Mountain Biking around Mulberry Gap
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“When I arrived at Mulberry Gap, I was tired and grumpy. When I left Mulberry Gap, I was refreshed, full and wanted to stay and keep playing. This family has done something pretty spectacular; they took a risk on a beautiful and rugged property in the mountains of northwest Georgia and when the mountain bike community extended its metaphorical hand for a shake, Ginni, Diane, Andrew and Kate went in for a big bear hug instead. Mountain bikers have loved this place from the beginning and as a result, Mulberry Gap has been working tirelessly to make it better for us on a daily basis.”
Pinhoti Trail System
The Georgia Pinhoti Trail (Pin-hoe-tee) trail is one of the many crown jewels of our northwest Georgia region and sections of it are the closest and most popular ride in/ride out trails from Mulberry Gap.
The GPT trail contains several ecosystems and includes canopied hardwood forests, endangered eastern hemlock, brooks, lakes, rocky trails, country roads and segments of highways.
The north terminus is approximately 70 miles west of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, near the Benton MacKaye Trail. The trail's southern terminus is on Flagg Mountain, near Weogufka, Alabama.
Georgia has about 164 miles of the trail, and Alabama contains the other 171 miles of the 335-mile-long.
Pinhoti / Mountaintown Creek
Distance from MGap: 13 miles, 45 min. shuttle
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: 5.5 mi. solo / 21.2 mi. when connected with Bear Creek, P1 & P2.
Direction / Usage: Two way / multi-use
Average Ride Time: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,707 ft
Elevation Loss: 3,695 ft
5.7 miles of double and single track downhill surrounded by deep mountain vegetation
Technical creek crossings - your feet will get wet
Great photo opportunities with many cascades and small waterfalls
Some technical skill required, as some sections are steep and loose
The trail can be treacherous in wet weather and after periods of heavy rain due to the number of creek crossings.
Pinhoti/Mountaintown Creek Trail is one of the most pristine, scenic, and remote backcountry rides around. It contains 5.7+ miles of pure downhill bliss through some of the most beautiful singletrack around. It is rife with creek crossings, thick rhododendron and new growth hemlocks, waterfalls, and of course, adrenaline pumping singletrack. If you're looking for the ultimate adventure, look no further than Mountaintown connected to Bear Creek, P1, and P2. If you're feeling frisky, you can make the stout 13 mile climb over Potato Patch Mountain to Mountaintown Creek Trail right out of Mulberry Gap's gate or even add P3 to the end of the ride for a few extra miles and more climbing.
Bear Creek
Beautiful overlook of Fort Mountain
Barnes Creek Waterfall
Old growth Gennett Poplar tree
Typically ridden as a loop with P1 & P2
There's a Bear Creek Loop within the Bear Creek Trail which is also open to mountain bikes
Multiple creek crossings
Canopy coverage, lush vegetation
Wildlife sightings are common
Distance from MGap: 5 miles, 20 min. shuttle
Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate
Length: 2.4 mi downhill solo / 18.5 mi. with P1 & P2 / 25.66 mi
with P1, P2 & P3
Direction / Usage: Two way / multi-use
Average Ride Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 293 ft / 4575 ft / 6467 ft
Elevation Loss: 926 ft / 4575 ft / 6467 ft
“Bear Creek trail includes gnarly singletrack, wide open doubletrack with sweet dips/jumps, and a smile-inducing, flowy creek-bed that was pure bliss. ”
Sweeping double track with plenty of easy air opportunities take you to a flowing and fun singletrack through the lush forestry of Bear Creek. As you fire it up on the downhill, cool off across one of the many creek crossings.
Bear Creek Trail is one of Georgia’s favorite and oldest mountain bike trails. This intermediate trail offers 9.6 miles of double/single track when combines with Pinhoti 1 & Pinhoti 2, a scenic overlook with a view of Fort Mountain in the distance, moderate to steep climbing, sweet descent, technical creek crossings and switchbacks along with the opportunity of wildlife sightings.
