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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	59 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 10/11/11 by cracker302	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 10 miles	Global Rank: #675
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 246	Wishlist: 136
Avg. Speed: 6.03 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 41min
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,772/-1,473 ft
3 trail check-ins

 

Harbins Park in Dacula

 

Fort Yargo State Park in Winder

 

Chicopee Woods in Gainesville

 

Big Creek in Roswell

 

  
reviewed by Thursday on February 3, 2012

This is a fairly easy non technical trail. It's really as hard as you want to make it. Just go faster. There's a good playground and paved trail for the family. I use this trail for cyclocross conditioning in the fall.

  
reviewed by mottaboo on January 8, 2012

Good trail for cardio. For the most part this trail is not too technical. There are a couple of surprises on the side trails. Its not uncommon to see deer on the ride

  
reviewed by eljeffe on December 14, 2011

Rode the creekside trail today. Not well marked, but if you can get to the downhill with the successive dropoffs, you will want to ride it over and over. The ride back to the top is a great cardio and not very technical.

  
reviewed by Znc on November 27, 2011

This is a fun ride. It is not marked so well, but it's not like you can get permanently lost. You can find some more technical trails inside the main loops. I find new surprises every time I go back.

  
reviewed by Onefatbug on November 26, 2011

Very fun ride, you can find a lot of climbs and downhills, the Technical stuff is hidden but there.

  
reviewed by colpotatos on October 14, 2011

I think it's worth mentioning that there are 3 entrances to this from juhan, all 3 in a row. When i came accross the first one, the gate was locked and I was like, "awww helllll no," but you drive a little further and you'll see another parking lot, and then another after that. I think the 3rd one was the "official" bike parking lot because it had a map and an introductory launch trail that gives you that strong sense you're at the right place. I'm an intermediate rider and found this fun, zippy and brisk. The highlight for me is this INCREDIBLE downhill run that goes on forever (you of course earn it by lots of uphill). At the end of that incredible downhill is this nice flat patch of granite on the yellow river (and I see one member uploaded the boulder there), and you walk out to the river to soak up all the nature and beauty, and then you notice some f*&#@r built a PINK McMansion right on the site. And the moment is soiled.

  
reviewed by herbhenry2222 on October 3, 2011

My favorite Gwinnett county MTB trail, and there is one on every corner here. Creekside trails are better rides, Riverside, of course, has the river to view. Downhills on the creekside are near endless. Bridges are slick as owlshit. Approach with extreme caution.

Similar Trail: Tribble Mill

  
reviewed by alyanne on September 4, 2011

I checked this out after work one day, hoping for some thrills. I saw 2 deer-that got my heart pounding. 1/2 of the trails (near the river) had no grade and were full of thick, slow sand. It was peaceful if anything. I could see myself coming back in fall to relax and enjoy the leaves. Great place for beginners to get comfortable with their bikes. I passed a family with small kids. The interior loops satisfied my hunt for a challenge. Easy climbs, little to no obstacles. Good for me to get more comfortable with speed and curves. Earlier reviewers are absolutely correct, WAY too many spur trails/loops. can be difficult to know which fork to take. often found myself on a horse trail (blazed in red and full of shit) if I didn't pay close attention. I think white trails are meant to be 'closed' but had the most extreme drops-if you are looking for that.

Similar Trail: Slope Creek

  
reviewed by flamingotter on August 13, 2011

Had an interesting time here. I got to the trail late on friday night, and parked in the gravel parking area across from the paved lot. I saw nothing posted on the way in that said no camping. Well I found out from 5 different cops that there is indeed no camping. However, they all let me stay in the end. I didn't get much sleep because of all the separate patrols. I was woke at about 7am for the last time, packed up and hit the trail. I started with the creek side trail and stuck to the blue blazed tracks. I wasn't really impressed with the trail, was a good workout. I did get on one of the older white blazed trails and had a really nice downhill bomb on the way back. I think this is where the excitement lies. However the white tracks weave in and out like crazy. Couldn't really tell which was coming or going. Probably need to hook up with a local if I go back.

