When one thinks of outstanding mountain bike trails near Atlanta, places like Cochran Park, Allatoona Creek, Big Creek, and Blankets Creek. Hmm…I’m starting to think that creek = mountain bike park in Georgia! However, there are several hidden gems less than an hour from Atlanta, and I rode one this last weekend – Talking Rock Nature Park, in Pickens County.
My wife and I were actually planning to ride in Tennessee that day, but I misjudged the travel time, and we had to make an adjustment. I had ridden Talking Rock Nature Park several years ago, on my hardtail, and thought it might be a fun alternative to our usual local trails. Spoiler – it was a blast!
The Talking Rock Nature Park is a Must-Ride!
The park is located a few miles outside of Talking Rock, GA. Heading northbound, exit off SR515, right across the highway from Biguns BBQ (yummy food and always busy). The road quickly turns to gravel and there is a permanent stream that you must cross that bisects the road, which is intimidating in a two-wheel drive vehicle! Once you cross the stream, it is a dusty but smooth ride up to the parking lot. Keep a sharp eye out for bikers, the road is also the start of a popular gravel ride that loops around the town of Talking Rock.
The park is run by a wonderful organization, the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land, and one can tell that the trails were made with love of the land in mind. The organization has a vision for their parks: “A place that has a low impact on the environment with passive recreation consisting primarily of natural trail-based recreation for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and the quiet enjoyment of nature on conserved land with active environmental stewardship and nature education-based community programming.” The four trails that I rode appeared to be machine-cut and there was very little erosion around the trail system.
The parking lot was busy, but not full, on this beautiful Spring Day. While there are no bathrooms, except for the woods, the parking lot had a complimentary bike repair station and a well-placed trail map. The lot served as the hub for most of the trails.
Trail Highlights
The 11-ish miles of well-marked trails are all short, fun and fast. Be careful of the pine straw that litters most of the trails, it can make the sharp switchbacks feel like ice and, yes, I wiped out on my first turn! We rode four trails before beer-thirty hit and we “had” to go.
- Fast Charlie’s Loop: A .7-mile easy trail with rolling terrain, punchy climbs, and quick descents—perfect for riders looking to warm up without extreme features. I had by bike powered down for most of this trail but hopped into Eco mode for the last hundred yards or so.
- Jon’s Trail: A 2.75-mile green loop designed to be smooth and root-free, ideal for beginners and those who enjoy a flowing, easy ride. Super fun ride, Eco mode all the way.
- Nitro Nix South: A 1.25-mile blue loop with faster flow, gentle climbs and descents, and some bermed turns for a fun intermediate experience.
- Nitro Nix North: A 1-mile out-and-back with slightly more technical terrain, extending to the northernmost edge of the preserve. A two-way trail with an option to exit, at the end, to the road for a nice gravel ride back to the parking lot. Plan on some e-assist on the way back if you return on the trail!
We did not ride the two trails, below, but plan on hitting them next time!
- Pickens and Grinning Trails: Intermediate 1.7 and 1.5-mile loops featuring tighter switchbacks, rugged sections, and a few creek crossings for more adventurous riders.
- Dragon Tail Downhill: A short but exciting 0.3-mile downhill run with small tabletops, jumps, and dips designed for riders who want a quick thrill.
Beer from a Boxcar!
Post-ride, we took the short ride to the village of Talking Rock for lunch at the local brewery and grill. The Talking Rock Brewery and Boxcar Grill are located in connected train cars, stationed in the village. You can dine in the cars, or outside at one of the many tables or in the lounge area. Warning: this is a rustic set up, and rest rooms are port-a-potties and a hand washing station is outside. Don’t be intimidated, though, they were very clean. A park with a pretty stream is a few yards from the brewery, and walk off the beer and burgers there. We enjoyed our local brewed Irish Red and a Silver Bullet German Style Pilsner. The Boxcar Grill and Wine Bar served up a solid Mojo Pork sandwich and a delicious grilled Chicken Wrap. BTW, the FRIES were bad ass.
A short side trip up the mountain, along SR136, yields some fantastic views of the Georgia mountains! You can also take advantage of hiking opportunities at Burnt Mountain Preserve.
Hidden eMTB Gems are Everywhere
“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” ― Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds
The Talking Rock Nature Park was a wonderful “find”, and an easy drive from the Metro-Atlanta area. I highly recommend taking a day trip to this under the radar park. The Jasper/Pickens County area is a great place to stay and launch an adventure weekend, with plenty of outdoor activities available within 30-45 minutes.
Have you found some hidden gems a short drive from Atlanta or other Southeast metro areas? Drop me a note and let me know, I am always looking for a new place to ride!