Road Rides: Staff Picks
Experience the beauty of Atlanta and North Georgia as we share our top picks for unforgettable cycling adventures. As always, plan your route, always wear a helmet, & let us know if you have any questions.
Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta BeltLine is a renowned urban redevelopment project featuring a network of multi-use trails, connecting neighborhoods and parks around the city. It includes both paved and unpaved sections, catering to a variety of outdoor activities including biking. The paved trails, such as the Eastside, Westside, and Northside Trails, offer smooth surfaces ideal for casual rides and family outings. However, the unpaved sections, like parts of the Southside Trail, present a more rugged terrain suitable for gravel biking. The BeltLine is extremely popular, especially on weekends, making it bustling and sometimes challenging for cycling due to the high foot traffic.
Cartesville, GA
This ride is renowned for its diverse route options catering to different skill levels, including 14, 31, 48, 67 (metric century), and 100 miles. Riders are treated to the picturesque Northern Georgia mountains, characterized by rolling hills and some challenging climbs, amidst low traffic country roads accustomed to cyclists.
Decatur, GA
The Stone Mountain Trail in Georgia is a 19-mile greenway that offers an engaging mix of urban and natural landscapes. Starting in Decatur, the trail provides an accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians to Stone Mountain Park. The path includes both side path and on-road sections, threading through varied neighborhoods and communities. In Clarkston, the trail transitions into a greenway, crossing over I-285 and leading towards Stone Mountain Village. This section can be busy, especially on weekends, making it a family-friendly destination. The trail then continues through several blocks of busy streets to reach the park.
Smyrna, GA
The Silver Comet Trail, tracing the historic Seaboard Air Line, offers a scenic and historic ride from Smyrna to Esom Hill over a 61.5-mile stretch. It's a paved, 12-foot wide path, featuring historical structures like the Pumpkinvine Creek Trestle and the Brushy Mountain Tunnel. While the trailhead near the Smyrna shopping complex is convenient, it can get crowded. A better starting point might be the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna, located near the Publix shopping center on South Cobb Drive, offering easier access and parking. This trail connects to Alabama's Chief Ladiga Trail and has future plans to link with the Atlanta Beltline.
Dahlonega, GA
The Six Gap Century route in North Georgia is a formidable and exhilarating cycling challenge that spans over 104 miles. This route, renowned for its steep climbs and thrilling descents, traverses six major gaps in the North Georgia Mountains: Neels Gap, Jacks Gap, Unicoi Gap, Hogpen Gap, Woody Gap, and Wolfpen Gap. The elevations of these gaps range from 1,400 feet to 3,460 feet, offering a test of stamina with more than 11,200 feet of vertical climbing. One of the most challenging parts of the Six Gap Century is the climb at Hogpen Gap, which is particularly grueling. This stretch has an average grade of 7% over seven miles, with sections that steepen to a 15% grade, posing a significant challenge even for strong riders.
South Fulton, GA
The Silk Sheets road bike ride, known for its smooth hills and well-maintained roads, offering a serene cycling experience with minimal traffic, is one of metro-Atlanta's most popular road rides. Starting from Campbellton at the intersection of Hwys 92 and 154, this route is a blend of flat and rolling terrains, aptly named for its smoothness. The ride includes a mix of pastoral landscapes and occasional short gravel road stretches, adding variety to the journey. Cyclists on this route often encounter picturesque pastures, where groups of curious cows add to the rural charm. Covering approximately 67.2 miles when combined with all extensions, Silk Sheets is perfect for both group rides and solo adventures, offering great weather and the chance to enjoy the outdoors.
South Fulton, GA
The Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop is a popular gravel biking route near Atlanta, offering a great escape from city traffic. Rated as intermediate, this 20.7-mile loop, with an elevation ranging from 741 to 1,005 feet, is approximately 90% gravel and 10% paved road. Starting from Cochran Mill Park, the route features varied terrain including uphill segments and intersects with several gravel roads. The loop parallels singletrack in Cochran Mill Park and passes through scenic areas with a mix of climbs and flat stretches. It's ideal for when trails are wet and can be extended to 33 miles by exploring all out-and-back gravel roads. The ride can also include a side trip to Serenbe. Parking is available at Cochran Mill Park for a fee.
Elijah, GA
The Potato Patch Gravel Bike Ride begins at Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Getaway, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. This ride encompasses a continuous 6-mile climb into the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, presenting stunning views and natural beauty, including the Barnes Creek picnic area. The route features switchbacks leading to an unobstructed viewpoint and several old houses atop the ridge. Riders can enjoy a short descent followed by another climb, leading to the optional 6.9-mile extension to Grassy Mountain's fire tower. The descent back features about 10 miles of scenic terrain, before transitioning to paved roads with farmland views. The final 4.5 miles are particularly challenging, concluding back at Mulberry Gap where riders can relax and reflect on the journey.
Jasper County, GA
The Murder Creek gravel bike ride in Jasper County, Georgia, offers a scenic and varied 25.4-mile route with an elevation gain of 1,299 feet. Starting at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center by Boyle Murder Lake, the ride includes approximately 3 miles of paved road, with the remainder traversing packed red clay, chunky loose rock, and smooth dirt trails. Riders should be attentive to changing terrains, and can enjoy the rural landscape, including the smells of manure and sights of cows, which add to the rustic charm of the route. The ride culminates with a long gravel hill leading to a thrilling 30mph descent on paved road, ending back at the lakes where fishing is an option. The area is also playfully rumored to be home to Bigfoot.
White, GA
The Pine Log gravel ride in White, GA, is a challenging 19.3-mile route with an elevation gain of 1,886 feet. Starting at the Pine Log parking lot, the ride features a stream crossing, a climb to a fire pit with a view, and a descent to a creek. The terrain is quite rough, causing water bottles to rattle around. The route includes several peaks with tight grips needed for the descents. A hike-a-bike section around 11.5 miles in leads to a rewarding view and a gravel road. The final stretch includes about 7 miles of mixed terrain, ending with a 2-mile pavement climb before coasting back to the parking lot. This ride is demanding but fulfilling, leaving riders feeling exhausted yet satisfied.
Dallas, GA
The High Shoals Falls gravel bike ride in Dallas, GA is a challenging 21.5-mile route with about 1500 feet of elevation. Starting from the High Shoals Falls parking area, the first 3 miles are on smooth asphalt back roads, followed by a section through the Sheffield Wildlife Management Area, where a land pass is required. The terrain is mixed, with fine gravel and pinestraw. A particularly tough 4.3-mile stretch includes sandy roads and rough terrain. The route then joins the Silver Comet Trail briefly before returning to gravel on Johnny Monk Road. The ride concludes back at the parking area, near the falls.
Please Note:
Disclaimer: The ride descriptions provided are for informational purposes only. Riders are advised to participate in any cycling activity at their own risk. Peachtree Bikes does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies in the information provided. It is the responsibility of each rider to verify the current conditions and details of the routes. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Ensure that you are adequately prepared in terms of fitness, skill level, and equipment for the chosen route. The difficulty levels of rides vary, and it is essential to match your skill level with the ride's difficulty to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember, your safety is your responsibility.