Bear Creek is beautiful in any season. The lower section of trail runs along Bear Creek, crossing back and forth several times. The creek is picturesque and the surrounding forest is lush and dense. Bear sightings are common. The immense 400-year-old Gennett Poplar, near the upper parking lot of the trailhead off FS 241, offers a glimpse of the pre-existing forest before the area was logged earlier in the century.
Pinhoti 1
You can also skip the tough climb of P1 by connecting Bear Creek and P2 via Wilderness Trail
Best looped with Bear Creek & Pinhoti 2
Steep climb, fast descent
Canopied with lush trees, very scenic
A few small creek crossings
Distance from MGap: 4 miles / 15 min. shuttle
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 3.7 mi
Direction / Usage: Two way / multi-use
Average Ride Time: 1 hours
Elevation Gain: 1386 ft
Elevation Loss: 1334 ft
“After a little more than a mile you get to the top, and start an incredible singletrack downhill that goes for over a mile, with just a small uphill section in the middle. Switchbacks keep you on your toes, while nothing can wipe the smile off your face.”
Pinhoti 1 is like a punch in the gut. After a screaming decent along Bear Creek, you abruptly change pace and begin a short but grueling climb. The good news; what goes up must come down! The trail rewards your nicely and you better hold on tight once you reach the top.
Pinhoti 2
Rolling doubletrack at the start
Smile inducing speeds
Fast, flowy ridgeline descent
Rooty & rocky towards the bottom
Distance from MGap: 4.5 miles / 15 min. shuttle
Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate
Length: 3.5 mi solo / 10 mi. when ridden as a loop
Direction / Usage: Two way / multi-use
Average Ride Time: 30 mins / 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 615 ft / 1320 ft loop
Elevation Loss: 987 ft / 1256 ft loop
“An awesome mixed singletrack/doubletrack section of the long distance Pinhoti Trail.”
This is one of the best singletrack downhills in Georgia – a fast, flowy, rollercoaster ride! This 4.5 mile trail has a little something for everyone; double track climbs, rocky and rooty descents and flowy, ridgeline riding. This trail is great when ridden by itself or connected with Bear Creek & Pinhoti 1.
Pinhoti 3
Challenging switchbacks
Steep climbs & fast descents
Keep your distance from other riders to avoid the "domino effect" around switchbacks
Ridgeline riding
Panoramic view of Pinhoti 3 and Potato Patch Mountain from the Cohutta Overlook
Distance from MGap: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: 3.7 mi. solo / 40 mi. when connected with P4, P5 & Dennis Mill
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 1.5 hours / 7.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,971 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,243 ft
“Out and back trail with some serious switchbacks, steep climbs, and fast down hills.”
This is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, single track trails in our area. It is a diverse trail offering challenging uphills, fast downhills and many tight switchbacks. Pinhoti 3 is a great add on after finishing your descent on Pinhoti 2, a quick 8.5 mile out and back directly from Mulberry Gap or the start of a 40 miler if connected with Pinhoti 4, 5 and Dennis Mill.
An amazing downhill that you should earn but don’t have to with our shuttle service. The climb is tough but well worth the flowing downhill that follows. In addition to some really fun natural berms built in the side of the mountain, this trail contains some abrupt switchbacks and technical features.
Pinhoti 4
Most enjoyed when ridden with Pinhoti 3, Pinhoti 5 & Dennis Mill or Rock Creek.
Grab a shuttle to the top and descend Pinhoti 4 and Pinhoti 3 for 4.3 miles of pure bliss
Short section accessed by Hwy 52
Fast & flowy
Mostly singletrack with small section of an old road bed to access Pinhoti 5 or drop point.
Distance from MGap: 9 miles / 25 minute shuttle
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 0.7 mile solo
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 30 mins
Elevation Gain: 286.3 ft
Elevation Loss: 214.5 ft
This is a short section of singletrack that usually serves as a connector trail, much like Pinhoti 1. Most choose to extend their downhill but shuttling to the top and descending Pinhoti 4 then connecting to Pinhoti 3. If you’re looking for a longer day in the saddle, head out of Mulberry Gap to climb Pinhoti 3 and Pinhoti 4 and then connect with Pinhoti 5 and Dennis Mill (Pinhoti 6) for 20 miles. Most arrange a shuttle pick up at the end but there’s always the option to pedal back to Mulberry Gap via pavement and gravel roads.
