biking

Bike trails in the Cohuttas

Cartecay River Loops

Difficulty level: intermediate: 3 to 7 miles: 5 miles from downtown Ellijay.

Starting a ride in the North Georgia Mountains can be conveniently done at Cartecay River Loops, which is located just outside of town. Cartecay River Loops has two options, the red and white trail, and the river trail. The Red and White trail is easier for getting warmed up on, and the River Trail displays the beautiful views and scenery of the Cartecay River.

BE ADVISED: As of 1 July 2017 no Georgia outdoor recreational passes are needed to bike on state lands.

Carters Lake Trails

Difficulty level: Beginner/Advanced: 3.5–20 miles: 20 miles from downtown Ellijay.

Carters Lake is a must-see destination, located south-west of Ellijay. Beginners and advanced hikers can enjoy a total of 20 miles of trails at Carters Lake. Beginning riders should start at the Woodring Branch Recreation Area. Along the lake and the trail, you’ll have plenty of time, and it has few major direction changes, so you won’t lose your way. The water will be extremely tempting after biking on a clear blue day.

For the more advanced riders, head over to the Ridgeway trail. Biking enthusiasts couldn’t use it for a while due to power line construction, but it is now open and prepared for use.

Bear Creek Trails

Difficulty level: Intermediate/Advanced: 5-11.5 miles: 12 miles from downtown Ellijay.

Bear Creek is another iconic North Georgia location because it can offer a rider many different experiences in one package. Go and ride the standard Bear Creek loop and experience streams and bountiful old growth. You can make more loops for yourself by implementing different sections of the Pinhoti Trail. Use this location as a base to experience some real stunning rides that include waterfalls, lovely views, and even more of the old growth of the Cohutta mountains.

Bear Creek has 2 sections, the upper and lower trails. The upper trail is specifically designed for mountain bike enthusiasts, but the journey can be arduous. The lower trail gets most of the action. Either way, it is an incredible ride and because of the versatility in this location you can come back and have a wide variety of experiences.

Fort Mountain State Park

Difficulty level: Beginner/Advanced: 1.5–14 miles: 20 miles from downtown Ellijay.

Fort Mountain is a staple in the North Georgia mountains. There is something here for everyone from horseback riding, camping, glamping, to mountain bike riding. Whether you are here to camp for a weekend, riding trails, or using it as a base camp, considering its proximity to bear creek and Pinhoti, Fort Mountain is a must.

BE ADVISED: Once you enter the park, head to the office and pick up a biking permit or face the consequences of a hefty fee if found without one. The rangers can give you current conditions or a heads-up on hazards.

Here is a break-down on some of the trails at Fort Mountain.

1. Lake Trail: Distance 1.2 miles: Difficulty level Beginner
2. Gold Mine Loop: Distance 5.5 Miles: Difficulty level Beginner
3. Cool Springs Loop: Distance 6.3 miles: Difficulty level Intermediate
4. East-West Loop: Distance 14.6 miles: Difficulty level Advanced
5. Aska Trails system: Difficulty Beginner-Intermediate: 2.5-9.5 miles: 22 miles from downtown Ellijay.

Just northeast of Ellijay outside Blueridge, the Aska Trail system is a hidden gem that only those in the know venture to. The Aska Trail has many different trails, so this is a place anyone can ride on. The Stanley Gap and Green Mountain trails are more challenging and will certainly test your endurance and skill. You can use the Flat Creek loop and Long Branch loop as introductory courses for an easier ride.

Any beginner can certainly start on the Long Branch loop. Due to its short distance and low technicality, it is a perfect place to learn single track bike trails.

Below you can find the basics of the trails.

1. Long Branch Loop: Difficulty level Beginner: Distance 2.2 miles
2. Flat Creek Loop: Difficulty level Beginner/Intermediate: Distance 5.6 Miles
3. Green Mountain: Difficulty level Intermediate/Advanced: Distance 9.4 Miles
4. Stanley Gap: Difficulty level Intermediate/Advanced: Distance 9.6 Miles