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Hickory Nut Mountain Bike Trail
Helen, Georgia
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
2 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 5/11/09 by mtbgreg1 |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 19 miles | Global Rank: #2868 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 4 | Wishlist: 7 |
Directions:
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Description: Described by some as one of the most difficult rides in all of Georgia, from what I've seen, they're probably right. Of all of the rides that I have done east of the Rockies, this ride best embodies the Northwest Montana mountain biking school of thought: climb a very long ways up a fireroad, because the descent is way too steep, rocky, and nasty to even conceive of climbing. The only difference is, the views in Montana and the singletrack quality are significantly better. Anyhow, from Woody's, take a right onto Hwy 356, then a right on Hwy17/75 and in about a mile a right onto FS 79. You are going to climb FS 79 for about 8 or 9 miles and gain 2,500 ft in elevation. It is always a good thing when you can feel your ears pop on a mountain bike!! You will know when you reach the top (Tray Gap). Be careful, do not jump on any of the singletrack crossing the road as you climb: it's the Appalachian trail, and is highly illegal. The top is a big parking lot-ish area, continue straight across and begin descending on FS 79. While the climb was relatively maintained, the descent on the backside is washed out, and just busting with rocks! I don't remember the last time I have seen this many rocks. (Bring your suspension.)Bust down this stinking sweet descent, hang a right at the T, and keep going until you reach a spot where it looks like the road ends and fourwheeler trails take off to either side. Continue straight across the area and pick up the 5 mile piece of gnarly, overgrown, concentration-requiring singletrack and keep rocking down this amazing downhill! When it ends :( hang a left on the pavement, and a right on 356 to head back down to Woody's. Woody's offers a shuttle for up to 4 people at the cost of $100 if you don't want to do the climb. But then that would make you a wussy. So anyhow, long story short, this is a freaking epic ride, get out and do it!
Description: Described by some as one of the most difficult rides in all of Georgia, from what I've seen, they're probably right. Of all of the rides that I have done east of the Rockies, this ride best embodies the Northwest Montana mountain biking school of thought: climb a very long ways up a fireroad, because the descent is way too steep, rocky, and nasty to even conceive of climbing. The only difference is, the views in Montana and the singletrack quality are significantly better. Anyhow, from Woody's, take a right onto Hwy 356, then a right on Hwy17/75 and in about a mile a right onto FS 79. You are going to climb FS 79 for about 8 or 9 miles and gain 2,500 ft in elevation. It is always a good thing when you can feel your ears pop on a mountain bike!! You will know when you reach the top (Tray Gap). Be careful, do not jump on any of the singletrack crossing the road as you climb: it's the Appalachian trail, and is highly illegal. The top is a big parking lot-ish area, continue straight across and begin descending on FS 79. While the climb was relatively maintained, the descent on the backside is washed out, and just busting with rocks! I don't remember the last time I have seen this many rocks. (Bring your suspension.)Bust down this stinking sweet descent, hang a right at the T, and keep going until you reach a spot where it looks like the road ends and fourwheeler trails take off to either side. Continue straight across the area and pick up the 5 mile piece of gnarly, overgrown, concentration-requiring singletrack and keep rocking down this amazing downhill! When it ends :( hang a left on the pavement, and a right on 356 to head back down to Woody's. Woody's offers a shuttle for up to 4 people at the cost of $100 if you don't want to do the climb. But then that would make you a wussy. So anyhow, long story short, this is a freaking epic ride, get out and do it!
added on May 11, 2009 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
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Jake Mountain Trails in Dahlonega
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Bear Creek in Ellijay
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by proedgebiker on August 21, 2011
Althought 2/3 of us expected Singletrack, it was still very fun bombing down the roads. Wish the Rating System had .5's so i can give it a solid 4.5/5. Very Rocky in some sections and definately bring your FS bikes. Woody gave us a Great Hookup by bringing us up for the 1st 7 miles. Definately a must.
* Review edited 8/21/2011
Similar Trail: n/a