Pinhoti 5
Most enjoyed when ridden with Pinhoti 3, Pinhoti 4 & Dennis Mill or Rock Creek
Creek crossings
Wildlife openings, sightings possible
Steep, loose descent
Lush canopy coverage
Distance from MGap: 9 miles / 25 min. shuttle
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: 5.1 miles solo
Direction: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 30 mins
Elevation Gain: 341 ft
Elevation Loss: 1386 ft
Pinhoti 5 begins with a screaming doubletrack descent down Tatum Lead Rd. About 2 miles in, you'll turn right down a four wheeler width trail and pray that you still have some brake pads left because it gets step and loose for the next half mile. As things start to level out some you'll cross several creeks and wildlife openings.
Pinhoti 3, 4, 5 & Dennis Mill
Sweet downhills
Creek crossings
Steep climbs
Cohutta Overlook off Pinhoti 3
Wildlife clearing - sightings possible
Ridden as an out & back from Mulberry Gap, one way will put you 20 miles out. Unless you're looking for a 40 mile day, we recommend a shuttle pick up.
Distance from MGap: varies
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: 24.7 mi loop from Mulberry Gap
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 5752 ft
Elevation Loss: 5752 ft
20 miles of thigh burning, sweat producing bliss is perhaps how you might describe this section of the Pinhoti trail. Make your way up P3 and P4 to the top of the ridge and bomb down the backside of Ft. Mt. on P5. The following section (Dennis Mill) was completed in 2014 and has got some sweet downhills, creek crossings and some nice steep climbs to keep you honest.
Windy Gap Downhill
Technical rock sections
Lots of opportunity for air + high speeds
Big bank turns
Wildlife sightings possible
Medium - thick canopy
ORV trail width
Lightly used trail, backcountry
Distance from MGap: 11 miles / 40 minute shuttle
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 4 mi. solo / 24 mi loop from Mulberry Gap
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 30 mins / 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 539 ft / 4968 ft
Elevation Loss: 2,429 ft / 4968 ft
Windy Gap offers steep climbs, technical rock gardens, and loose, rocky downhills on the singletrack. You'll end the ride with huge rollers and banked turns. The variety of options offer lots of opportunities for learning and skill development.
Amadahy Trail / Woodring Branch Recreation Area
Flowy singletrack
Wildlife openings, sightings possible
Medium canopy
Great trail for beginners
Swimming, picnic opportunities
Lake views border most of the trail
Distance from MGap: 30 - 60 minutes out
Difficulty: Beginner
Length: 3.6 mi
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 293 ft
Elevation Loss: 286
“The trail, which was built by local mountain bikers, is just a few yards from the shoreline, and it’s an absolute beauty. There are 2 miles of beautifully sculpted, fun and flowing singletrack, and then 2 more miles of wider trail that finish the ride. Even that part is good, with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hills. There are no buildings anywhere in sight.”
The Amadahy trail is mostly singletrack, some places wider than others. Whether you ride the trail clockwise or counter-clockwise, you'll be descending towards Carters Lake. Flow through some easy uphill/downhill sections that keep your pace fairly even throughout the ride.
Red & White Loop / River Loop / Cartecay Loop
The Cartecay Loop combines the Red & White Loop with most of the River Loop
Wildlife openings
Winds through sections of the Cartecay River
From dense forest to creek crossings and open fields of wildflowers
Primarily singletrack
Some technical downhill & challenging climbs
Distance from MGap: 30 - 60 minutes out
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advance
Length: 2.1 (Red & White) / 3.4 mi (River Loop) / 6.1 (Cartecay)
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 45 mins / 1 hour / 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 202 ft (17 mi) / 395 ft (RL) / 624 ft (CL)
Elevation Loss: 214 ft (17 mi) / 374 ft (RL) / 624 ft (CL)
“6 miles of hardcore fun! Right out of the parking lot, ride downhill through a field of bright yellow wildflowers. Then come to a fun, soft, steep and rooty singletrack that snakes around the trees. Roll alongside the river, jumping off roots and small rocks. The trail twists through the trees and crosses a series of small streams. The trail throws everything at you, with super-tight singletrack, old-school style.”
