Clik here to view.
Gearing up for one of the more difficult trails at Big Creek Trails in Roswell. Photo courtesy of Jason Young via Flickr.
There’s nothing like the steady grind of an uphill climb and the thrilling release of the downhill descent for a mountain biker. Mountain biking is a very popular activity in the U.S., with nearly 40 million participants annually. Though Atlanta is a metropolitan city, there are plenty of opportunities get out on the trail and satisfy your desire for dirt on some of the best mountain biking trails near Atlanta.
Sope Creek
For beginner to intermediate riders, Sope Creek is an elaborate trail system of single-directional travel, located in Sandy Springs, about 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta. The trail consists of two separate loops that have a half-mile connector between them; the loops are directional depending on the day of the week. Be sure to check the conditions before riding at Sope Creek as they will be closed if the area is too muddy.
Big Creek Trails
Big Creek Park is more than five miles of cross country single track, two pump tracks and a free ride area designed to accommodate beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers located in Roswell, about 30 minutes north of Atlanta. Start on Stumpy’s Loop, a fast and smooth green level trail with multiple elevation changes. Then transition to Laughing Creek trail, which is a short connector loop that leads to Climbing Snake trail, a more intermediate trail with roots and rocks as challenges. Hurts So Good and Pine Hill offer steep climbs and descents and require a more advanced skill level.
Olde Rope Mill Park
Located about half an hour north of Atlanta in Woodstock, the Olde Rope Mill Park has options for beginner and intermediate riders. The trail system is built in a stacked-loop layout and consists of two trails with six loops; all trails are directional by day of the week. Beginners should check out the Explorer Trail Loops, which are a great warm up and introduction to single track. More experienced riders should head to the Avalanche Trail loops, narrower, more technical single track with steep ups and downs as well as rock/boulder crossing features.
Blankets Creek
Also located in Woodstock, Blankets Creek is considered one of the best places to mountain bike near Atlanta. The trail network consists of approximately 19 miles of single track with trails broken up into seven trails ranging from beginner (Mosquito Flats) to expert (Quehl Holler). The trails are well marked and the loops are directional. From smooth, flat single track for beginners to rock crossing for intermediate riders to drops and tabletops for experts (full face helmets and armor are recommended), Blankets Creek truly has something for just about every rider.
Yellow River Park
If you’re planning on visiting Stone Mountain Park, check out the Yellow River Park, which is located near Stone Mountain, for mountain biking fun. The trail system has approximately 10 miles of marked, wide trails for beginners; when you feel comfortable, you can loop these trails together with the intermediate sections for a 14-mile ride. Though trails may not always be clearly marked, it’s easy to explore and get back to the parking lot. Note: there is no mountain biking within the park.
More information
To learn more about mountain biking in and around Atlanta, check out SORBA, the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association—it’s the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeast. With information about trail conditions, volunteer opportunities and events involving like-minded individuals, it’s a great way to get in gear.
More into exploring by foot than by wheel? Check out these great hiking trails around Atlanta.
The post Best Mountain Biking Trails Near Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Things To Do.