Thousands of miles of bike routes run along scenic country back roads, deserted highways, and off-road trails, for leisurely rides with the family or advanced climbs and accelerated speeds of risk takers.
Georgia’s non-motorized trails invite bikers, runners, walkers, skaters, and in some places, horses.
Columbus, Georgia has more than half of its 60+ mile Dragonfly trail network completed. These trails include the 22-mile Columbus RiverWalk, a paved linear park along the Chattahoochee River. The RiverWalk connects to the 11-mile Fall Line Trace at the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge. Another 27 miles of the Dragonfly are planned to connect residents and visitors to the Chattahoochee, to neighborhoods, to jobs and to each other.
Some of Georgia’s paved trails, such as the Fall Line Trace, the Silver Comet Trail, and the White Oak Trail in Woodbine are built on abandoned railroad beds. These rail trails often go through parts of the state that are naturally pristine, with little encroachment by human endeavors and abundant with wildlife.
Augusta has its own spin on trails for non-motorized recreation – the wide, level towpath along the Augusta Canal, once used by mules to pull canal boats to the headgates. Additional trails into wooded and urban areas add variety to the outdoor experience. Seasonal “Trail Talk” walks and “Pedals Thru the Past” rides add to cyclists’ understanding and enjoyment.
In southwest Georgia, east of the Flint
RiverQuarium in Albany, the 2.4-mile Flint Riverfront Greenway
recreational trail offers gorgeous views overlooking the river, complete with
scenic railroad trestles and an environmental walking path.
Thousands of miles of bike routes run along
scenic country back roads, deserted highways, and off-road trails, for
leisurely rides with the family or advanced climbs and accelerated speeds of
risk takers. One suggestion: Roll through the beautiful farmlands and historic
communities of the 17-mile Yamassee Trail near Vidalia.
Challenge yourself with the 1,020-ft. change
in elevation on the first Olympic mountain biking course at the Georgia
International Horse Park – if you don’t pass out first. Or tackle the real
thing: the mountain trails of Gilmer County, billed as the Mountain Biking
Capital of Georgia.
Georgia’s network of single- and double-track
mountain biking trails is ever expanding, so you’re sure to find a trail you
haven’t tried before. Check out the Blanket’s Creek Trail System in
Woodstock, or the Chicopee Woods trails in Gainesville.
And for something a bit more competitive,
check out the William L. Davis BMX track in Peachtree City, Georgia. This
exciting recreational park hosts BMX races and events and is open for public
riding every day.