Similar Trail: Bartram Trail

  
reviewed by squire366 on August 3, 2011

I've been to the Creekside loop for the last couple of weekends and I must say I like it much better than the Riverside loop. Creekside is not as difficult as some make it out to be but then again I have yet to find "The Drop Zone" with the 2'-4' drops. Those must be located somewhere on the old "White" trails. All in all I love Yellow River Trails and if you follow the signs on posts and the markers painted on trees you'll be fine.

  
reviewed by Smathews on June 19, 2011

This was the first MTB trip with a group , being new to the sport. We rode for 1.5 hours and had a blast . Nice bumpy down hills with lots of roots a few tight single track sections , perfect for my first time out , nice uphill climbs , nothing too insane. a great workout ,and a chance to find my feet on a bike again.

  
reviewed by gouldtr on June 5, 2011

MTB being pretty brand new to me (this was my 4th trip), I thought this area was great. While there's probably some more technical terrain that I missed, there seemed to be plenty of variety and its easy to link sections together. Felt like I knew the place well after 20 minutes, but was good for 1.5 hours of fun riding.

  
reviewed by dallan1 on May 31, 2011

So many trails.... rode out here for the first time a few days ago, noticed the theme in all the reviews - boy are they confusing! Stopped several times at maps, but it still took me awhile to find the "good" stuff. Still not sure if I might have missed alot, there didn't really seem to be that much going on, a few cool longer downhill runs, but nothing steep/technical really. Rolled around for a few hours before I got bored, probably won't be back.

  
reviewed by dennisj on May 22, 2011

This was my first time going to Yellow River so I was pumped! I was very impressed with the way the track is maintained. My one and only rant is the lack of direction????? I rode the creek side, and actually ended up riding all kinds of trails! I think if it was laid out in one direction like the Horse Park or even Yargo, this place would be AWESOME!!! Maybe I need to hook up with some folks that ride there often so I can get an idea of how it flows!!

  
reviewed by steve.camarillo on May 19, 2011

great trail for someone who is used to ridding the flat, rooted trails around Charleston SC. Had a great time and enjoyed the climbs and downhills... the horse trails were nice to ride too

  
reviewed by MotherGoose on May 15, 2011

Terrible signage. I know I rode around in circles about 5 times, literally and I only found a few technical sections. I know other people found there way but after an hour I gave up.

Similar Trail: Chicopee Dauset

  
reviewed by jkey6 on May 13, 2011

Nice trail, very well-maintained and accessible with a parking lot built just for the bikers (gasp). The creek side trail is much more demanding than the river side trail because of its long climbs. But as always, what goes up must come down so the long climbs are worth the long stretch of downhill. If you're looking for fun, go on the creek trail. If you're just endurance training and/or beginner you might be interested in the river trail. The only gripe I have about this place is that it is difficult to navigate without a map. Be sure to study the map at the trailhead to avoid frustration.

Similar Trail: Big Creek

  
reviewed by squire366 on February 14, 2011

YELLOW RIVER IS OPEN!!!! I rode the "River Side" trail on 02/13/11 with my two Sons and we had a blast. Nice climbs and decents. My MAJOR issue with this trail system is that is is very confusing to navigate. There are several trail crossings and even with a map in hand you can get lost or turned around. The trails are marked but they could be marked a little better. There were several riders and walkers on the trails and even though the trails are marked for Bikes, Walkers and Equestrian people jsut seemed to walk or ride where they wanted to which was fine. I really like this trail system and it will probably be my main riding spot.

  
reviewed by Gike on December 1, 2010

two seperate trails in one park! This is a must do when riding trails around the Atlanta area. All reviews I've read on this forum are pretty accurate. Just a fun place to ride. Get away from it all. Be alone (for the most part)

Similar Trail: Panola Mt.

  
reviewed by sbmu22 on September 18, 2010

I have only ridden it once but saw a ton of scenery and hardly any other riders. The Creek Side trail sure does make you work, I know now to hit it first and then River Trail to finish.

Similar Trail: Tribble Mill

  
reviewed by COGator00 on May 24, 2010

Well-marked singletrack on the River side with winding/criss-crossing singletrack over on the Creek side. Easy to find yourself going back over trail you've ridden on the Creek side (sometimes in an obvious wrong flow direction). The renegade cut-offs in the Creek trail make this trail worth the ride from anywhere around the Atl. area!! Great Bike-Only trail system with crossing equestrian trails (bikers have their own parking area too - only car in lot when I went!!)

  
reviewed by Slee_Stack on May 5, 2010

I've ridden Yellow River twice on the weekend and both times there were only 5 or fewer other riders on the trails. The bike parking lot had only a handful of vehicles. Trails were in decent shape and there is a good mix of flat and steep, and narrow and wide sections. Nothing is too technical so riders looking to be challenged may only have lap times to chase...if they can manage to make the same lap twice. The biggest negative is that there are so many trail crossings that its easy to get turned around. Yellow River is a very nice alternative for Atlanta riders that get OD'd on trail congestion at Blankets Creek.

  
reviewed by MTBbasher on November 12, 2009

I rode Yellow River this past Saturday. Both the Riverside and Creekside trails were open. Some of the trails on the riverside have been cleared but a lot of the singletrack nearest to the river aren't accessible. Over all the park looks good, just needs more riders to smooth it out.

  
reviewed by peanutpuckett on October 27, 2009

This trail was okay, wish it was longer. Best side is across the street from the bike parking lot. It was a good way to spend my time while my son was skateboarding 5 min down the road at Deshong

  
reviewed by mongolianstomper on October 27, 2009

Current status is, Creekside is open, Riverside (which sustained the most flooding) is closed. Park in the horse trailer parking lot to ride Creekside.

