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.
Road Rides
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.