Whether you want to put your biking skills to test or just relish the ruggedness of nature, mountain biking gives you the perfect excuse to escape from the hustle bustle of the city life. And if you reside in the vicinity of Atlanta, Georgia, you have been blessed by some of the best biking trails around you. With its diverse terrain, forested areas and specially developed trails, the region is indeed a hotspot for mountain bikers around the globe. But which are the absolute best mountain bike trails in Georgia for every rider?

There are a number of good riding trails out there and while the most desirable biking trails are subjected to individual preferences, the top ones are perhaps those made keeping mountain bikers in minds. We have compiled a list of the top 5 community rated mountain bike trails in Georgia that have something to offer to everyone. Here are our favorites!

#1 Blankets Creek, Woodstock

Situated near Woodstock, Blankets creaks is one of the best mountain bike trails in the suburbs of Atlanta Metro Area. Its prime location draws flocks of riders from the city not only on weekends but on weekdays as well. Blankets creak is a stacked-loop trail system covering about 15 miles of distance. Out of a total of 7 tracks, 3 are designed especially for beginners so if you’re new to mountain biking, you can access these shorter and flatter trails from the parking area. But if you’re in for a challenging biking experience, we suggest you proceed further in the woods to experience more technical and advanced trails laden with rocks and jumps that add an entirely new level of complexity to your ride. 

Keep in mind that Blankets Creek can get way too crowded at times since it’s a multi-use trail. However, the direction of tracks changes according to a set schedule which keeps them from being over-congested as you move away from the parking area. Also, signs are placed on regular intervals to guide the riders on the trail.

#2 Chicopee Woods Intermediate Loop, Gainesville

Chicopee Woods Trail System is located 51 miles northeast of Atlanta in Gainesville. These trails offer about 21.3 miles of sheer cross-country delight and are perfect for riders of every level, no matter if you’re a beginner or an expert. As a newbie, you can head out of the parking area and try out the 2.6 miles long Tortoise Loop to get started. Tortoise trail is a directional trail so follow the signage. To step up your game, you can follow on to the White Tail, Red Tail and Flying Squirrel Loop, all of which are meant for intermediate bike riders. And if you’re looking for something advanced, we recommend you try out some of the most complex trails in the area. Two of the most popular ones of these are the Copperhead trail and the coyote. Copperhead is known for its steep ascends and descends while Cayote features tight turns and steep switchback.

Since Chicopee Woods is a multi-use trail, you can also go for a hike towards the south of I-985 if you’re not in the mood for biking. Also, you need to pay a $5 parking fee or a purchase a $50 annual pass to gain access to these brilliant trails.

#3 Bear Creek, Ellijay

With 10 miles of single-track trail and an elevation of 4700’, Bear Creek is one of the best mountain biking spots located near Ellijay in the city of Georgia. The Bear Creek trail is typically ridden as a loop with Pinhoti 1 and Pinhoti 2; the parking areas at the trailhead is followed by an information kiosk, and the path leading to the Bear Creek Loop lies next to it. it features steep ascends, decent descends and sharp switchbacks along with a few creek crossings. Overall, the ride is flowy and fast but the beautiful view of the Fort Mountain is literally to die for! Moreover, wildlife sightings along the trail are quite common, but the highlight of the loop is defiantly the Gannet Poplar. This 400 years old masterpiece features a gigantic girth and offers a glimpse into the magnificent forest that once existed in the area before it was logged.

#4 Bull And Jake Mountain, Dahlonega

Located at the foot of the Appalachian Trail, The Bull/Jake Mountain trail is one of the most premium mountain biking locations in North Georgia. The trail network extends to over 50 miles and includes 30% primitive roads, 40% single-tracks and 30% double-tracks. Essentially, the entire trail system is divided into two parts: the Jake mountain side and the Bull mountain side. The Jake Mountain side is rather flat and smooth and includes some exciting trails such as Black Branch, Moss Creek, and Turner Creek. The Bull side, on the other hand, is more technical with steep climbs, fast descents, and rocky terrain. Also, the Bare Hare trail at the top of the Bull mountain is at the highest elevation for any single-track trail in the area. Pretty cool, isn't it?

Perhaps, the intersections on this trail can be too confusing so it’s better to keep a map with you when biking in the Bull and Jake Mountains. And if you plan to give the awesome trail a try, be warned that the tracks here are heavily used by equestrians, so you might want to remain prepared for that.

#5 Allatoona Creek Loop, Acworth

Allatoona Creek park in Acworth houses over 30 miles of mountain biking trails and is one of the most popular hubs for bikers in the region. There are many easy and fun trails such as the Rusty Bucket for beginners but in general, the Allatoona loop is designed with intermediate and expert riders in mind. These complex trails include Voodoo, Hocus Pocus and Whipper Snapper are laden with steep climbs, jumps, natural roots, and rocks along the way. But keep in mind that the direction of the tracks changes every day, so be sure to follow the designated tracks. Moreover, the trail is inaccessible to bikers during the hunting seasons so plan your activities accordingly.

So here they are, the top mountain bike trails in Georgia for you. All these trails offer an amazing experience to the riders so be sure to give them a try. Who knows you might find your next favorite biking spot!