Similar Trail: Dauset Trails Big Creek

  
reviewed by MTBbasher on September 30, 2009

These trails as well as the entire park is currently closed as a result of the floods.

  
reviewed by JSurratt on August 27, 2009

This trail was ok......by saying the trail was not very well marked. Horseback riding, hiking, mtb trails overlap and no real defined markings for mountain biking.......could have better markings especially for knowing where your at on the trail.....I don't like getting lost and ride in circles....not a flowing trail to speak of.

Similar Trail: I would recommend that you travel to Blankets Creek....much better flowing trail.

  
reviewed by j._r._eaton on June 22, 2009

Pressently the county is looking at closing some of the river side trails next to the river they plan on visiting the trails in July according to D. Presten and he leads a ride 6pm monday weather permitting he can help with the details.

Similar Trail: Chicopee, Ft Yargo,

  
reviewed by flamdrag8 on May 26, 2009

I have heard alot of hype about this trail in past years and I was really excited to hit this one up, however I thought it was just ok. The trail is poorly marked and easy to ride in circles. Though close to the river, you feel like you are too close to civilation with the main rd though the middle of the trail. They also paved/graveled a portion in the middle. The forks in the trail made for alot of stopping to find which way to go. This trail is ok, but not worth the hype.

* Review edited 5/26/2009

Similar Trail: Go to blankets creek, a much better ride.

  
reviewed by j._r._eaton on April 25, 2009

The county parks and recreation under the direction of Mike Beaudreau board of commissioners district 3 are planning to close the mountain bike trails at Yellow park paid with your SPLOST dollars and the labor from area mountain bikers to build the bike hiking and horse trails. His email address is Mike.Beaudreau@gwinnettcounty.com let him know what you think. He is an avid runner and has already closed large portions of Tribble Mill for paved running tracks.

  
reviewed by kbrown46 on April 11, 2009

I think people bash this trail because they have not found the good parts. There are some really fun and fast descents with lots of drops. Basically if you ride to the highest elevation on the creek side (on the right when driving down Juhan Rd) and keep your eyes peeled for white spray painted circles you will find these gems. They are technically closed, but ridin often so they are still obvious.

* Review edited 4/11/2009

Similar Trail: big creek

  
reviewed by zsnau734 on March 13, 2009

So so trail. The trails themselves seem to be in good condition and are fairly fun to ride; however, even with the provided maps and signage - constantly didn't understand what trails we were on. There is much, much better riding in the Atlanta Area - don't drive very long for this one.

  
reviewed by ckdake on November 2, 2008

This is the trail I learned to mountain bike on years ago and was a favorite, but all the construction and changes really messed it up. Trails were bulldozed and paved or covered with gravel, and the best mountain bike trails became horse trails. It had been ~3 years since my last trip to Yellow River and I gave it one last chance this morning which will probably be my last time there. The "new" trails are great for beginners, but the only parts of the great trails require going on trails marked as horses only or going on trails that are marked as closed, and all of them are interrupted by horse poo, fallen trees, and encroaching development. Much of the sinage is pretty nice and it needs to be because the old trails, horse trails, walking trails, and bike trails intersect a _lot_, and it gets pretty confusing because there doesn't seem to be a "recommended" bike route through it all. You can get about 7 miles out of this without riding on the same trails twice, and it really would be great for beginners, but I'll stick to other places. It was nice knowing Yellow River years ago, and it won't be forgotten!

Similar Trail: Blankets Creek

  
reviewed by RunandBike0519 on August 11, 2008

Yellow River is a nice ride but make sure you stick to the creek side of the trail these would be the trails to your right when entering the park. The signage is week in some places so be prepared to double back a few times.

  
reviewed by Bellboy2911 on June 10, 2008

I went to this trail this past weekend, and was extremely disappointed. There is good signage yes. However, the signs are SO confusing, you can not navigate worth anything. There was not much adventure to this trail whatsoever. And not to mention it was extremely short. I think for the expectation this site gave me for this trail... it was TOTALLY not worth it.

