Trail is
Avg Rating:   |
46 trail reviews |
Difficulty:  - Intermediate |
|
| Length: 8 miles | Global Rank: #463 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 223 | Wishlist: 90 |
| 21 trail check-ins |
Climb // Descend +1,700 // -1,900 feet |
| Average Speed: 7.4 mph | Average Time: 1hr 34min |
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Description
The GHIP mountain bike trail was built for the 1996 Olympics. The trail was built to race not for sustainability so in the past 14 years there has been a lot of wash out. However SORBA Atlanta has been hard at work. They have been doing reroutes around badly worn areas and have more planned in the near future. The trail is a great technical trail with fast, fun downhills, some gut busting uphills, a few rock gardens and a new ladder bridge over a fallen tree. There are two sides to the trail: the dirt side and the granite side. The trail does cross horse paths so keep an eye out for them. SORBA also has some beginners trails in the works. It is a great place to ride with great scenery and nothing but the sounds of nature, once you get back into the trails.
KleinGuy on June 19, 2013
Fort Yargo State Park (82%)
Chicopee Woods (82%)
Bear Creek (82%)
Heritage Park (73%)
To view directions to Georgia International Horse Park mountain bike trail, please login. If you don't have an account, sign up for a free account - it only takes a minute.
Description
The GHIP mountain bike trail was built for the 1996 Olympics. The trail was built to race not for sustainability so in the past 14 years there has been a lot of wash out. However SORBA Atlanta has been hard at work. They have been doing reroutes around badly worn areas and have more planned in the near future. The trail is a great technical trail with fast, fun downhills, some gut busting uphills, a few rock gardens and a new ladder bridge over a fallen tree. There are two sides to the trail: the dirt side and the granite side. The trail does cross horse paths so keep an eye out for them. SORBA also has some beginners trails in the works. It is a great place to ride with great scenery and nothing but the sounds of nature, once you get back into the trails.
added by rande11699 
on December 31, 2002
on December 31, 2002Mountain Bike Trails in the Georgia International Horse Park Trail System
- Granite Loop (
- Advanced )
- Steeplechase Loop ( - Intermediate )
Trail Reviews [Add a review]
KleinGuy on June 19, 2013
0 out of 0 readers found this useful
Review: Fun set of trails. There are some nice flowy sections, but also some climbing. The open rock side is pretty rough, but fun as well. I like the Steeplechase side the best. Mainly bc it's in the woods and has some nice downhills and flow. Fun trail!
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Review: I rode the Steeplechase trail April 7, 2013. I'm a beginner and I was looking for an easy trail to ride, and thought I would be fine on this intermediate trail. I was wrong, this trail kicked my tail. BUT I had a blast and can't wait till I'm a better rider so I can do it again. I highly recommend it. It's the hardest intermediate labeled trail I've ridden, so far... Very technically in some spots, and it makes me wonder what an advanced trail is like.
Review: Very nice single track. Was well marked around 4 miles of lots of downhill pretty fast stuff. Had a few big uphills but followed by great downhill. Probabbly wouldnt be to fun on a hardtail due to some ruff sections.Def worth the trip!!
Review: My two younger sons and I rode the steeplechase loop yesterday. The trail had been logged and some parts of the trail were closed 3 weeks ago. I noticed some trucks back in the trails when we got in and thought it may of been the loggging crew, but quickly realized it a group of guys clearing and working on the trails. Could not believe what a great job these guy did to reopen all sections of the steeplechase loop. The kids loved it as well as I did. Great job guys, and Thank you for yall's hard work.
Review: Wow, you sure are right about the logging. amazed to see how much work went into clearing all the trails I rode today. 1st time riding today so I will be leg sore on Friday. Similar Trail: not ridden before
Review: rode it yesterday like my previous post said and yes, there's a big portion of the trail closed. But not the end of the world. I met a local that rides those trails constantly and he showed me around and I followed him thru the North portion and got a great ride... about 4 mi, just this side of the trail, even with portions closed. The south side - the granite area is in perfect conditions and you can go in loops there all day long if you want.
Also, SORBA is planning a Work party this weekend already to start restoration of the closed section due to the logging activity there. Probably, by the end of the year, the trail will be back to normal. but no need to wait. This trail is totally rideable as is (I plan to upload the gpx for the ride that Travis showed me yesterday while the section is maintained). In fact, there were lots of people riding it yesterday...
