Biking in Georgia is one of the finer experiences one can get at the heart of the South. Twisting, scenic trails cover the land from Atlanta to Alabama or simply around Atlanta. The various options give anyone a fine reason to try out biking in Georgia.
10. Cochran Trails
A well-known fitness trail, Cochran Trail has been the center of pedestrian and biking issues since it’s a rather short and tight trail. Now being added are 7 miles of biking trails in April with, of course, signs to prohibit and allow bikers to certain areas. Only 2.5 miles are currently open to bikers, but after the renovation, it will have a solid 6.5 mile multi-use trail while leaving 3 miles for purely hiking.
1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
9. Arabia Mountain
12.4 miles of lush green canopy that stretches out over paved trails with some ups and downs, Arabia Mountain is renowned for not being too crowded and always beautiful. The trails spread out to Klondike Park, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and on the southern end it breaks off into the South River and Rockdale River Trails. Outstretching farmland, fields of wildflowers and streams rushing forth make for a trip to never forget.
3787 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA
8. Olympic Course Park
Within in the Georgia International Horse Park lies the Olympic Course trail. If there’s any reason that could convince you to go try it out, it has to be that this is the first Olympic mountain biking course in the world. 8 miles of always changing terrain and with a 1,032 foot elevation change, this ride is certain to challenge you.
1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
7. Blankets Creek Trail
In Canton and close to Atlanta, Blankets Creek hosts seven trails of varying difficulties. At the level of beginner you’ve got Mosquito Flats, Mosquito Flats Extension and Mosquito Bite. The bridge to the harder levels is a short one with Dwelling Loop being intermediate then jumping into two levels of advanced at South Loop and Van Michael Trail. Last but not least, the expert level trail of Quehl Holler. A massive, 755 foot long downhill trail, this behemoth requires full helmets and elbow/knee pads for the adventurous soul.
Reason Way, Canton, GA 30114
6. Big Creek Park
Just off Old Alabama in Roswell, this park offers bikers of any facet of expertise a chance to get better and confidence to flourish. The park offers XC or cross-country trails for anyone new to mountain biking, runners who love some fauna and flora or a well experienced biker. The next step up is the Big Creek Freeride area for any thrill seeking rider. Be warned about who enters the Freeride area because every trail is ranked by signs as Expert level and some parts are specifically marked “Expert Only”. If you venture to the danger zone, be sure to wear helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
1600 Old Alabama Rd, Roswell, GA 30077
5. Freedom Parkway Trail
Freedom Parkway tails from Stone Mountain all the way to Little Five Points in downtown, so it’s certainly not a short trail from start to finish. Mostly going through downtown, however, it’s a great spot to bike and look and choose a spot for a drink or dinner that night.
Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA
4. Yellow River Park Trail
Located in Gwinnett County, this 13 mile trail offers 12 of its miles as a soft surface for an array of mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. The remaining mile is paved and can be used for a multitude of activities
3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain 30087
3. Atlanta BeltLine
A brand spanking new park, the Atlanta Beltline is a 33-mile trail that offers multi-use trails for everyone around the city. The park stretches from the top of Piedmont Park to Inman Park and Fourth Ward. Composed of five differing trails such as the Northside Trail, Eastside Trail, West End Trail, Interim Hiking Trails and Southwest Connector Spur Trail. The trails all connect one another to historic areas of Atlanta like West End, Mozely Park and Westview Cemetery.
Peachtree Street NW
2. South Rome/Lindale Dirt Bike Trails
This epic ride is not for the faint of heart and for those who love the burn of lactic acid consuming your legs. 45.9 miles of grueling hills that separate the line between weekend warrior bikers and true enthusiasts. Starting from Prentis Branch Trails and riding out all the way to Berry College then back down to Rome, the ride gives you some fantastic scenery and well toned calves.
1. Silver Comet Trail
Well known and loved by many a Georgian, the 61.5 mile trail starts out on Mavell Road in Smyrna and runs to the Georgia/Alabama border. If you’re feeling like a true biker, you can keep going to the Chief Ladiga trail that runs for another 33 miles, tallying you up to 94.5 miles. This trail offers a 2% grade making it a killer leg workout the more miles you pump out along with providing you a new perspective on Georgia’s lands.
Mavell Road Trailhead, Smyrna, GA