Similar Trail: a sidewalk.

  
reviewed by trent34 on March 22, 2008

ok this trail is no longer 2 seperate loops i just went out there for the first tie in 6 years (just moved back to atl) and it was not good at all. The county has bulldosed every thing put huge parking lots in gravel and paved trails and all of the mtb trails have been widened by a bob cat. Granted it is fast at points but its just not the same as it was. it used to be a great trail and now it is confusing with all of the intersections and interweaving loops for hikers horses and bikers. dont bother driving all the way out here unless you live close plus its NOT TECHNICAL AT ALL. Screw gwinett county they really 'f'd up here.

Similar Trail: i wouldnt recomend this to any one but beginners that live close by

  
reviewed by Brannam on February 2, 2008

Well maintained trails, great for a fast paced ride and getting some miles onthe legs.

Similar Trail: The Beach

  
reviewed by j._r._eaton on January 20, 2008

GATR has been opening some of the old river side trails with the county's blessing and closing some of the eroded stuff.

* Review edited 3/29/2009

Similar Trail: Chickopee, Fort Yargo, Blankets

  
reviewed by trek7k on November 29, 2007

Great trail system near the east side of town. Well maintained, great signage, adequate parking - what more can you ask for?

Similar Trail: Trails at the Beach (though TATB is not as well maintained)

  
reviewed by Hyper on May 15, 2007

They re-did both sides of the park. The right side is for beginners, the right is slightly advanced. All of the trail is well marked. If you want to be adventurous, and if no one is looking, go through the orange trails (ones covered in horse poo) and white ones (the old trails) for a little bit of adventure. If you keep mixing it up you'll never get bored.

  
reviewed by harohomeboy on February 8, 2007

The trails here were recently remade and they are faster than ever. The people who made this park really know what they are doing. There is a great parking lot just for mountian bikers with bathroons, changing rooms, and a bike wash!! The best trails are across the street from the creek side. If you can you really need to go ride here. It's awesome.

  
reviewed by singleblade1 on January 20, 2007

I went back for a second trip. The first trip was cut short due to a high speed turn and a tree jumping in the way!? These are some pretty cool trails, on the Creekside, with good flow. You can get a good groove going. There is one section that has alot of trails criss-crossing and you can just keep looping going left or right each time around. Some free riders are adding jumps and log rides off to the side of the main trail. I can see how it would be dangerous on a busy day, but when I went, it only had maybe 6-8 people. I rate this a great ride.

Similar Trail: Blankets Creek or Georgia International Horse park

  
reviewed by ATLChris on November 26, 2006

Great trail in good shape. The trail offers some technical parts on a side away from the river, and makes ofr a nice trail/nature ride on the river side. Overall, no that long, and not that difficult, but definatly enjoyable. Make a whole day out of it and explore all the side trails and horse trails.

* Review edited 3/2/2008

Similar Trail: Dauset Trails (Jackson, GA)

  
reviewed by mscaldas on October 5, 2006

Great set of trails to ride!!! I got to admit: 80% of the time I was lost not knowing where I was, but it wasn't a problem, since it seems that all road eventually lead you somewhere. It has good signage, but it's some many trail intersections that it is hard to keep track of where you are. Specially on your first time there. And I believe, part of the multi-use trail on the general parking lot was closed. I agree with loadedcarp... the creekside trails are much more fun. I had some trouble finding the yellow, green and red trails on the North side of the park (left on the map). But once there, it was worth the search. They are very short, but offer a fast track to go around! A quick note: I don't agree with the label awesome downhill - unless I couldn't find that part of the trail which is very well possible. another interesting thing will be to regulate some direction on the trails. they are all single track and don't have daily directions, which was ok for yesterday since the trails were empty. but on a Sat or more crowded days, I believe it can become a problem and even a danger!

Similar Trail: Blankets creek

  
reviewed by Rebus on September 26, 2006

Creekside trail has a lot of steady low-grade climbing and some fairly long descents, at least they are long for Georgia. The climbing doesn't kill you and the downhills are very fun and sweepy. The trail overall has excellent flow and you can easily get into a good rhythm. It is, however, a pretty easy trail with minimal technical. The Riverside trail is not a good riding trail. It's a doubletrack and is nothing like the Creekside. It would be best just to do multiple laps of Creekside and avoid Riverside altogether. The signage at the park could use a little help. It is easy to get turned around and a bit lost if you've never been there before. But overall, this was a very fun trail and I had a good time and it didn't kill me like Chicopee tried to. ;)

Similar Trail: Dauset, Ft Yargo

  
reviewed by ATLChris on August 25, 2006

Yellow River is a great ride. It is abit on the easy side, but that just means you can go further. It has some beautiful scenery, well maintained parking lots, bathrooms, and changing rooms. I wont say it was totally easy, but it was not challenging.