River Loop || Photo Credit: John Kerr of Mountain Bike Action Magazine
This is one of the first mountain bike trails ever built in GA and is everything you could ever want in a trail ride. The Cartecay Loop takes you through wildlife openings, dense forests, some doubletrack forest service road, but primarily singletrack.
There is one very technical downhill, challenging climbs, lots of twists and turns, roots and rocks, the way mountain biking should be. Despite the challenge of the trail, it is worth whatever pain you may endure as you ride down by the river, cross creeks, through fields, get a glimpse of the mountains, hear and see the rushing Cartecay River, and work your way around the loop.
Snake Creek Gap (17 & 32 mile Time Trial route)
Rocks, technical
Steep descents
Ridgeline views of the Cumberland Plateau
Creek crossings
Medium - thick canopy
Wildlife sightings possible
Facilities (pit toilets)
Distance from MGap: 30 - 60 minutes out
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: 16.8 mi (17 mi) / 31.6 (32 mi)
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 3 hours / 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 3120 ft (17 mi) / 5867 ft (32 mi)
Elevation Loss: 3205 ft (17 mi) / 5638 ft (32 mi)
“The next morning we creaked out of our bunks early, devoured another lumberjack-worthy breakfast, then shuttled to Dalton, GA to ride the infamous Snake Creek Gap Six Mountain Time Trial Series race course. Much of The 31 mile long Snake course is hand-built singletrack that runs along the spine of bony ridges that offer spectacular views, when you aren’t target fixated on the rock gardens in front of your wheel.”
David Neiles on The Snake || Photo Credit: Jeff Bartlett
Pinhoti- East Armuchee to Snake Creek Gap (1st half of the SCG Time Trial)
This is the first section of Pinhoti utilized by the Snake Creek Gap time trials. Generally known as the easier of the two there are still sections with steep climbs and technical trail features. With all but a mile of steep doubletrack descent this trail is almost all single track and has plenty of the infamous Snake Creek roots and rocks.
Pinhoti- Snake Creek Gap to Dug Gap (2nd half of the SCG Time Trial)
This section of the 160 mile Pinhoti Trail begins about fifteen miles out of Dalton, GA at the Snake Creek Gap parking area. Within this 15 mile section you will tackle 4 mountains, plenty of ridgeline and almost exclusively single track. Rocks, roots, stunning views and more rocks await you if your tackling this section of the Snake.
Jake & Bull Mountain
Steep climbs
Fast descents
Mostly singletrack, back country feel
Beautiful views
Creek crossings
Medium - thick canopy
Wildlife sightings possible
Distance from MGap: 30 - 60 minutes out
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: 25 mi
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 3062 ft
Elevation Loss: 3062 ft
This trail system has it all, from the flow of Jake Mountain to the more technical singletrack of Bull Mountain. The pay off of Bull Mountain’s downhill is huge and will leave you smiling as you wrap up a day in the saddle. This is an epic ride you will not forget.
Stanley Gap / Aska Trail System
Distance from MGap: 30 - 60 minutes out
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advance
Length: 15 mi
Direction / Usage: Two way / Multi-use
Average Ride Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 2496 ft
Elevation Loss: 2510 ft
“ The 5-mile singletrack climb was broken up nicely into climbing and recovery sections instead of a steady grind. The trail is on the sunny side of the mountain but semi-shaded by the trees. The climb was worth the work, because we were rewarded with a fast and flowy descent through the trees. This is a good, long, training-ride trail if you’re looking to boost your daily mileage.”