2 Wheel Terrain

Biking Trails in North GA

By Angela Chambers

North Georgia is very lucky to have many amazing biking trails. In fact, not utilizing our trails would be like living next to a world class ski resort and not skiing. We have world class, off-road trails and a progressive attitude about creating paved trails.

There are two mountain bike trail systems in Cherokee County that offer almost 30 miles of trail and can be used by joggers, walkers and hikers, as well. But, if you think mountain biking is only for the young, brave or fit, you are wrong! Beginner trails were built for just that beginners. Cantons Blankets Creek has two beginner trails, an intermediate trail, and two advanced trails from which to choose. This is a great place for any level rider to enjoy the best of single-track mountain biking. Blankets Creek is often listed as one of the best trail systems in the south and U.S.

Woodstock has the Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails at Olde Rope Mill Park, which offer several beginner to advanced level options, and Cherokees Dupree Family Mountain Bike Trail is the best place to start your mountain biking habit. Beginner level trails are laid out in three loops on wooded land. Just a mile in length, the system is designed for kids and those just getting off-road for the first time.

SORBA Woodstock is the non-profit that builds and maintains these trails. In addition, they hold a monthly social ride that caters to every ability level especially beginners and novices. They also have monthly work parties to maintain the trails. For more information about trails and activities, visit SORBAWoodstock.org.

Along with the off-road trails in Cherokee County, Greenprints Alliance has created an amazing system of concrete, multi-use trails that are the beginning of a master planned system. Already completed and in use is the Noonday Creek Trail, which is 1.5 miles long and runs from Downtown Woodstock to Hwy 92, along the Noonday Creek corridor. It also connects to the Woofstock Dog Park via a beautiful, spanning bridge. Connections to Towne Lake, Olde Rope Mill Park and Cobb County trails are planned by 2021.

In Northern Fulton County, there are also several biking trail options. Big Creek Greenway features 7.5 miles of 8-foot-wide concrete track, a 0.4 mile wood chip path and a combination mountain bike/hiking trail, all of which meanders through a flood plain formed by Big Creek. It is paved, with the exception of the hiking trail, the mountain biking/hiking trail and the boardwalk, which is a section of Greenway between the original Northpoint entrance and the original end of the trail, about 600 feet north of Mansell Road. Bikes are not permitted on the boardwalk section.

Also in the North Georgia area is Charleston Park, which includes 5.5 miles of XC single-track trails along the edges of Lake Lanier. These trails are for intermediate bikers and consist of short and long climbs/descents, roots and rocks.

Another trail system in North Fulton is Haw Creek Park, which is roughly 85 acres and includes approximately 3.3 miles of multi-use trails for foot travel and mountain bikes.

If you are interested in learning more about North Fultons trails and activities, visit the Roswell-Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization (RAMBO) at RAMBO-MTB.org/. The RAMBO Chapter of SORBA is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving off-road biking and recreational opportunities through their advocacy for quality trail systems.

All of these trail systems are used by those in the metro area and beyond. Be sure to take advantage of them!

Biking Trails:

Blankets Creek
2261 Sixes Rd.,Canton

Big Creek Greenway
Access points at Alpharetta YMCA, Haynes Bridge Road, North Point Mall, Kimball Bridge Road and Marconi Drive in Alpharetta

Charleston Park
5850 Charleston Park Rd., Cumming

Dupree Family Mountain Bike Trail
513 Neese Rd., Woodstock

Haw Creek Park
2205 Echols Rd., Cumming

Noonday Creek Trail 
9500 Alabama Rd., Woodstock

The Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails at Olde Rope Mill Park 
690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd., Woodstock

Upcoming Events

for Bikers:
May 7th
7th Annual Trailfest
TrailFest.org (Woodstock)

May 7th
3rd Annual Big Creek
Quick Six Enduro
RAMBO-MTB.org (Roswell)

May 14th
SORBA Woodstocks Pedalpalooza SORBAWoodstock.org (Woodstock)