Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Click
Web Banner - 2013 Online Parks GuideClick

1
2

Specials

Make a Reservation

Check Last Minute Availability

2013 Online Parks Guide

Join Friends of Parks

ZIP SEARCH:

How the Club Works

Participating Parks

News Release

PARTICIPATING PARKS & TRAILS: (Get Directions . . .)
(NOTE: At times some trails may close to bike traffic. If there has been rain in the area, please call ahead to verify that the trail is open.)

Easiest Trails: Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge Rockdale River Trail – 12 miles, paved. The Rockdale River/Arabia Mountain PATH Trail is rated easy due to being paved, but the trail has numerous long inclines. Riders often see wildlife such as deer and turkey. The trail begins at two fishing lakes and ends near Stonecrest Mall. 50 feet elevation change. Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen The Trooper Trail – 3 mile loop This park has beautiful scenery and the trail is open to both hikers and bikers. It begins near a freshwater spring and passes a wetland overlook. Watch for wildlife such as wading birds and alligators.

More Moderate Trails: Red Top Mountain State Park, Cartersville Iron Hill Trail – 3.9 mile loop Gravel surface, 65 feet elevation change Winter is a good time to ride this trail since leaves do not obstruct views of the lake and rock outcrops. The trail is 10 feet wide and has a gravel base. It passes an open iron mine, core wash station, a tailings feature, and the shoreline of Allatoona Lake. There are many different native plants and wildlife to be viewed along the way. Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton Biking Trail – 3.3 miles Gravel surface, 100 feet elevation change Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston Perimeter Trail – 4.1 miles 50 feet elevation change The trail is very wide and passes an observation tower where riders can take a break and look for wildlife in the park’s food plot Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer Hiking & Biking Trail – 5 miles, 3 loops 100 feet elevation change This trail is easy to moderate, with just a few winding sections and some rocks to negotiate. A few sections are hilly, with as much as 100 feet in elevation change. All sections go through heavily wooded terrain, and one portion follows the river (but no wet stream crossings). The trail has been described by serious mountain bikers as a good "training" trail suitable for families with mountain bikes (not coaster bikes). You will need to go to Victoria Bryant State Park to get your card stamped.

Most Difficult Trails: Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth Gold Mine Loop - 6.3 miles 300 feet elevation change Permit required from park office A favorite with some SORBA members, this park has very challenging mountain bike trails with spectacular scenery. Much of the trail is single track. Fort Yargo State Park, Winder Outer Loop Trail – 12 mile loop 150 feet elevation change This trail is single track and passes an old home site and combine now surrounded by woods. Experienced riders would call it moderate, but the general public would find it difficult (mostly due to distance). Depending on the day of the week, riders take alternating directions, giving them either a gas line climb or a gas line descent. In this steep section, riders either go really fast downhill or struggle climbing up it. Mistletoe State Park, Appling Rock Dam Trail – 6.25 mile loop For stream crossings without bridges, gullies and rocky terraine make this a more challenging ride. The trail is mostly wooded, with some views of Clarks Hill Lake. Benches are provided for rest stops. Bikers should call the park after heavy rain to confirm trail conditions. 100 feet elevation change. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls High Bluff Trail – 3 mile loop 150 feet elevation change Permit required from park office The High Bluff Trail is only 3 miles (from the parking lot and back); the loop itself is 1.5-miles The trail is moderately difficult, tight singletrack. There is a stream crossing and some rock gardens to work your way through; however, it does not take riders to view the gorge. The trail is open to both hikers and bikers. Though the loop isn't long, it's a great ride for the singletrack lover. Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Helen Mountain Bike Trail – 7.5 mile loop 325 feet elevation change This exclusive mountain biking trail takes riders over mountainous terrain and over ridges with scenic overlooks. This trail, which is intended for experienced riders, has been used for several national and regional mountain biking racing events. It is marked with a white blaze and is intended to be ridden counter clockwise. The trail loops into a "figure 8" with half the trail on the "Unicoi side" of Smith Creek and the other half on the "Helen side" of Smith Creek. Riders may choose to ride the full 8 miles or can take an early exit and ride only the first half. Trailhead located at the Angler/Mt. Biking parking area.

View Stats

Component Core