Similar Trail: Blanket Creek, Dauset Trails

  
reviewed by tlanta on July 27, 2006

i went there for the first time since they closed the river side trail and... - first change: the parking lot: brand new and reserved for MTbikers. bathrooms, water fountain, changing cabine. Everythings here to make it a great experience, - 2nd change. the trails. brand new too. maybe not as technical as before but beautiful and fats. only singletracks (wide though) and some parts are pretty entertaining (I love the four switchback section). To make it short, forget about yellow river. Welcome to Yellow river V2.0

  
reviewed by tlanta on July 11, 2006

I used to like the river side almost as much as the creek side. It was a great warming-up and pretty fun in some places. Does anybody know if it is still open?

  
reviewed by j._r._eaton on May 26, 2006

Finally road Goliath roller coaster, first climb up 200 ft seems to last forever, then the bottom falls out from under you. Funny things to note, this coasters in the woods and the car sure looks like a mountain bike. Great JOB to Mike Ritter and the great people at GATOR!!!

  
reviewed by rmurph4 on May 26, 2006

Great set of trails at Yellow River. Would definately recommend the creek side for a better technical ride. The creek side is not "officially" open, but you can find a way back there through the equestrian trails. Be prepared to enjoy a fair bit of ups and downs with an overall enjoyable ride.

  
reviewed by chazdecker on January 26, 2006

I've ridden this trail countless times and enjoyed pretty much every trip. The park was redone recently and I haven't been but once since, as I don't care for it as much now that everything is so perfect, but I am sure that suits some people. I enjoy the area, it's pretty easy to find, and a good ride. Can be super crowded and not able to handle the traffic on weekends.

  
reviewed by jbersch on September 25, 2005

An update on Yellow River >>>>>>>>>>>>> A lot has happened in the last 3 months. The work is far from over. The Parks Dept. will move forward with the Master Plan. Our goal has been to influence that plan as much as possible. To that end a Gwinnett Chapter of SORBA was recently formed called GATR and I am the secretary and to date we have about 60 members. Last night we met with Parks Director Grant Guess who, after much campaigning on our parts, has agreed to the most important aspect of our demands. The county is putting up extra money to hire Mike Riter, who is the official SORBA trail builder, to do the work on the Creek side. I think we will be happy with the final results. Unfortunately, this work will begin in the next 2 to 4 weeks and the Creek Side will be shut down for a while. There is power in numbers. Everyone who cares needs to join SORBA - GATR. - Steve (skonigs@emory.edu)

  
reviewed by kberryman on June 30, 2005

good trail but can be VERY confusing at times. Great workout and technical at times also could be maintained a lot better. Enjoyed it and would go back. Recommend going with someone who knows trail because there are many trails that going off of one another.

Similar Trail: Blankets Creek

  
reviewed by jbersch on May 8, 2005



* Review edited 11/28/2006

  
reviewed by GArider2004 on March 7, 2005

Creek side loop. We followed the blue blazes on the trees for the full ride. There are several (too many) made up trails which shorten the trail and make it easy to get turned around or miss the full experience. Unless you know the area well follow the blue blazes from the junked cars back to the junked cars.

Similar Trail: blankets creek Bull Mountain

  
reviewed by K2K on February 14, 2005

Bull Dozin Dozin... Baby please don't go. The parking lot is now at the top of a double blind curve/hill... The dozer has created a 6'wide trail out of the lot to the creekside trails. If the dozer keeps going you can kiss the drops and steep downhills bye bye

  
reviewed by tenbsmith on November 21, 2004

I would be truely grateful to anyone who provide a more detailed update on the construciton on the river side of the trails.

  
reviewed by hardtailer on June 13, 2004

Yellow River is great for beginners or if you've a couple of minutes to get out of Atlanta. Crush the riverside for a fast warmup and then cross the street for a small climb. (You'll LOVE the car) Zig and Zag your way back downhill to do it again because the trails are short. It's nice to have some green that embraces bikers close to the city.

Similar Trail: Sope Creek

  
reviewed by bradcollinsrc on May 9, 2004

i had a great time riding this trail with a freind. we went early sunday moring and there was no one else there. we got kinda lost, but we just rode around untill we found the road and followed that back to the parking lot. the first time around we rode the creek trail (the harder one) but when we got back we were worn out so we just took a leisure ride on the river trail. both trails are in good condition and the creek trail is well marked.

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