Thanks Travis, for the tour!
I'm only sad this is not closer to my place, but one of the best trails I've ridden.
Review: Well, end of year and still looks like a bomb went off there. All the old growth was taken. Just a few strands of hard woods left and greed gets such a wonderful resource. The runoff and erosion when the rains eventually come back....
Review: Ok, Been planning this trip for a while and based on latest reviews, I started getting disapointed. so, I called the place and they comfirmed there's a "small" (so says the lady on the phone) section closed for logging, but there's directions to go around it. So, I'll go there today and will see how much are the reviews true or how much the lady is correct. Will post an update later.
Review: F*****CK !
They have completely destroyed the north section, put up metal barricades to close it off, and wrecked the trails. Nice work you assholes.
Guess it wasnt as if the Olympics would ever be hosted by this city again after the 1996 debacle...
Similar Trail: It *was* similar to the best (blankets, chicopee). Now its not a trail, aside from the short rock loop. Not worth coming out to anymore, sadly.
Similar Trail: It *was* similar to the best (blankets, chicopee). Now its not a trail, aside from the short rock loop. Not worth coming out to anymore, sadly.
Review: As of 6/30/12 the northern trails are closed because of logging! What a shame! Everything north of the gas line fire road is closed off. Huge oaks have been dropped across the trails... Even in the areas they don' appear to be logging. I guess just to keep us out. Locals say the city is selling the timber to generate revenue for golf course improvements. What?? Unprocessed forestry products aren't worth that much. Shame.
Review: Flowey, lots of fun ups, downs fast turns, some bump and jump. Granite side much harder with steep hills. Worth the trip
Similar Trail: Tsali
Similar Trail: Tsali
Review: Great trail! There are races and events held here all the time and you can see why when you ride. As my "local" trail, I try and ride the GIHP trail fairly often. The steeplechase side starts with a faster "beginner" ST and works its way into more technical and challenging downhills, rock gardens, bridges, and two long climbs. Great for a quick ride after work. The rock face side is definitely more technical. The bare rock can be tricky in spots and the trails following are more of a challenge than the "easier side." This is a great trail system and is regularly maintained. Uni-directional and clear markings at intersections.
Similar Trail: This track has a different flow from most, but I would suggest riding Harbins Park or Fort Yargo for something similar.
Similar Trail: This track has a different flow from most, but I would suggest riding Harbins Park or Fort Yargo for something similar.
Review: Awesome trail! Start's off very easy and flow's very well and transitions into a very fast bad ass trail. Well maintained!
Review: Went out there this morning to pre-ride the race course for next weekend. I had never been here before but had read the reviews. The main trails on the wooded side are solidly in the "More Difficult" category. You have fast and twisty as well as fast and bumpy. I would not want to ride this trail on a fully rigid bike. The climbs are moderate and mostly smooth. The mile or so across the street is hard rock riding. mostly open Stone Mountain type terrain that can be pretty brutal on a hard-tail.
All-in-all I had lots of fun and expect the race to be quite challenging since it is mostly twisty singletrack will few passing opportunities.
Review: Absolutely LOVE this trail, wooded and Granite side.
I grew up here and watched all the enduro races and have nothing but awesome memories of this trail.
For a guy who LOVES technical ST, this is the best I've ridden. The addition of the beginner is fnatastic, my gf loves this side ( new mtb'r) and i love that I can tie in different sections.
Super fun, fast, nice climbs ( even though some of the older suicide climbs were demo'd to make some switch backs, I actually enjoy it quite a bit.
Wish there was a better trailhead, but you really can't miss it exactly.
Love that it's taken care of now and I try to ride here a few times a month.
Similar Trail: Big Creek in Alpharetta, not as technical but pretty good.
Similar Trail: Big Creek in Alpharetta, not as technical but pretty good.
Review: The new beginner trail is definitely worth another visit. It ties into the Steeplechase side and is really a great warmup or novice trail. Also a great place to start a road ride. Lots of good roads in north Rockdale county. Stop by C Town just down the road to get supplies.
* Review edited 2/3/2012
* Review edited 2/3/2012
Review: Great trail with mixture of everything you want in beautiful scenic setting on right side of rode. Ride the left side of rode for more technical difficulty.
