DO IT: Hiking - Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails at Olde Rope Mill Park – Avalanche Trail

The City of Woodstock’s Olde Rope Mill Park is one of the finest city parks in the Historic High Country. One of the main highlights of the park are the 14-miles of mountain biking trails. Comprised of three purpose-built mountain bike trails, divided into ten loops, the Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails are maintained by the Woodstock chapter of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA).

There is no admission to utilize the parking lot or trails. Hikers are welcome but must yield the trail to bikes and travel in the opposite direction from cyclists. The trails are open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Eight of the 10 trails are directional by the day of the week:

• Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri – Clockwise or “To the left”
  • Tue/Thu/Sat – Counter-Clockwise or “To the right”

The trails are a mix of packed dirt, mud, clay and sand, and a few dips slosh through the creeks that offshoot from Little River, which runs through the park. While most trails do not run right alongside it, you can view it from several points on the trails, and it provides a very relaxing spot after your ride. It also has a paved area, which is great for a cool down, beginners, and for families. Deciduous trees tower over the trails and provide ample shade – a welcomed relief on a hot day.

The park’s main parking lot is along the northern end of Olde Rope Mill Park Road, which is accessed from Ridgewalk Parkway, just east of Interstate 575. There are no parking fees, however, the lot can fill up quickly during peak usage times. The park does not include restrooms, so keep that in mind as well.  A nearby pavilion, plus benches and swings make the area nice for well-earned rest after your ride.

The Avalanche Trail section of the park is located southeast of the main parking lot. Head right from the parking lot along Little River and the trailhead for Avalanche will be on your right. Overall, this section is good for beginners who are exploring the sport and experienced riders who want nice views of the area.

Explore All Three Loops:

Avalanche Trail Loop 1 

Difficulty: Easy    Distance: 0.5 mi.     Surface: compact soil, rocky, rooty   Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed    Trailhead Coordinates: 34.131311, -84.522464

Avalanche Trail Loop 2 

Difficulty: Moderate    Distance: 2.25 mi.    Surface: Compact Soil   Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed    Trailhead Coordinates: 34.131311, -84.522464

Avalanche Trail Loop 3

Difficulty: Moderate     Distance: 2.5 mi.    Surface: Compact Soil   Pet Friendly: Yes    Trailhead Coordinates: 34.131311, -84.522464