Pros: One of the best books for North Georgia

Cons: Too many forest road rides, and the directions are sometimes questionable

Recommendation: This is probably the best guidebook for North Georgia and is a great place to start when you want to explore new trails or find a trail in a certain area.

That said, there are several negative factors. Oftentimes, the descriptions to the ride can be somewhat ambiguous. Many times, I've found that the directions have sent me the exact opposite way around a given loop that I would want to ride it. Also, don't rely on the included maps for off-route navigating: they are often not detailed enough. I once tried to navigate off the recommended route using the included map and ended up getting completely lost in a new area in 90+ degree weather with high humidity. I started cramping like crazy, and almost didn't get out of there.

More details on the maps would be nice, and more details overall on the route descriptions would be appreciated. Also, elevation profiles would be great too. And, the directions to some of the trailheads could use more detail.

In short, this is a great guide book to get started, but I'd use some other navigational resources along with it.

Pros: A good amount of trails and newer versions of the book are updated to include new maps and sites.

Cons: Some of the maps could be a bit more specific. A little hard to compare trails by difficulty.

Recommendation: I was plesantly surprised to look into this book and find some new trails just north of Atlanta that I was unaware existed. I was even happier when I found out that the author updates the book and includes new maps and trails on a somewhat regular basis. I still look up specific trails on Singletracks 1st before I go out and ride but it's always nice to be able to bring the book with you. No substitute for a GPS unit but a nice backup out on the trails.

Pros: Simple maps and trail descriptions. Good sampling of some of the best North Georgia mountain bike trails.

Cons: Too many fire road and forest road routes, not enough singletrack!

Recommendation: This is a classic MTB guide book and I'm still using the one I bought 11 years ago at Roswell Bikes! There is a new, expanded edition out that's definitely worth picking up, though the descriptions of some of the classic rides haven't been updated in years. Jim Parham is my hero.