Similar Trail: Daucet trail
Similar Trail: Daucet trail
Review: I don't understand the fascination with this trail system. I guess its a different strokes for different folks thing. The Steeple Loop was fun. The granite loop was OK, but frankly the rock face parts were bleh. As mentioned prior, loose pine straw and rubble on top of slickrock is NOT fun, its just dangerous. Both loops are pretty short so you have to do laps for any kind of length. If you live close, its worth a look, but SO many better trail systems are all over the place within an hour of Atlanta.
Review: This is a super fun trail! I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Most of the trails in the Southeast tend to have the same sort of rhythym and flow (SORBA stuff), but GIHP was very different, well, because it wasn't built by Sorba. As a result, you'll find some much rougher, rootier sections, drops, some fast, steep bombs, big swooping turns, and oh yeh: the slickrock! I highly recommend it.
Review: Bada$$ trail. Probably one of my favorite all time. Few short steep climbs and some technical stuff and tons of fast flow.
Review: I would rate the steeple side a 4 out of 5 for the signage but it was a great intermediate ride. I would rate the granite side a 3 out of 5 and consider it more on the expert side b/c of the loose rocks and slick pine straw in spots and unmarked areas on the rocks. It was great ride over all ,got lost at first on the trail, rode about 12 miles total and we were beat at the end of the day. Would revisit without any doubt in my mind.
Review: I have ridden the steeplechase side of this trail and it is super clean and fast in areas. There are little short hills that feel like they go straight up in places. This is a fun trail and definitely worth putting on your to-ride-list.
Similar Trail: blanket's creek
Similar Trail: blanket's creek
Review: Fun trail with some exposed granite sections you won't find many other places. If you live in the area and haven't ridden here once, put it on your to-do list. That isn't to say it's easy - most riders will find parts to be challenging.
Review: rode both sides on monday and good times were had. i cant say that the granite side was fun on a rigid ss but still glad i rode it. the worn paint on the rock def makes it confusing at some points. the dirt side was a blast! some great flow sections with some burners thrown in. dont look for the top while climbing these, just do it, you'll be rewarded. look out for xc runners on monday afternoons...they swarm these trails. overall, it was good times! $HARDTAIL HOOLIGANS$
Similar Trail: chicopee
Similar Trail: chicopee
Review: I rode both the "granite loop" and the new trails today. The trails are rough but they are mountain bike trails so I have no problem with that.
The one criticism I do have is they are POORLY marked. The intersections are so confusing that I had no idea which way to go. I just guessed most of the time. Some intersections has 6 different directions of travel or blue/red/orange marks on 5 different trees. Which way do you go?
If you're in the area and have your bike go ride it. It's worth saying you rode the Olympic area(even though the actual Olympic course is long gone), but don' t make a special trip here.
Review: We rode the new reroutes as well this past Sunday and they were a lot of fun, especially the ladder bridge over the huge fallen tree. There needs to be more of that. I've spoken with people who have ridden the forest side of the trails years back (when it was fairly new) and always have negative things to say about the trails. My feeling is that the trails will never be the same without a lot of maitenance. Plus, who wants to ride a perfectly smooth trail? I, for one don't. I like the technical descents/ascents when you have pick your lines and shoot for the smoothest part of the trail. I'll step off my soap-box now, kthanxbye.
* Review edited 4/13/2010
* Review edited 4/13/2010
Review: Rode the new dirt side reroutes on Saturday. They are great. There is a ladder bridge/pyramid over a fallen tree. The downhill section of the reroute gives you a good dose of speed and swoop. I enjoyed the trail much more than last time I was there.
Review: Just an update for those interested. SORBA has been out there doing some reroutes to make the trail more sustainable and to get rid of the bad washed out places. It is not done yet and there is much work to be done still. But some of it may be open this week so just keep your eyes peeled if you are over there.
Also the rumor is there is going to eventually be some beginner trails cut over there also.
* Review edited 3/1/2010
* Review edited 3/1/2010
Review: Does anyone know where downhill course is located that was made this year for the GT race?
Review: Just a quick update...they have added a downhill slalom course for the recent GT mountain bike races that is supposed to become permanent. The racers gave very positive reviews on the course and the table top at the end definitely provides for ample air time.
