3. The Vogel Overlook (Mile 2.0 – 2.5) The Highlight: This is the visual payoff of the hike. A spur trail (usually marked) leads to a rock outcrop. The View: You get a bird's-eye view of Lake Trahlyta and the CCC-built park infrastructure below. With the leaves off in December, the view is expansive and clear. Condition Check: This is a high-wind area. If you are sweating from the climb, layer up immediately to avoid rapid cooling while you rest. 4. The Descent (Mile 2.5 – 4.1) The Drop: The trail descends relatively quickly back toward the park bowl. Wildflowers (Winter Version): While known for spring wildflowers, in December this section is defined by evergreen Rhododendron tunnels and Galax leaves on the forest floor. Finish: You rejoin the lower connector trail and return to the Visitor Center.

2h 20m stopped. too long. Need to reduce to 1h 30m for this distance. Teaching Trekking Pole usage, 1h 25m Lunch with beef, broccoli, & rice, & Strawberry Twinkies;

Bear hare trail counterclockwise