Mountain Biking Trails

Bear Creek Trail

This double-loop trail follows scenic Bear creek through hemlock-cove hardwood forests and passes by the Gennett Poplar, an immense, old growth yellow poplar tree. The 2-mile round trip to the “Big Poplar” makes a great family outing. Sections of the trail are narrow, steep, and the path crosses several streams. 6.7 miles.

Directions: Take GA 52 west from Ellijay for 5 miles. Turn right at Bear Creek campground sign onto Gates Chapel Road and go 4.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 241 and go about 2 miles to the trailhead parking lot at the end of the road.

South Fork Trail

From its southern end near a horse camping area, the trail winds through fields and hardwood forests along the south fork of the Jacks River. It fords the river once before ending at Forest Service Road 126A. Wildlife sightings are a common occurrence in the grassy meadows. This is a good ride for novice mountain bikers and horse riders. The Benton MacKaye hiking trail merges with this trail for a short distance.

Directions: Take GA 5 northwest from Blue Ridge for about 4 miles. Turn left (west) at the Watson Gap directional sign onto Old GA 2 and travel 10.5 miles to the four-way intersection at Watson Gap. Turn left onto Forest Service road 64 and go 4.2 miles to the trailhead. Parking is available just past the trailhead in the Jacks River Field camping area.

Mountaintown Creek Trail

Experience the roaring cascades and waterfalls of Mountaintown Creek gorge as the trail threads its way through stands of white pine and hemlock. Be prepared to get you feet we as the trail crosses the creek several times. Sections are rocky and narrow and the upper part of the trail is steep. Hills Lake on the lower access road is privately owned and not open to the general public. Access is from the upper trailhead. 5.6 miles.

Directions: Take GA 52 west from Ellijay for 5 miles. Turn right at Bear Creek campground sign onto Gates Chapel Road and go 4.9 miles to the end of the pavement. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 90 and go 1.7 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 68. Turn right and go 3.3 miles to the T-intersection. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 64 and go 7.1 miles to the upper trailhead.