* Review edited 8/23/2009
* Review edited 8/23/2009
Review: Fun ride, 2 loops which together are about 10 miles. One loop is fun tight singletrack, and the one on the side of the road opposite the parking area is where the slickrock riding is. A very cool trail definitely worth checking out.
Similar Trail: The slickrock riding is similar to Dupont State Forest in NC, at times.
Similar Trail: The slickrock riding is similar to Dupont State Forest in NC, at times.
Review: GA slickrock! Well, maybe 1/4 mile of it anyways. These trails run through the Olympic horsepark in Conyers which also happens to be in ROCKdale County. I think you can figure out why they named it that from the pics. These are two sweet trails that will both bust your lungs on the climbs and leaving you smiling on the downhills. The advanced side is definitely more technical. When you consider that they were doing multiple loops at HIGH speed, this place will make you respect what the Olympic athletes went through in 1996. Great trail.
* Review edited 2/24/2012
Similar Trail: Blankets Creek Chicopee Woods
* Review edited 2/24/2012
Similar Trail: Blankets Creek Chicopee Woods
Review: Very challenging ride. Do both loops b/c they are very different.
Review: This trail can easily replace any work out routine you having going on first off. Some of the climbs are nasty, but overall the trail is great. However it is a little disapointing how it is not more popular and maintained. Make sure you take a right and follow the fence when approaching the woods on the granite side.
* Review edited 9/3/2008
* Review edited 9/3/2008
Review: Great trail, killer climbs. A bit tough to follow once you "cross the road" to the slickrock side. Worth the drive to conyers.
Similar Trail: Blankets, Jake Mountain, Bull Mountain
Similar Trail: Blankets, Jake Mountain, Bull Mountain
Review: Hands down the best trail in the atlanta area. This is a VERY FAST trail with killer climbs. The Climbs are not too long though but not too short either. Super steep downs and sweet obsticals. There used to be a down hill with three 3ft drops in a row but it has been closed. on the granite side you have to payattention on which direction yu go because the paint on the ground has worn off. And this trail is free to ride now it used to be like 10 bucks. About 9 miles here and it will put your ass in shape!
Similar Trail: Blankets Creek, which is a killer ride too!
Similar Trail: Blankets Creek, which is a killer ride too!
Review: Sweet ride. A few nice climbs which are rewarded by fast twisty downhill. The rock face climb is steep but short. Very cool mountain biking. Would be a nasty race course.
What is the story on the cross memorial on the other side of the field across from the parking area?
Review: Amazing trail, worthy of the Olympics. Nearly 1000 feet of climb with at least an equal amount of exciting descents. Great flow, wide and fast, takes alot of aerobic fitness to take full advantage of this trail, but even a beginner can enjoy this ride. The exposed granite on the opposite sid eof the road from the wooded trail is steep, sticky and unforgiving...who could ask for more. Nothing closer to slick rock on this part of the country.
Review: I drove out to Conyers and was really surprised by the trail system. For my first visit, I road the western (woods) loop. It was fun and challenging. There are some really tough climbs for intermmediate riders, but the experts made them look easy! I had to walk up 1 hill on both loops that I did. The trail system is well marked and in good shape. There are roots all over the trail, but it is off road mountain biking. I don't expect flat smooth trails everywhere I go. I will go back again and try the Granite section. Great place to ride.
* Review edited 1/20/2007
Similar Trail: Yellow River, Blankets Creek
* Review edited 1/20/2007
Similar Trail: Yellow River, Blankets Creek
Review: This trail is a great challenge of technical and aerobic abilities. Both the forest and granite sides have long, steep climbs and the granite side will surely test your technical skills.
Review: After riding for 2 years in Colorado, this was the first trail I hit when I moved back to Georgia. It was a fun ride but really kicked my butt. The singletrack on the front side was completely covered by leaves in most spots, but we managed our way through and had fun doing it. The granite slickrock was a challenge and the hills past that were hard. I'm used to having switchbacks take me up a steep slope, but this trail just gave you a path straight up. At about the 6 mile mark I was pretty wasted, but had enough energy to do some creative stuff on the last section of slickrock. I plan on going back once it opens back up in Spring.
