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Bear Creek Mountain Bike Trail
Ellijay, Georgia
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
31 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 1/6/12 by mtbgreg1 |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: #45 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 188 | Wishlist: 119 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.22 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 39min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +4,744/-4,193 ft | |
 1 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: Blue Ridge Mountain singletrack at its finest. This out-n-back trail weaves its way upwards through shaded valleys and semi-steep hills. The trail is an equal mix of narrow singletrack and old fireroad doubletrack. The climb to the overlook is rewarded with a wicked downhill spin that brings you back to your starting point. The lower points of this trail are nearly always a little bit damp and tacky, but the trail is rideable nearly year-round because it drains so well into Bear Creek. There are several creek crossings and switchbacks to make things fun. Stop and take a picture at the Gannet Poplar, a very old and massive tree along the trail. Numerous trailheads are in the area, but the preferred route is to park on Gates Chapel Rd and ride up FS 90 to the small parking area where the singletrack starts.
From the parking area, ride up the gravel road, bearing left at the sign for the Bear Creek trail approx. 1 1/2 miles to the trailhead (there is a small parking area at the trailhead, but we always ride the gravel road as a warm-up). There are two trails here, but take the one beside the information kiosk. The other way is not meant for humans. After crossing a small, rocky creek, stay left at the sign for the Bear Creek Loop trail. After climbing two short whoops right beside the creek, follow the hard left switchback uphill (do NOT cross the logs and continue straight). Continue up the singletrack to the forest service gate. At the grassy clearing, continue to the LEFT, uphill on the doubletrack. After crossing through a wide but shallow creek, go left downhill to the gate and onto the gravel road. Turn right on the gravel road and continue up approx. 1/2 mile to the overlook. Enjoy the view! Continue to ride up the gravel road another couple hundred yards to the sign for the upper parking lot. Turn into the lot and follow the singletrack trail downhill. There are several hard switchbacks and the trail will dump you out back at the wide shallow creek. Continue the ride back downhill the same way you climbed up!
Description: Blue Ridge Mountain singletrack at its finest. This out-n-back trail weaves its way upwards through shaded valleys and semi-steep hills. The trail is an equal mix of narrow singletrack and old fireroad doubletrack. The climb to the overlook is rewarded with a wicked downhill spin that brings you back to your starting point. The lower points of this trail are nearly always a little bit damp and tacky, but the trail is rideable nearly year-round because it drains so well into Bear Creek. There are several creek crossings and switchbacks to make things fun. Stop and take a picture at the Gannet Poplar, a very old and massive tree along the trail. Numerous trailheads are in the area, but the preferred route is to park on Gates Chapel Rd and ride up FS 90 to the small parking area where the singletrack starts.
From the parking area, ride up the gravel road, bearing left at the sign for the Bear Creek trail approx. 1 1/2 miles to the trailhead (there is a small parking area at the trailhead, but we always ride the gravel road as a warm-up). There are two trails here, but take the one beside the information kiosk. The other way is not meant for humans. After crossing a small, rocky creek, stay left at the sign for the Bear Creek Loop trail. After climbing two short whoops right beside the creek, follow the hard left switchback uphill (do NOT cross the logs and continue straight). Continue up the singletrack to the forest service gate. At the grassy clearing, continue to the LEFT, uphill on the doubletrack. After crossing through a wide but shallow creek, go left downhill to the gate and onto the gravel road. Turn right on the gravel road and continue up approx. 1/2 mile to the overlook. Enjoy the view! Continue to ride up the gravel road another couple hundred yards to the sign for the upper parking lot. Turn into the lot and follow the singletrack trail downhill. There are several hard switchbacks and the trail will dump you out back at the wide shallow creek. Continue the ride back downhill the same way you climbed up!
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Dauset Trails Nature Center in Jackson
Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers
Chicopee Woods in Gainesville
Blankets Creek Bicycle Trail in Woodstock
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by mtbgreg1 on January 6, 2012
It's been a couple of years since I've been here, and I just have to say, wow: what a descent! I remembered that this was a rip-roaring drop back down the trail, but DANG is it fun!! Once every two years is not often enough, I've made a mental note to get over here and ride every couple of months! Ellijay is truly blessed with some awesome singletrack!
reviewed by Sizzlin_Weasel on January 2, 2012
This is one of my all-time favorite trails. We parked at the bottom of the mountain and road up the gravel road. It had recently rained and the streams were full. Also, it was 29 degrees outside with a slight wind. We usually take fire road 68 to view the lookout. Then we race downhill. It takes us about 1 hour and 15 minutes up and 22 minutes down. I would recommend a hat that covers your face and ears and an extra pair of socks during the winter.
