Unlike pedaling on a paved trail or in a city bike lane, mountain biking really tests your skills and gets you out into the ruggedness of nature. However, there are excellent mountain biking trails for all skill levels, and you can make the sport as relaxing or adventurous as you like. With its many parks, forested areas, and varied terrain, Georgia is an awesome place to go mountain biking. Here are our favorite mountain biking spots in Georgia!
Blankets Creek, Woodstock
Located near Woodstock, Blankets Creek is one of the most highly rated trails in the state. It’s close to the Atlanta Metro Area, so lots of city-dwellers flock here on both weekdays and weekends. This is an intermediate singletrack trail system that has about 15 miles of trails. If you’re a beginner, pick one of the short and flat trails from the parking lot. But if you’re up for more of a challenge, go further into the woods to experience more rocks and jumps on the trail. Be mindful that these trails can get crowded, but it gets better once you get further from the parking lot. Good signage makes the trails great for first-time riders to this area.
Chicopee Woods, Gainesville
Chicopee Woods offers around 21 miles of singletrack trails, which are managed by Northeast Georgia SORBA volunteers. If you’re just starting out, try the 2.6-mile Tortoise Loop trail for beginners. Intermediate trails that are worth trying are the Flying Squirrel and the Red Tail Loop. The Copperhead is the most challenging trail in this area and extends about 4.5 miles. Check out a trail map and information at the main trailhead kiosk for information about trail closures and whether night riding is allowed when you’re there.
Dwelling Loop, Holly Springs
Dwelling Loop is another favorite spot for mountain biking, and this loop extends about four miles. The direction of travel changes on certain days of the week, so pay attention to that! This is an intermediate level ride that travels around Lake Allatoona. Expect a good number of roots and rocks, as well as nice downhills and a pretty fast pace. The trail is shared with hikers and equestrian riders, so be mindful of other people on the trail too.
Bull and Jake Mountain, Dahlonega
There are lots of different routes you can take on the Bull and Jake Mountain system, and the scenery here can’t be beat. Depending on which way you go, you can see waterfall here too. There are both primitive roads, doubletrack, and singletrack trails here along these forest roads. This is a premier mountain biking destination in North Georgia, so come here when you’re visiting Helen, Dahlonega, and Dawsonville. Trails are generally steeper and more technical on the Bull Mountain side of the trails. Equestrian riders are also allowed here, so be ready to yield to horses.
Stanley Gap, Blue Ridge
Mountain bikers looking for a serious challenge should definitely check out Stanley Gap near Blue Ridge. Just prepare yourself for hard climbs and fast downhills before you start pedaling. The trail extends for about 10 miles, but you can add on the Flat Creek Trail to get some extra mileage. The best place to park to ride this trail is at the Aska Road trailhead. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you will make your way along the singletrack trail to the Stanley Gap trailhead. The first section is considered to be the hardest part as you’re climbing up to the second Flat Branch Connector.
Sope Creek, Vinings
If you’re in the Atlanta Metro Area and pressed for time, one of the easiest trails to get to from the city is Sope Creek. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners, so you may have to share the trail depending on how busy it is. For bikers, you’ll find classic forest singletrack and also wide trails here. It’s fun to ride this 8.8-mile trail as a “figure eight.” There isn’t much elevation gain, but there is some packed gravel you’ll need to ride through.
Bear Creek, Ellijay
Ellijay is known for its many apple orchards during the fall, but it’s also a great mountain biking destination. Bear Creek has about 10 miles of singletrack trails, and there’s a parking area at the Bear Creek trailhead. The trail begins by the information kiosk, follows the Bear Creek Loop Trail, and features climbs and switchbacks from there. This trail is typically ridable all throughout the year and includes a few creek crossings. You can set up camp at Mulberry Gap nearby if you’re looking to make a weekend out of this mountain biking trip.
Pinhoti Trail, Dalton
The Pinhoti Trail makes up an amazing mountain bike ride that extends from the Appalachian Trail to Alabama. Most of the sections of the trail here are open to bikes, and some of the trail travels along a paved road. Choose this route for an overnight backpacking adventure on two wheels. You can access some other great mountain biking areas from this trail to extend your journey, including the Bear Creek area. One highly recommended section is the P3 section of the Pinhoti, which extends from the Cohutta Wilderness Overlook west of Ellijay to the CCC camp road about six miles down. This is best for advanced mountain bikers who can handle steep climbs and tough switchbacks.
Jackrabbit Mountain, Hiawassee
There’s also a nice trail system off of Jackrabbit Road near the Georgia/North Carolina border. This is a nice beginner-friendly area with gentle inclines and declines. Obstacles, climbing, and technical areas are very few. Here you’ll find 15 miles of machine-constructed singletrack trails that offer lovely views of the nearby lake.
Altoona Creek Park, Acworth
There are around 20 miles of trails in this area, which has something for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. A good beginner trail is Rusty Bucket, while Voodoo is a great advanced trail. Make sure you check the riding direction, because it tends to change daily. Be aware also that the trail is generally closed during hunting season in November and December.