Similar Trail: Blankets' South Loop
Similar Trail: Blankets' South Loop
Review: This trail is great! This trail provides it all, fast single-track, technical up and downs, technical rock and creek crossings. I rode this trail several times before leaving ATL for VA. I miss it!
Similar Trail: Yellow River, Chicopee Woods, Bull Mountain, Fountainhead Regional Park
Similar Trail: Yellow River, Chicopee Woods, Bull Mountain, Fountainhead Regional Park
Review: I really enjoyed these trails. It didn't cost anything, so I'm not really sure who that guy in the other review payed his $5 to. The course was in really good shape while I was there. One of the best rides I've ever had.
Similar Trail: Yellow River is about the closest thing I have to compare it with and it really doesn't even compare. Yellow River is maybe half as good as this place.
Similar Trail: Yellow River is about the closest thing I have to compare it with and it really doesn't even compare. Yellow River is maybe half as good as this place.
Review: south loop is similar in substance to that of oxford trail. note to self...don't ride with your trail buddies if you haven't biked in a month and a half.
Similar Trail: Oxford Trail
Similar Trail: Oxford Trail
Review: I love these trails a lot. They are only about 10 minutes away from my house, so it's convenient. The left side of the road is more ridden and gutted out. There are many challenging climbs with many fast downhills. Watch out for sand on the hills and some gutted out sections too. &&The right side with the granite is better in my opinion. There is an old trail that you can ride right after you finish the granite downhill. Just take a right and go straight back up the granite for the seldom ridden trail. &&Try the horsetrails if you are a bigginer. They are easy and fast.
Similar Trail: Yellow River and Road & Trail Cyclery
Similar Trail: Yellow River and Road & Trail Cyclery
Review: Parking is free! I have ridden the trail maybe six times and it is pretty good. You have to make a couple of loops to put on some miles,but its fun. There are some short steep climbs with some short fun downhills. The granite section is my favorit. The first couple times I rode the trail I was confused as to where the trail was, but there are usually people there riding that could point you in the right direction.
Review: After paying the five bucks to ride the trail, I was pretty disappointed. The clerk pointed me to a dual usage trail (horse and bike) which eventually intersected with a section of the Olympic course. Most of the twisty singletrack was well marked with black arrows, but upon entering the granite section (which I found by accident), I found marking hardly non-existant. Yes, the granite was marked, but once you entered the woods, you were to fend for yourself. It is probably no hope that that section will be looped in a coherant fashion, and you could tell the a section of the trail had been eliminated to make room for the golf course. In all, I was stoked about riding the same dirt that Paola Pezzo once played in, but the price of admission and sorry condition of the trail puts this on my list of trails not to visit again. However, there will be a 24 hour race there sometime in October, so maybe the trails will be reconstructed and marked again.
Similar Trail: Drive another hour or so to Gainesville, GA and you will be presented with a trail system that Conyers should have been. We are talking twisty singletrack and switchbacks galore! Visit a local bike shop to get detailed directions once in Gainesville. (S
Similar Trail: Drive another hour or so to Gainesville, GA and you will be presented with a trail system that Conyers should have been. We are talking twisty singletrack and switchbacks galore! Visit a local bike shop to get detailed directions once in Gainesville. (S
Review: This trail is in poor shape and not a good ride for the average rider . The people who say if you want a smooth road go road biking are just pumping their own egos . This could be a great trail but they only get it up to poor shape for the 24 hours of Adrenalin and one Norba race . I rode in last years 24 hours and did 7 laps but I still think it's a nasty trail in foul shape . Serious erosion problems . Poor trail design and flow . Now it's in the worst shape I have ever seen . the people at the saddle shop hate mountain bikers head you in the wrong direction and tell you hat Norba is charge of keeping the trails up . Skip this pig and go to a tough trail that flows , doesn't hold water and doesn't change into a unpredictable mess after a hard rain .
Go to the AG center race course in Gainsville . It's 10 times better .
Similar Trail: AG Center !!!
Go to the AG center race course in Gainsville . It's 10 times better .
Similar Trail: AG Center !!!
Recommendations
Blankets Creek Bicycle Trail (100%)Fort Yargo State Park (82%)
Chicopee Woods (82%)
Bear Creek (82%)
Heritage Park (73%)
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