Mountain Bike Trails in Georgia

Welcome to the rugged and beautiful terrain of Georgia, where the thrill of mountain biking meets the exciting challenge of trail riding. From steep rock gardens and log overs to tight switchbacks and drops, these trails demand precision, balance, and focus. Bike-specific trails like Blankets Creek, Rope Mill, and Mountain Town Creek create miles of flow trails with technical challenges that make Georgia a satisfying biking region. Georgia’s humid subtropical climate ensures you have about 15 hours of daylight during summer, thus offering ample opportunity to enjoy mountain biking. With its abundance of stunning natural landscapes, including towering mountains, rocky outcroppings, and dense forests, Georgia offers a playground for adventurous mountain bikers seeking to push their skills to the limit.

Best Mountain Bike Trails in Georgia

Atlanta
The Mason Mill Waterworks trail in Atlanta is a fun trail that gets very enjoyable once you get the hang of it. It boasts a network of trails that takes you through some easy
5 mi
Atlanta
Sometimes, long mountain bike rides can quickly get boring, making short trails like Peavine Creek the best alternatives. You do not want to pass up this trail when in
1 mi
Atlanta
The Island Ford Trail near Atlanta, Georgia, is probably unlike any ride you’ve ever experienced; this trail is the home of nature. Riding through the course takes you through
5.4 mi
Atlanta
The Cochran Shoals Trail from Interstate North Trailhead is one of Atlanta’s most popular trails because of its many positives. The scenic routes of Cochran Shoals park and
6 mi
Atlanta
Seven Sisters: Atlanta's Hidden Cycling GemTrail OverviewThe Seven Sisters trail, as fondly named by local riders, is an exhilarating, albeit technical, loop of switchbacks
1 mi
Atlanta
Wellbourne Drive Trail: Atlanta's Quick MTB DelightTrail OverviewLocated right in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia, the Wellbourne Drive Trail packs an impressive biking
1 mi
Bikes
The Whitemarsh Island Preserve is a well-maintained, easy-to-navigate trail system for fun riding. The easy trail has dirt and sand on its surface with a few obstacles that
5 mi
Savannah
Skidaway (Priest Landing) is one of the best biking trails in the world. On average, this trail is about 4 miles long. It features an elevation gain of about 63 feet and a 61
4 mi
Savannah
Are you ready for your next biking trip? Consider the Tom Triplett biking trail. Tom Triplett is a communally-owned property off Highway 80, between Dean Forest Road and I-95.
5 mi
Savannah
If you’re looking for a long biking trail for your next family biking adventure, consider Big Ferry Loop in Skidaway Island State Park. This bike trail is about 3.4 miles,
3.4 mi

Georgia: Area Description

Georgia has one of the most breathtaking geographical features. It is diverse, with a mix of mountains, coastal areas, and plains. The Appalachian Mountains cut across the city’s northern region, and to the south, Georgia has a long coastline that runs along the Atlantic Ocean.

This region is characterized by its marshes, and barrier islands. Georgia has rolling hills and plains between the mountains and the coast, including the Piedmont Plateau, which covers much of the central and eastern parts of the state. Forests cover approximately two-thirds of the state, including the northern part of the state, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains.

Land area (sq. mi/ sq.km) 57,906 sq. mi (149,976 km2)
Min. Elevation (ft./m) 0 feet
Max. Elevation ((ft./m) 1,458 feet

Demographics of Georgia

Georgia has an estimated 10,711,908 residents with a median household income of $61,200. At 12.8%, Georgia has the third-lowest percentage of people over 65. A larger percentage of Georgians (87%) speak English as their primary language, while 7% speak Spanish. 12% of the population speak a mother language other than English. Chinese and Indian people make up the largest Asian groups in the city. There is a sizeable Latino population, with many residents being of Mexican descent.

Total Population (thousands, millions) 10,711,908
Population density (persons per sq. km) 71.5/km2

Climate of Georgia

Georgia's low elevation in the coastal regions allows for warm air from the Atlantic Ocean to flow inland thus influencing the state's climate. This results in a humid subtropical climate with hot summers with average temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and mild winters with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit.

While summer is the ideal time to go biking on any of the trails in Georgia, you can also try winter biking if you’re up for a challenge. Big Creek Park, for instance, has a mix of paved and unpaved trails that are perfect for winter biking.

For more adventurous riders, the northern mountainous areas of Georgia offer opportunities for winter mountain biking. The trails may be covered in snow or ice, so using appropriate tires and taking extra caution is important.

Average Temperature by Months and Seasons

Month Average Temperature
January 43℉
February 47℉
March 54℉
April 62℉
May 70℉
June 77℉
July 80℉
August 79℉
September 73℉
October 62℉
November 52℉
December 45℉

Infrastructure

Georgia has a variety of infrastructure for cyclists, including bike lanes, multi-use trails, and bike-friendly roads. Regarding access roads for buses, some multi-use trails in Georgia, such as the Atlanta BeltLine, have connections to public transportation, including bus and rail.

You may encounter various challenges, such as hills, uneven terrain, traffic, and occasional road closures or detours. However, many of the state's bike-friendly infrastructure projects aim to mitigate these challenges and make cycling a safer and more enjoyable experience for riders.

Sights and Landmarks in Georgia

Some famous landmarks you may spot on some of the biking trails in Georgia include:

  • The Appalachian Mountains
  • Anna Ruby Falls
  • Stone Mountain Park
  • Silver Comet Trail

The southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains offers gorgeous views and challenging trails for mountain biking. Some trails may take you past waterfalls like the Anna Ruby Falls, offering a chance to stop and take in the otherworldly scenery.

Connect with Stone Mountain Park, which served as a gathering place for Native Americans. The park offers several mountain biking trails with views of surrounding lakes and forests and the mountain. You can also spot wildlife on your trail, including deer, bears, coyotes, or, if you're an avid bird watcher, the various bird species.

Bask in the glory of the scenic views of Georgia’s countryside thanks to the Silver Comet Trail, which passes through several small towns and rural areas. This trail has various amenities, making it a preferred destination for recreational riders and families.

FAQ about Trails in Georgia

Are there trails that allow me to bring my dog?

The rules on dogs vary depending on the park and trail regulations. For instance, Silver Comet Trail and Atlanta BeltLine allow you to bring your pup, but you must ensure they are always on a leash. However, Pinhoti Trail doesn't allow dogs. Always check with the trail or park authority for regulations before embarking on your ride with your dog.

What is the best time of the year to mountain bike in Georgia?

Summer can be a good time to go mountain biking in Georgia, but spring and fall are considered the best times. During spring, temperatures are mild and pleasant, and the low humidity makes for comfortable riding conditions.

The trails are also typically dry and mud-free. In the fall, temperatures are cooler, and the changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop for riding. Like spring, the trails are also typically dry and mud-free during fall.

Do I need a permit to ride on bike trails in Georgia?

Trails such as the Yellow River Park, Chicopee Woods Area Trails, and Pinhoti Trail require permits to ride, while trails like the Silver Comet Trail, Stone Mountain Trail, and Arabia Mountain PATH do not require permits. It's always best to double-check with the specific trail or park authority to confirm whether a permit is required before riding.