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Fort Mountain State Park Mountain Bike Trail
Chatsworth, Georgia
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:    |
7 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 2/16/09 by ckdake |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: #498 |
| Tread: Doubletrack | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 58 | Wishlist: 30 |
| Avg. Speed: 3.56 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 38min |
Directions:
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"I-75N to Exit 126-Hwy 411. Take Hwy 411 North to Chatsworth (right at the exit ramp). Follow this road for about 38 miles until Junction 52. Take a right at the stoplight heading east on Hwy 52 for 7-8 miles. Fort Mountain State Park entrance will be on the left. Stop at the park office for a map and permit ($2/rider)
Description: Beginners: (Lake Loop 1.1 mi) Intermediate: Gold Mine Loop (6.3 mi), Cool Springs (7 mi) Advanced: East West Loop (14 mi) There are loops for various types of riders, but I have found none of them to be particularly mountain bike friendly. Most of the trails start off downhill and you have to pay for a 1000 feet elevation change at the end. There are nice scenic views of the North Georgia mountains and even creeks and springs. Deer are common and if you're lucky, you won't run into any of the bears. The eleven downhill switchbacks on the Cool Springs Loop are the most exciting thing I've run into on these trails. I know there has got to be better trails around the Chatsworth area though. Overall, the mountain bike trails seemed like good intentions on behalf of the forestry division but the trails are in desperate need of singletrack.
"I-75N to Exit 126-Hwy 411. Take Hwy 411 North to Chatsworth (right at the exit ramp). Follow this road for about 38 miles until Junction 52. Take a right at the stoplight heading east on Hwy 52 for 7-8 miles. Fort Mountain State Park entrance will be on the left. Stop at the park office for a map and permit ($2/rider)
Description: Beginners: (Lake Loop 1.1 mi) Intermediate: Gold Mine Loop (6.3 mi), Cool Springs (7 mi) Advanced: East West Loop (14 mi) There are loops for various types of riders, but I have found none of them to be particularly mountain bike friendly. Most of the trails start off downhill and you have to pay for a 1000 feet elevation change at the end. There are nice scenic views of the North Georgia mountains and even creeks and springs. Deer are common and if you're lucky, you won't run into any of the bears. The eleven downhill switchbacks on the Cool Springs Loop are the most exciting thing I've run into on these trails. I know there has got to be better trails around the Chatsworth area though. Overall, the mountain bike trails seemed like good intentions on behalf of the forestry division but the trails are in desperate need of singletrack.
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Unicoi State Park in Helen
NEARBY TRAILS
- Mountaintown Creek Trail in Ellijay (8.3 miles away)
- Pinhoti Trail - Bear Creek in Ellijay (8.8 miles away)
- Bear Creek in Ellijay (8.8 miles away)
- Ridgeway Loop in Ellijay (9.7 miles away)
- Sumac Creek in Cisco (11.3 miles away)
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by ryanherb on February 24, 2010
All the reviews are spot on Rode the trails last weekend was as everyone said but lots of down trees with no option to navigate them (anything over 2 feet or so i cant j- hop) But there were a few i had a blasted soaring over on the downhills
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain For more single track fun
reviewed by Andy1 on September 28, 2009
If you are looking for a challange this is the trail for you! The trail is very rocky and technical on the decents and the ascents. This trail pretty much goes down the mountain and then goes back up. The down hill is fast and rocky, and the climb is rocky and steep but towards the top it smooths out but it is still pretty steep. You will come across a nice waterfall at the midpoint of the climb witch is rewarding. I wouldn't recomend doing this trail after it has been raining because it just makes it near imposible to get traction while climbing over those mean rocks. Have Fun!!!
reviewed by ChiliPepper on June 7, 2009
Trek sums it all up in his review! This is a great place to ride, especially if you want some technical challenge and some gnarly DH runs. Beautiful scenery!
reviewed by trek7k on October 22, 2007
Most of the reviews here are right on. The trails are tough but not just because of the elevation changes. Expect to find loose and rocky trail conditions all the way around the East-West loop and sections of overgrown trail. These trails are mostly wide singletrack and doubletrack and you probably won't see anyone else out here even on a Saturday. The official state park website says to plan on 4-8 hours to complete the entire East-West loop but I'd say that's a bit of an overestimate (it took me just under 3 hours). The East-West loop is not recommended for beginning riders. $2 fee for mountain bike trail permit at the park office in addition to the $3 state park vehicle pass.
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain, though BM has more singletrack and easier climbs.
reviewed by harohomeboy on April 18, 2007
This place is awesome. Make sure you bring extra parts because if something breaks, you will have a really long walk, I speak from experience! Bring alot of water. The downhills here are top notch. There is one underneath the power lines that is a mile long or so. This place needs to be on your list.
Similar Trail: Tsali, but rougher.
reviewed by liquid20 on January 30, 2006
What a beautiful park! And what a beautiful drive up U.S. 52 between Ellijay and Chatsworth. Had the park to myself. I rode a trail and 1/2 which was about 7 miles. From the trailhead I rode trail 301 downhill then trail 303 uphill. You definitely need lungs and horses but if you want a good taste of riding this place without taking up your whole day and all your energy this is a good route to take. The park charges $5. $3 for your car and $2 for your bike. It's worth it! You get a gorgeous view, ridiculous downhill that's not too technical, and just enough climbing to put your lungs to the test. Try this in the morning, lunch in Ellijay, then head east of Ellijay and ride Rich Mountain/Cartecay tract.
reviewed by heydude720 on September 13, 2004
Not bad though some trail maintainance would be nice, lots of climbing but there's great rewards too, i.e. views. Bring a friend for safrty because I don't hink the trails are riden too much, I go there all the time and I've seen no other bikers. Tip: on the lake loop, watch out for inexperienced hikers. I have had several close calls with them and their dogs.
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