From the rolling mountains within the north to the banks of the Savannah River system, Georgia gives a couple of of the most effective hidden gems for mountain biking within the nation. The Peach State could also be greatest identified for its fuzzy fruit, however you’ll additionally discover a few of the sweetest trails within the South there.
In the event you’re involved in enhancing your expertise or biking with a bunch, be sure to try a neighborhood REI class or tour. Whether or not you’re planning a visit or are a neighborhood desirous to increase your horizons, listed here are a couple of of Georgia’s greatest mountain biking trails. You’ll have your selection of parks, and Georgia gives nice using climate many of the yr, so you’ll want to try as many trails as you’ll be able to or add them to your plan for the subsequent experience!
- Location: Ellijay
- Size: Loops from 10 to 60 miles
- Issue: Newbie to superior path choices
- Greatest For: In a single day, group journeys and clinics
Mulberry Hole basecamp was one of many first of its type within the Southeast. Nestled within the mountains of north Georgia in Ellijay, this vacation spot is the best weekend getaway. You may make this spot your private home away from dwelling with its bunkhouse and several other tenting choices. There’s a cafeteria on the property, so that you don’t need to carry your individual meals. Mulberry Hole gives a variety of choices for the solo rider, teams and households.
You possibly can stack all of the miles of singletrack you need with a number of trails branching off by means of the forest. Create a number of completely different routes with the 60 miles of path out there to experience by means of the attractive forest. In the event you don’t need to spend all of your power peddling 13.5 miles again to the highest, Mulberry Hole gives shuttle providers that take you again to basecamp. If you wish to take a break from all of the downhill shredding, there are a number of gravel street choices to get out on an journey within the stunning north Georgia mountains. Mulberry Hole gives a variety for all ranges and talents; additionally they supply workshops to extend your expertise and confidence on the bike.
Whether or not you need to join a workshop, schedule a weekend getaway with a bunch of buddies or carry the entire household for a weekend within the woods, Mulberry Hole has one thing for you. Collect your path buddies and plan your subsequent out of doors keep right here.
- Location: Atlanta
- Size: 7 miles when accomplished
- Issue: A number of path difficulties
- Greatest For: Comfort from downtown and the encircling space
This path system has had an arduous journey to existence; a collaboration between many volunteer teams and authorities companies has created among the finest mountain biking experiences you’ll be able to have within the metro space. The Southside Park mission was the primary of its type because the Atlanta Park System put in and maintains mountain bike trails across the metropolis. It took 4 years to design the grasp plan and break floor on the park, and is estimated to take one other 7–13 years to totally accomplish the dream. They’ve already opened one single-direction gravity path.
The Southside path system caters to a variety of ability ranges, from newbie to professional. There are a number of completely different trails that you may hyperlink collectively to have a “select your individual journey.” It caters to all skill ranges and is a good place to go together with your loved ones. You will discover workday instances and path situations on the Atlanta Space SORBA (Southern Off-Street Bicycle Affiliation) web site and Twitter feed. You can even discover volunteer info there, because the native SORBA maintains the attraction.
One final nice spotlight from Southside Park is the placement: It’s a simple drive from downtown. Whether or not you’re seeking to have an important experience after work or take a number of loops on the weekend, this can be a excellent spot to let unfastened and have enjoyable on the bike.
- Location: Dahlonega
- Size: 25.2 miles
- Issue: Intermediate
- Greatest For: Lengthy distance on an IMBA Epic path
Jake and Bull Mountain Path System is dwelling to Georgia’s solely IMBA-certified Epic path system. The Worldwide Mountain Biking Affiliation designates Epic rides for true backcountry singletracks, permitting you to experience over 20 miles into the backcountry. These routes are chosen by widespread vote from an inventory that has stringent necessities, making an Epic designation rarefied air for any path to achieve. One of many nice issues about this certification is it nearly ensures a very good time and a beautiful experience.
You possibly can park at both trailhead, which lets you take a 100-mile steady experience on singletrack with a few of the greatest descents and technical climbs within the Southeast. It’s an important path for testing your expertise and constructing confidence or reaching the bounds of your bike’s capabilities. Deliver a bunch of buddies and bikepack from one mountain to the subsequent. You possibly can camp within the park free of charge as effectively, simply plan to register to your spot on the trailhead.
Take your time and benefit from the unimaginable scenic views, as a result of this can be a must-do on the Georgia bucket checklist. Whether or not you’re stopping for a water break or just to soak up the character round you, you gained’t remorse the choice to experience right here. The paths are multiuse and are open to hikers and equestrians—nevertheless, they’re typically calmly used, so that you’ll often be by yourself.