Similar Trail: Raccoon Mountain, Bull Mountain
reviewed by inbody06 on November 27, 2011
pedal up then blast down hill, great trail to enjoy some good downhill in north ga , not to rough , several stream crossings, upper section in more advanced
Similar Trail: iron mountain
reviewed by wbernest on September 17, 2011
Decent trail, not very difficult. Mostly forest service roads. Bear Creek Trail is the single/double track section and Bear Creek loop is all service road. There is a nice little technical downhill section at the very top parking lot near the over look. The best thing to do if you want some single track is to add the pinhoti sections and get some really good single track in. Bear Creek w/o pinhoti is about 10 miles, w/ pinhoti 1& 2 is about 17 miles, next time i will do 1, 2, & 3.
Similar Trail: Chillhowee, but smaller
reviewed by calebgaines on September 3, 2011
Just got off the trail and I must say that it will linger in my memory for a long time. This trail is awesome!
reviewed by Sizzlin_Weasel on June 26, 2011
Great ride. Bring plenty of water!
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain
reviewed by zeus2188 on June 10, 2011
DOWNHILLS are very fast! Fell very rough twice. The whole uphill is not very inclined but its a long way to the top. Very fun trail. I would much rather have a downhill bike for this trail. Great scenery also.
reviewed by delphinide on June 6, 2011
Exemplary singletrack. I find it hard to describe this trail because it has a little of everything: long techy downhills, steep prolonged climbs, technical river crossings, fast flowy bumpy sections, and very little flats. Definately best ridden one way unless you subscribe to masochism, so find a friend and get a shuttle. You can stay at nearby Mulberry Gap, an awesome biker retreat with salient cuisine and friendly owners/staff and they will shuttle you for FREE. IMHO, best route is starting from the upper Bear Creek parking lot, riding downhill staying on the 'Bear Creek Trail' (not the Bear Creek Loop), then following signs to and doing Pinhoti 1 and 2. Pinhoti 2 puts you out on a gravel road 1.5 miles from you camp at Mulberry, but you may still have the legs to ride P3 as an out and back for an Epic Day. Bear Creek: 13mi. Bear +P1+P2: about 22 miles. I saw 2 black bears there last weekend, so make sure you take some honey so you can smear it on your buddies and ride faster than them! It stays cooler here in the summer than most other places in GA(5-10 degrees), and there are miles of nearby trails and comfortable summer camping. Check at the Cartecay bike shop: those guys know the meaning of Southern Hospitality. You can pull up a barstool and find yourself palavering for hours without noticing the time. They've got some high end stuff in there too: Jet 9s, Tallboys, and some good road toys. Make sure you check them out. The burgers across the street at 28 Main are awesome too! Bottom line: my favorite trail in the Southeast behind Tsali.
* Review edited 6/6/2011
Similar Trail: Tsali, P1, P2, P3, FATS all rolled into one.
reviewed by ohockeym on March 24, 2011
This is one of the best trails in NWGA! My favorite ride anywhere is to link the Bear Creek trail with Pinhoti 1 and 2 and make a big loop, which ends up being somewhere around 23 miles. It has three pretty big climbs, but it also has 3 of the best and most rewarding downhill sections around! Its an awesome trail in a beautiful location! It is a must ride for everyone!
Similar Trail: Pinhoti 1, 2, & 3
reviewed by shovelchop73 on September 28, 2010
excellent trail i usually skip the loop from parking lot go up on bear creek trail than jump on 68? where it splits, head up fire road than ride to the lookout than down bear creek trail. pinhoti is awesome singletrack too.
reviewed by jbster13 on August 21, 2010
This loop has an incredible downhill with good bumps, river crossings and unbelievable scenery. The uphill side is challenging, but not impossible, and totally worth it.
reviewed by GoKite5 on July 25, 2010
Fantastic trail, although a little more fire road and really old fire road that is almost singletrack than I would like. Two choices, the driving directions lead you to the summit, you can run mostly downhill and combine with Pinhoti 1,2,3 if you have a shuttle. Second is to park at the Bear Creek camp near the alternate trailhead shown on the map. This is near the valley floor and lets you earn the downhill by running the 20+ mile loop. I recommend clockwise to leave more singletrack on the downhill. This is definitely a workout.
* Review edited 7/25/2010
reviewed by mtbgreg1 on April 24, 2010
Bottom Line: Bear Creek may be the best mountain bike trail in Georgia. Having been featured in several prestigious mountain bike magazines, I had great expectations when I came to ride the trail, and I wasn’t disappointed! It has it all: great singletrack, awesome views, climbs, fast descents, technical riding, buff trail, and plenty of air opportunities! For a long, full blown review complete with formatting (can't do that in this box), click here: http://www.gregridestrails.com/2010/04/bear-creek-ellijay-georgia.html
Similar Trail: Stanley Gap
reviewed by Godsracer on December 28, 2009
This is flat out my favorite mtb trail in North Georgia. It has a little of eveything...great climbs, bombing downhills, and some forest road riding. If you are looking for a trail that dishes up the best of North Georgia...this is the one! Be sure and check out the views on Potato Patch Mountain into the Cohutta Wilderness.* Review edited 12/28/2009
* Review edited 12/28/2009
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain
reviewed by kstoddart on November 19, 2009
Huge climb to get to the top, but the reward is worth it when you get to come back down. This trail really put me to the cardio test. I felt a sense of accomplishment getting to the top.
reviewed by santacruztestpilot on July 30, 2009
I ride Bear Creek a couple times a week. You'll be hard pressed to find a better trail. Lots of climbing then fun downhill.
