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North Georgia: Gainesville Chickopee Terrain: Moderate elevation change throughout a fairly technical trail system. Trails are closed after heavy rains.
Skill To Get There: Take I-85 to 985, exit 16. Turn left and follow the signs to the Elatchee Nature Center and turn right. The right turn is almost a U-turn. Signs will indicate the parking lot/trailhead after you pass a golf course. Changing area, bathroom, and bike wash available on-site. Pick up a trail map at the kiosk. The trails are maintained by SORBA and they try to make the trails fun and challenging. Knowing this, go easy If it is your first time on these trails. There are technical sections that can creep up on you if you don't know where they are. The lake loop is short, rewarding you with a nice downhill section regardless of whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise. Of course, you'll have to climb back out. The main trail is longer and you can choose several routes.
Everything is fun, though if you're not in shape the climbs will sorely test you. This is the kind of trail where you always have to pay attention. Enjoying the scenery while cruising will lead to a high probability of crashing. The roots, the turns, the ascents and descents are put together in such combinations to challenge any rider, but if you go slow enough most trails are less difficult. So if your skill is somewhere between beginner and intermediate don't be put off by the word "challenging." You can certainly learn new skills on these trails where you will have fun putting together everything you have learned as a mountain biker. When you finish the ride you will have a big dumb grin on your face! It's a fun place to ride. |