- Location: Marietta
- Size: 3.2 miles
- Issue: Newbie-friendly
- Greatest For: A flat path, circulate path beside a river
Cochran Shoals Park is the proper place for inexperienced persons and conveniently positioned within the Atlanta metro space. This method gives a couple of completely different choices, relying on the experience you’re searching for. The paths embrace a flat path of over 3 miles, flowing alongside the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Cochran Shoals is a good place to take the household, particularly younger youngsters who’re nonetheless studying and gaining confidence on the bike. They will take breaks and benefit from the river, whereas mother and father don’t have to fret about troublesome options.
This path is a neighborhood favourite for that lunchtime experience or getting in some miles after work. Due to stunning scenic views, you’re positive to benefit from the landscapes whereas getting some recent air. Since this can be a widespread multiuse spot, you’ll want to be careful for hikers and runners.
- Location: Close to Trenton, subsequent door to widespread Cloudland Canyon State Park
- Size: 20 miles of singletrack
- Issue: Intermediate
- Greatest For: Solitude throughout quiet elements of the day
One of many nice issues concerning the 5 Factors Path System is the chance to experience the connector from Cloudland Canyon Straight to 5 Factors for a few of the most enjoyable beginner- and intermediate-friendly trails within the state. As a result of it gives selection, this path system is nice for each the household and somebody desirous to attempt to add miles to their experience. The 5 Factors trails current the prospect to achieve your Strava private information on mileage, views and extra.
Because the path system is true subsequent door to the state park, you can too camp and revel in different out of doors actions. Cloudland Canyon State Park gives many facilities, from fishing to disc golf and a enjoyable trip for the entire household. On the checklist of trails to discover, 5 Factors is to not be missed.
- Location: Woodstock
- Size: Roughly 12 miles
- Issue: A number of path difficulties
- Greatest For: Directional site visitors, purpose-built for mountain bikes
Olde Rope Mill is a good selection for any Atlanta-area rider. These trails had been constructed for mountain bikes, and there are 10 completely different loops to select from. With the river operating by means of the center of the park, you’re by no means removed from a fantastic view—that’s, when you can concentrate on the rest as you blast by means of the turns.
Because the trails at Olde Rope Mill are directional (the path of the path modifications relying on the day), riders ought to you’ll want to examine the map on the trailhead earlier than getting began, with a view to catch which path the path is operating on every go to. Then be certain that to return again one other time to attempt to grasp the path in the other way. This can be a nice alternative to attain new Strava information and examine your instances on the completely different path instructions with different riders.
Olde Rope Mill is one other busy path system, so at all times be sure to’re watching the path forward of you for different customers. It’s enjoyable to construct your velocity and confidence, however security whereas having enjoyable is the highest precedence.
- Location: Canton
- Size: 15 miles of circulate
- Issue: Newbie to intermediate
- Greatest For: The well-maintained, directional gravity path
Blankets Creek actually gives a singular expertise for each rider, no matter ability or skill. Most of its trails are directional, that means you observe a single path and don’t run the chance of taking a flip into one other rider. However Blankets Creek additionally has a gravity path, which lets you take a look at your downhill expertise. The park is positioned solely half-hour from downtown Atlanta, and this path system permits you to get every little thing out of your after-hours vibes out to your weekend epic path experience. You’ll be grinning from ear to ear as you rip by means of the bermed turns and bounce from curler to curler.
Blankets Creek has one fundamental path that’s 4.6-miles lengthy and several other smaller loops that make for infinite choices. The most effective options of this park is how well-maintained the paths are: You gained’t miss the ruts because the bike tires roll seamlessly alongside the bottom. Blankets Creek is a good selection for newbie riders or households getting kids into biking. Nevertheless, when you love the choice of jumps and clean rides, you’ll love these trails!
- Location: Close to Augusta
- Size: 37 miles
- Issue: Newbie- to expert-friendly
- Greatest For: Routinely voted as one of many prime 10 trails within the nation
Whereas this path isn’t fully in Georgia, since it’s proper exterior of Augusta, riders within the state shouldn’t skip it. The most effective path programs within the nation, it’s been described as an infinite pump observe punctuated by rock gardens and different expert-level options. Forks Space Path System (FATS) is commonly voted as a prime 10 system within the nation by widespread biking web sites, publications and customers alike.
FATS is made up of eight completely different trails and two distinct loops with a number of ranges of issue. The paths are a “select your journey recreation” regardless of your ability degree. You possibly can experience 37 miles of path with out seeing the identical stretch twice—a uncommon function within the Southeast. Whereas most of the trails we’ve talked about supply a number of loops and trails, Forks Space is a one-of-a-kind expertise.
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