* Review edited 7/30/2009
Similar Trail: Pinhoti 2
reviewed by mountainbikeguy8 on November 29, 2008
This is a great trail!!! but it is VERY easy to get lost. Make sure you have a gps or someone who knows the trail with you.
reviewed by guest on August 15, 2008
Now I love this sweet MTB trail! Was up their a few months ago and ready to go once more in a month or maybe two. Something for everyone by far! Great downhill & some real technical challenge.
Similar Trail: Too many to post, but Alafia & Santos are the bomb!
reviewed by GoldenGoose on August 12, 2008
Sweet trail. Riding back down is an absolute JOY. Maybe 30 seconds of pedaling for a 10-15 minute, FAST-paced ride down the mountain. I found the trail in Alex Nutt's Mountain Biking Georgia and followed his route for the ~14 mile loop. Too much forrest road in his loop for my blood but the extra distance made it a challenge. Wish I had treated it more like an out and back staying on the singletrack most of the time. I will be back for more.
reviewed by zsnau734 on June 29, 2008
Started at the lower parking lot. Past the Poplar then right onto the Bear Creek Loop trail. Took a left on the forrest road (long forrest road climb), then left back on Bear Creek Trail. This provides for one long continuous and very fun downhill back to your starting point.
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain and Jake Mountain
reviewed by zsnau734 on October 19, 2007
Climb, climb, climb... then a wicked fun and fast downhill back. Can be easy to get lost. Make sure you know which way you want to go and where you'll need to turn. The first time I rode this trail, I turned around several times thinking that I was going the wrong direction in places. Great loop is to ride up past the big ole tree then hang a right. When you get to the forest road, take a left. You'll climb the forest road for several miles, then left back onto the trail and hold on for the roller coaster down!
* Review edited 10/19/2009
reviewed by rmurph4 on September 3, 2007
Like everyone else said, it's pretty much straight up and straight down. Enjoy the singletrack in the deep woods; it's some of North GA's best.
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain
reviewed by mscaldas on July 5, 2007
Wow... you climb... and climb... and climb... When you get up there, you gotta climb some more :-) But all worth it. The ride in the middle of the forest, the creek crossings, the view! All well worth it.
reviewed by Rebus on May 22, 2007
UPDATE: Not sure what's going on up Bear Creek trail about 2 miles. It looks like someone took a tractor to the little field areas starting at about 2.1 miles. All the dirt is turned over and it looks like someone is either going to plant a garden or build something. This is right before the first gate, and the trail itself is pretty beat up. The rest of Bear is awesome.
Similar Trail: Chicopee maybe, Bull Mtn
reviewed by randy_schneider on December 13, 2006
not ebing a native to the area I might have started the trail on the wrong end beacuse it started on an intense up hill. I don't know where the other started on a downhill. When you turn on the road that reads bear creek and park at the trailhead there's two trails perhaps I choose the wrong one. i did see the huge tree though. I would recommened a suped up bike I destroyed my derailer going up and had to ride down with the abilty to anything but use my breaks. i wish I had a better experience because the place is beautiful coming from florida. I own a cabin in the area would love to hear what you think of other trails i could ride.
reviewed by deesnats on October 3, 2006
Has a lot to offer for beginner all the way to advanced. There are some really challenging tech climbs that will put a hurtin on anyone. There some fun run in to small streams and creeks that will cool you off in the hot summer. You don't need to be an advanced rider to enjoy the whole thing.
reviewed by R3 on September 10, 2006
One of the best trails in Georgia. Great mix of single track and fire roads. Huge network of split offs to other great area trails. Elevation gain to the overlook is actually closer to 2,000 feet.
Similar Trail: Mountaintown Creek Trail, Pinhoti and Windy gap are good splits offs from this trail.
reviewed by ATLChris on September 4, 2006
This trail is long and hard, but very much enjoyable. I had to walk a large portion of the up hills. The trails climbs for about 6 miles up about 1300 feet. While the up hills are challenging and tiring, the outlook at the top and the ride back down are awesome. The outlook alone is well worth the hard trip up.
reviewed by Rebus on January 3, 2006
A Great trail, one of my must-rides. A lot of mixed climbing (some technical but mostly old fireroad) but if you swap things around the trail is nothing but tech climbing. Some of the best singletrack I've ridden in Georgia, and one of the best scenic rides in the country.
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain
reviewed by hardtailer on June 13, 2004
Bring your fishing rod for the trout and your goat for the climb. This is a great trail. The best downhill I've been on yet. Climb the fire road for the view and hit the singletrack downward. It's a hike from Atlanta, but well worth it. You could grab some Blankets Creek on the way up by taking 575 north.
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain and Kilimanjaro:)
