The trail map on the forest service website was nothing like the system. Are they redesigning it? There is some red clay that can be problematic, but overall the trails seemed to be newly cut and in good shape. No big ruts or rocks, but quite a few roots sticking straight up from the ground (wear boots!). There is one huge hill with lots of washout on the "most difficult" trail 101F - for experienced riders only! Almost impossible if the clay is wet.
Least Favorite
The trail map didn't match the trails.
Most Favorite
Lots of jumps and not many rocks!
Extras
No bathrooms, but the parking lot was in good shape and they have a loading ramp.
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blcdad
Joined: 08/15/2008
Posts: 3
Location: Norcross, GA
Great Place!
Posted 08/15/2008
Date Visited
07/03/08
Track/Trail Feedback
This area has only one large loop, about 6 miles total. The parking area is right smack in the middle of the circle this trail makes. There is a loading ramp at the parking area. The trail is narrow in most places and many short hills just steep enough to present a challenge. There was some wet spots and a few large puddles form the rain a couple of day earlier. The scenery was very nice and you could stop at the lake shore in many places. The trail runs next to several cabins in a few places, so be considerate so these cabin owners won’t start complaining. This isn't exactly a beginners area. There are some slightly tricky hills with rocks to avoid, steep climbs and twisting terrain which all comes at you at the same time. I would say this is an intermediate area and great for those who feel they are ready to move beyond an experienced beginner stage. My son and I were on our bikes and I can't see 4X4s on this trail without running into trouble negotiating some of the narrow areas. We were lucky because there was no one else on this trail and we had it all to ourselves!
Least Favorite
There wasn't anything I didn't like about this area.
Most Favorite
The area provides a nice secluded ride through a beautiful forest area.
Extras
The parking area was pretty clean and there was a bathroom behind every tree. There was a little bit of trash; empty water bottles on the trail and in the parking lot.
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DirtBikeDad
Joined: 04/21/2006
Posts: 3517
Location: Blairsville, GA
Good day for a ride
Posted 07/04/2007
Date Visited
06/08/07
Track/Trail Feedback
It rained within the last few days, so we saw very little dust and several slick spots. Trail is a mixture of clay and loam with enough water bars mixed in to give you a little jump every now and again. Pretty much all up or down hill with some tight switchbacks and deep grooves. There were a couple of large pig wallows (quads) which had work-arounds. Our group didn't make the big hill climb because we had a couple of true beginner kids along and that section was super muddy and slick. I most enjoyed the extremely tight steep switchback going up the SE part of the loop where you pass the new cabins built on the lake. Bad news is that the trail runs literally 3 feet from the graded area in the back yard and the houses are not very far off the trail either.
Least Favorite
Mixing 2-way trails with some of the clientele that was there is an accident waiting to happen. Witnessed quite a bit of what you don't want to see when you take the kids out for a ride. Heavy on-trail drinking and off-trail riding by folks with coolers safely strapped to the quad, but not so much as a helmet strapped on themselves. Donuts in the parking lot slinging gravel into every vehicle in sight, etc. Oddly enough though after we had been riding about 45 minutes, these guys loaded up and went home. After that our group of 8 (3 adults & 5 kids) and another father/son team had the place to ourselves. Trails are too tight for 2-way traffic in most sections.
Most Favorite
Nice trails for a beginner group who wants to experience something with a bit of a challenge to it. Becomes a bit more of a bear depending on how slick the trail is at any given point. It's only 7 miles from my house and so is Beasley Knob.....and you can't beat $5 for a place to ride. I do wish that the USFS would come up with some type of annual pass system though.
Extras
No *official* bathrooms, but plenty of trees :-). Parking area was really clean, but many of our friends on the trail had "accidently" dropped their beverage containers) Since all of the kids in the group are Boy/Cub Scouts, they decided that on our next trip out there, we are taking my kwad and a big trash bag with us to have a little trail cleaning party. Overall we all had a great time and the skill levels of the group were increased!
I don't know who classifies this as a beginner track.... I wish!! I've been riding for 3 months... ride many tracks/trails every week. This was very difficult for me - maybe because I'm from Florida and not used to this type of trail. There is nothing flat or rolling about this trail - it is narrow with steep ups and downs.
Most Favorite
Beautiful scenery. When I'm more experienced I may try again.
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BG800
Joined: 08/10/2006
Posts: 9
Location: Canton GA
TINY TRAILS
Posted 12/20/2006
Date Visited
12-16-06
Track/Trail Feedback
The trail system was OK! The(1)steep hill was the only thing there, that was the slightest bit exciting. It needs some water to get in, so you can rinse the mud off.
Least Favorite
Not enough trails to drive 80 miles to get to. Trails were too short/narrow to open-up our atv's. If you lived close by, it might be worth the drive.
Most Favorite
The lake was the best part, even though it was down. I'd like to see it when the lake is full. But, not enough to make me go back. It would be nice to have a house on this lake though. The people we met were all friendly.
Extras
No bathrooms! The parking and trail areas were pretty clean of trash and debris.
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krf
Joined: 09/20/2006
Posts: 12
Location: Gainesville, GA
NOT a beginner course! IMHO!
Posted 11/26/2006
Date Visited
10/26/2006
Track/Trail Feedback
Great trails....just the description implies it is for beginners/new riders....not so! Hoped to work my young son out a little....pictured slow winding roads...NOT!
Least Favorite
A gazillion 4 wheelers....no offense....just tight!
Most Favorite
Clean areas....beautiful views...great people...
Extras
No bathrooms....clean area though!
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buzzgrizz
Joined: 09/23/2006
Posts: 100
Location: Dahlonega, GA
davenport (easy riding with one BAD hill)
Posted 10/07/2006
Date Visited
9/30/07
Track/Trail Feedback
fair, very slick in muddy areas. (more of a tan colored clay than good old GA. red clay)
Least Favorite
very short trail with one VERY STEEP HILL.
Most Favorite
lake Nottley views.
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randy0017
Joined: 05/23/2005
Posts: 237
Location: BLUE RIDGE
FIRST TIME IN 12 YEARS
Posted 06/01/2005
Date Visited
sunday 29 may 05
Track/Trail Feedback
Trail was in great shape. Lots of water bars to direct water from flowing down the trail and to jump. The trail was plenty wide enough for play bikes and ATVs but I was riding a 2004 CRF450 and riding for the first time in 12 years. It was a little tight and I couldn't really open up the bike because the width of the trail and I didn't know what was coming next!! Couldn't really get big air off the jumps for the same reason.
Least Favorite
Do NOT ride off the trail or play on the bank in the parking area!! You will get a ticket!! Stay on the trail.
Most Favorite
Lots of jumps!! Some steep downhills with water bars and some steep up hills with water bars. We had 7 people riding and the trail didn't get too busy until late in the afternoon when all the chairs (Four-wheelers) showed up!
Extras
No trash in the parking lot, no port-o-cans. If you have to take a dump, the place that I found was behind the sign up board.
